The Real Reason Steve Austin Is Returning To WWE In September

'Stone Cold' is set to appear on Raw in Madison Square Garden.

by Andy H Murray
Steve Austin Raw
WWE.com

'Stone Cold' Steve Austin will return to WWE on the 9 September episode of Monday Night Raw (held in Madison Square Garden), as announced by the venue themselves earlier this week.

WWE have since confirmed the news for what will be their Clash of Champions go-home show. It'll be Austin's first appearance in the historic building for the best part of two decades.

Yesterday saw WWE's motivation for bringing 'Stone Cold' in for the event come to light, and they're the same as they always are: poor business.

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This is according to PW Insider's Mike Johnson, who, on his Elite Audio Show, said that WWE felt the need to bring in a big name to spike ticket sales, adding that the 9 September episode of Raw is only halfway to a sellout, while the following night's SmackDown (also held inside MSG) has sold even less than that.

None of this should come as a surprise given the extent of WWE's live event business decline, though Vince McMahon may consider it a huge embarrassment considering MSG is his promotion's supposed "spiritual home." Perhaps the Austin announcement will convince more punters to part with their cash, though.

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.