WWE

Jim Ross Speculates The 1 Key Reason Steve Austin Did Not Work WrestleMania 40

Originally posted on Ringside Intel | By John Deegan | Last updated 4/28/24

A few legends were in Philly, but one big one was not, and Jim Ross talks about Steve Austin’s WrestleMania absence on a recent podcast.

Fans got to enjoy one of the most satisfying WrestleMania main events in the history of the massive spectacle. Sure, Cody Rhodes finished his story, but it was how it all came to be that had fans buzzing. We got returns from John Cena, Shield Seth Rollins on a gimpy knee and, most notably, The Undertaker. For the Dead Man, he remarked that his brief but massive moment provided closure. But, in the weeks leading up to WrestleMania, there was talk of another WWE Hall of Famer being involved as well: Stone Cold Steve Austin. Heck, during that now famous RAW segment where The Rock bloodied Rhodes, we had a major tease of both Cena and Austin.

No Stone Cold!

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But, in Philadelphia, we had no Austin. As epic as the main event was-and it was indeed epic-it could have been even bigger. Could you imagine how loud The Linc would have gotten had we heard the glass shatter? But, it did not. We have heard whispers that, stunningly, Austin and WWE could not come to terms to make his involvement happen.

Now, Austin’s friend Jim Ross lends support to that. On a recent podcast, the WWE Hall of Famer and current AEW employee got into it. He said that while he had not talked about it with Austin-and had not spoken with him in a couple weeks-he was of the impression that no Austin at WrestleMania 40 was likely because of a money issue. Considering WWE’s recent success and Austin’s loyalty and popularity, you’d expect a deal to have been done. Unfortunately, it was not. As epic as things were, it could have been so much bigger had money worked out.

But, would you have rather had Austin or Undertaker take out The Rock? And, knowing WWE has eyes on Rock/Rhodes for WrestleMania 41, could the Texas Rattlesnake perhaps have a change of heart (or price?) and be involved, wherever that event may be? Only way that would be better is if Jim Ross called the action for Steve Austin again.

This article first appeared on Ringside Intel and was syndicated with permission.

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