The same No Way Out that saw Hulk Hogan and The Rock renew their rivalry also featured the return of "Stone Cold" Steve Austin after eight months of sitting on the sidelines following a bitter dispute with Vince McMahon and WWE management. The first thing on his agenda? Whooping Eric Bischoff's ass, avenging his firing from WCW some nine years earlier. The Texas Rattlesnake received a thunderous ovation as he stepped through the curtain and proceeded to beat the former WCW President around the arena, ending the pain and punishing endured by the cocky Raw general manager with a Stone Cold Stunner. It was a triumphant return for Austin, though his return would be cut short by health issues and, just one month later at WrestleMania XIX, he retired from the ring for good.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
