10 Fun Facts About My Trip To WWE WrestleMania XIX
2. Unknowingly Seeing Steve Austins Last Match
When Steve Austin returned to WWE in February 2003 at No Way Out and beat the living hell out of Eric Bischoff, he seemed like a rejuvenated performer after an incredibly stale 2002 run (and infamous exit). It seemed like we had the venom and attitude of the Texas Rattlesnake back again.
When it was announced that Austins first match back would be against The Rock, it seemed like a perfect fit for Stone Cold to be in such a high profile program for the biggest show of the year.
As the glass shattered, the entire crowd in Safeco field went berzerk. The toughest SOB in the WWE walked to the ring with the swagger he was famous for and everything seemed right in the wrestling world. I even remember, wondering in my head who his next feud would be with and after the Goldberg promo, being pretty pumped that wed probably get to see Goldberg/Austin soon.
Rock and Austin had a superb match with drama, near falls and lots of action before The Great One gave Stone Cold three Rock Bottoms and pinned him clean in the middle of the ring. It was a shocking conclusion to their rivalry but a great third act of their WrestleMania story.
I can vividly recall the shot of Austin at ringside on the big screen and he just didnt look right. He looked to be in a tremendous amount of pain and it was the first time Id seen Austin visibly tired. Sadly, as wed find out the next day, Stone Colds in-ring career was over.