Stone Cold Steve Austin, a former multi-time WWE champion, revealed that he has never missed a major WrestleMania match for over two decades. His last match before a long hiatus was against The Rock at WrestleMania 19 in 2003, until he made a comeback at WrestleMania 38 to face Kevin Owens.
Austin recounted a health scare the night before WrestleMania 19, when he was hospitalized after an episode at his hotel. He explained in an interview with Chris Van Vleet on Insight that the incident stemmed from intense training, dehydration, and excessive caffeine intake. While working out with Kevin Nash, Austin experienced trembling legs and later felt his heart racing at nearly 180 beats per minute in his hotel room. A staff member named Liz helped him by calling 911, leading to his hospitalization since he was scheduled for the main event.
Despite doctors suspecting a pulmonary embolism, it was determined Austin was simply exhausted and out of condition. He didn’t feel fully healed but decided to compete anyway and delivered a strong performance against The Rock. Austin also discussed his return to wrestling after almost 20 years and why Kevin Owens was chosen as his opponent.
Fan Take: This revelation highlights Austin’s dedication and toughness, which are qualities legendary in WWE history. His return after two decades not only excites long-time fans but also bridges generations, potentially inspiring new storylines and fresh energy in the sport.
