WWE: 10 Things That Would Have Happened If Stone Cold Steve Austin Never Retired

6. Austin May Not Have Been The Draw He Is Today

We've heard the stories of famous artists and writers whose work did not sell until after they died. Well, Austin's work sold, and there's no doubt he would have continued to be a draw if he hadn't retired in 2003. But if he had kept on wrestling, relatively injury-free as per our assumptions, for how much longer would his drawing power last? It most certainly could not have kept up at its current trajectory, even factoring in the nostalgia that accompanies today's current part-timers like The Undertaker. The Stone Cold fever hit fast and hard, he's said as much himself in interviews. Perhaps his injuries forced a more poetic end to his wrestling €“ burning out in a flash, rather than slowly sputtering out. And at least he quit while he was ahead, still able to play a role on the programs without becoming physically handicapped due to overambition. He never wanted to wrestle if he couldn't give 100%, and if he hadn't retired, we would have possibly gotten a less-than-100% Stone Cold. When he "left" as he did, that made him an even hotter commodity. Each appearance was special, especially the fewer and farther between they came. If the fans were asked for vote for a guest referee, Steve Austin always won the election. If WWE needed to add cachet to a struggling event, they called up Stone Cold and start chilling the Steveweisers. He was always, ALWAYS good for a rabid reaction €“ and because he retired at the right time, he never failed to deliver when he had to get physical. Steve never dropped a beer, never botched a Stunner, and never failed to come back with the appropriate catchphrase or quick-witted reply. Not only did he continue to play a large role in WWE storylines after he retired, but his more permanent departure from the company €“ while punctuated with movie roles €“ could never be considered a full retirement. He's appeared at 6 of the 10 WrestleManias since then, not to mention countless TV and Pay-Per-View programs that no doubt received a boost in ratings when Stone Cold was on the marquee. His perceived value is much greater because he left at the top of his game, when we all still wanted him, and would pay big bucks for the chance to see him. He is forever ingrained in the consciousness of wrestling fans €“ every time you hear "What?" it is a prayer to Stone Cold.