WWE WrestleMania 41: 20 Things That Must Happen
2. Steve Austin Makes Up For Last Year
Cue up, 'glass_shatters.mp3'.
Steve Austin was originally supposed to perform a run-in spot during the main event of 'Mania 40 last year, but he was replaced late on by The Undertaker. Being fair, that wasn't a bad sub from the company, and it did create a memorable moment when 'Taker came face to face with a wide-eyed Rock. There'd be even more interest in Rock and 'Stone Cold' going nose to nose though, no doubt.
Their rivalry was one of the most iconic of its generation, and it produced no less than three WrestleMania headliners (XV, X-Seven and XIX) across four years. In November 2024, Cody Rhodes spoke candidly about wanting to see Austin return to the WWE stage in time for Las Vegas, so it'd make perfect sense if the legend was involved somehow.
Further, 'Stone Cold' will be in the area anyway due to his match vs. Bret Hart from 'Mania 13 becoming the first bout to see induction into WWE's Hall Of Fame. Triple H will almost certainly be beavering away in the background to sell Austin on a run-in, a Stunner or two, and then a beer clash mid-match. Anything is possible, and recent reports say Steve is healthy enough to do something physical following knee surgery in December.
All WWE really needs is that iconic shot of Austin and Rocky staring one another down as goosebumps multiply on arms inside Allegiant and amongst those watching at home. If that comes shortly before the finish to Cody vs. Cena, then it'll be a top five memorable moment for sure.