With WWE continuing down the Road to WrestleMania 42, Stone Cold Steve Austin has been confirmed to be in Las Vegas for the festivities.
Already added to the line-up of stars set to appear at WWE World at the Las Vegas Convention Center, perhaps we could see “The Texas Rattlesnake” make a return to WWE TV in a storyline capacity soon as well.
Here are seven potential plans for Stone Cold Steve Austin at Wrestlemania 42.
7. Escape GUNTHER’s Career Killer Streak
One particularly interesting way for Stone Cold Steve Austin to return to WWE would be to face a big challenger head on in “The Career Killer” GUNTHER.
Possibly able to escape the current curse that has plagued GUNTHER’s legendary opponents, it may be that Austin gets a reprieve and lives to fight for another day.
Setting up the potential that GUNTHER won’t always beat the veterans he targets, this could create more drama for future showdowns.
Particularly with rumors that Brock Lesnar could be wrapping up his time in WWE as early as this summer in Minneapolis at SummerSlam 2026, Austin swerving the stream could add a layer of intrigue if GUNTHER ends up facing Lesnar.
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6. Fall Victim To GUNTHER’s Career Killer Streak
After returning to action in a No Holds Barred match against Kevin Owens in 2022 at WrestleMania 38, Stone Cold Steve Austin has yet to return to in-ring action.
However, since he was victorious in his last bout, perhaps a return to the ring at WrestleMania 42 would see him bolster the next generation.
Able to be added to an already legendary list of talent retired by GUNTHER and his vicious sleeper hold — it may be that Austin ends up joining the list.
Certainly adding even more acclaim to the already remarkable run that “The Ring General” has been on, it could be that he reaches new heights as “The Career Killer” by taking out Stone Cold Steve Austin.
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5. Special Guest Referee For CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns
Always enjoyable in the role of special guest referee, it could be that Stone Cold Steve Austin finds himself involved in a WrestleMania 42 main event by way of donning the stripes.
In the end, Stone Cold could also pull one more major move in WWE — either through a massive heel turn or aligning with one of the two fan favorites.
A solid way to incorporate Austin on the Road to WrestleMania 42 but without necessarily making an advertised match for him could end up creating an opportunity for the future.
Striking up a feud with someone that could be re-visited at a later date like next year’s WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia — there could be seeds planted in Las Vegas that don’t grow until next spring.
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4. Feud With Chad Gable & American Made
In what could end up being a fun twist on the expected, Stone Cold Steve Austin could face off against Chad Gable with each passionate about their own definition of being a ‘real American’.
Able to add a theme of union under Stone Cold Steve Austin’s specific brand of patriotism, it would be fun to see an incredibly rigid version of Chad Gable go up against “The Texas Rattlesnake” and his unpredictable ways.
Channeling the energy of Stone Cold’s legendary feud with Kurt Angle, there could certainly be some sort of beer truck and/or milk truck moment to be brought back for the new era.
Able to tie in some vintage Austin shenanigans with the recently announced special Attitude Era edition of WWE 2K26, there could be a lot of viral moments to come from only a few appearances on the Road to WrestleMania 42.
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3. No Holds Barred Match With Sami Zayn
With Sami Zayn having had numerous impressive WrestleMania showings in the past, if he isn’t set to be in contention for the Undisputed WWE Championship in Las Vegas — he could still steal the show.
If Zayn ended up finding himself in the crosshairs of Austin, the duo could put on what could be a remarkable showcase of multiple styles of wrestling that WWE fans adore.
With the ability of Zayn to seamlessly pull off wacky antics and hijinks as demonstrated in his WrestleMania 38 show stealer against Johnny Knoxville (and most of the Jackass cast by the end of the bout), he also has the technical prowess to hold his own with Stone Cold.
In what could be more of a story about two competitors attempting to draw out the very best in one another rather than a feud rooted in vitriol, the duo could put on a masterful display of evoking emotion in the audience.
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2. Return Opponent For Chris Jericho in WWE
While Chris Jericho’s contract status with any professional wrestling company remains hazy at the minute, it remains possible that he could return to WWE on the Road to WrestleMania 42.
Possibly popping up after the Elimination Chamber event to kick off a storyline in March, perhaps the timing has been strategically placed for the return to bolster the event.
With reports of slower than previously projected ticket sales at present, one major marquee announcement could certainly move thousands of tickets: the in-ring returns of both Stone Cold Steve Austin and Chris Jericho.
If Jericho and Austin both returned to WWE for a short-term program, an incredible match between two major stars from a bygone era could steal the show.
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1. Anti-Authority Face-Off Against The Final Boss
While The Rock hasn’t been seen on WWE TV since his appearance at Elimination Chamber 2025, perhaps he could be returning soon.
A member of the TKO Board of Directors, “The Final Boss” could make a return to WWE TV to throw his authoritative weight around amid reports of “internal criticism” regarding Triple H’s WWE WrestleMania 42 plans.
With The Rock able to utilize any group of appointed soldiers to keep the peace in his absence, it may be a return from Stone Cold Steve Austin that inspires a brand new troop of rowdy opposition.
Able to resurrect Austin and The Rock’s legendary feud from the Attitude Era by bolstering two brand new stables full of promising WWE talent set for the future — the storyline could pay dividends for a long time.
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