10 Times You Didn't Realise Wrestlers Were Saying 'Goodbye'

Rewatching WrestleMania XIX knowing what'd happen next puts a different spin on Steve Austin's third supershow clash with The Rock. There was a knowing look in Austin's eye as he strolled down the ramp 'Stone Cold' style in Seattle. The night before, Steve had been in dire straits health-wise, so the match happening was a minor miracle.

It'd be Austin's last for 19 long years.

WWE didn't push the match as a retirement effort. There was no 'banished from the company' gimmick tacked on during the build. No, this was simply cast as the third installment in a classic series of the modern age. The only difference this time was that Rock would be going over, not Austin.

Things hadn't been well in 'Stone Cold' world for a while behind the scenes. He battled WWE creative, walked out on Raw, and had an icy relationship with Vince McMahon. Despite of all that, fans watching 'Mania thought they'd be seeing a lot more from Austin through 2003 into 2004.

Everyone would, but not as an active talent. He knew that going in. They didn't.