Could Stone Cold Steve Austin wrestle one more match in a WWE ring?
According to a new report from Fightful Select, the 60-year-old hinted during WrestleMania 41 weekend that he may not yet be done with pro wrestling.
“The Rattlesnake” suggested he might have one last match left in him.
If he is to don the black leather vest one more time, here are the names who would make a fitting final opponent.
6. CM Punk
It’s no secret that CM Punk has long wanted a match with Stone Cold Steve Austin — it’s something he’s openly lobbied for over the years.
Few will forget that during his infamous “pipe bomb” promo, Punk was wearing a Stone Cold T-shirt as a none too subtle nod to the legend.
Over time, Austin has also expressed his respect for Punk, acknowledging their similarities and mutual admiration.
If Stone Cold were to wrestle one final WWE match, CM Punk would almost certainly be near the top of the list of potential opponents.
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5. Gunther
Few would argue that Stone Cold didn’t put in a great performance during his in-ring return at WrestleMania 38 against Kevin Owens – his first match in 19 years.
However, that was three years ago, and now at 60, even with the best intentions, there are limits to what Austin can physically do.
The best option could be Gunther — not only a top-tier main eventer and current WWE World Champion, but someone who can deliver a simple, hard-hitting match that plays to Austin’s strengths.
Undoubtedly, a stiff brawl between Stone Cold and Gunther would be met by rapturous approval from a WrestleMania crowd.
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4. Sami Zayn
On the subject of wrestlers who could work to Austin’s strengths, few are more equipped than Sami Zayn.
Much like his former partner — and forever rival — Kevin Owens, Zayn can brawl and bump like crazy to make Austin’s offence look impactful.
Zayn’s current underdog babyface persona may not suit a match with Austin, but with speculation of a heel turn, an embittered version of his character could provide compelling, storyline justification to challenge the Rattlesnake.
Few in WWE blend emotional storytelling and physicality better than Zayn — and if anyone can deliver a match that makes Austin look great, it’s him.
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3. LA Knight
LA Knight’s rise to prominence in WWE surprised many.
From his mic style to his moveset to his penchant for a black leather vest — there’s something glaringly familiar about Knight.
Comparisons to Stone Cold Steve Austin haven’t gone unnoticed by fans or commentators.
A final Austin match could see the legend square off with a contemporary star who physically embodies his legacy.
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2. Bron Breakker
Stone Cold’s final match could potentially be used to launch a new star into the stratosphere.
Pairing Bron Breakker with Paul Heyman has signalled that he’s someone the WWE is serious about building their future around.
Given Breakker’s physical style and Austin’s age, a full match could be a challenge, however — but the moment would matter more than the in-ring work itself.
Having Breakker defeat Stone Cold in his final match could mark the beginning of his own WWE legacy.
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1. The Rock
Arguably, The Rock and Stone Cold represent WWE’s most iconic in-ring rivalry — the hottest feud from the hottest era in company history.
Their WrestleMania trilogy is legendary, with their final bout at WrestleMania 19 in 2003 long believed to be Austin’s last match until his return at WrestleMania 38.
If Austin wants a true final match, it would be fitting for it to come against The Rock, perhaps in what could be his final match as well.
It may be a longshot, but without question, it would be the most poignant.
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