Iconic Stone Cold Steve Austin Moments in WWE WrestleMania History

Following the announcement that Stone Cold Steve Austin will return to WrestleMania, WWE is providing you with content to inspire your own look at Stone Cold’s most iconic moments of all time.

From the Austin Era in the 90s, to his final WrestleMania match in 2003, Steve Austin’s return to WrestleMania in 2022 is shrouded in intrigue and is one the most eagerly-anticipated in WWE history.

Don’t miss the stupendous two-night WrestleMania, streaming LIVE from Dallas, Texas, on Saturday, April 2, and Sunday, April 3 from midnight in the UK. UK fans can catch all the action on the WWE Network and BT Sport Box Office.

The Stone Cold Debut – WrestleMania XII – 1996

Taking it back to when it all began, Steve made his WrestleMania debut in 1996 at WrestleMania 12 against Savio Vega.  Debuting as “The Ringmaster,” he defeated Vega in an unforgettable WrestleMania contest that lasted just over 10 minutes. Soon after, “Stone Cold” was born. Why do you ask? Coz Stone Cold said so!

Blood from a Hitman – WrestleMania XIII – 1997

A year later, in what has been dubbed as one of the most brutal matches in WrestleMania history, Stone Cold Steve Austin went head-to-head with Bret Hart in the ultimate Submission Match. Although he wasn’t the technical wunderkind his opponent was, Austin held his own and matched Hart strike for strike. His downfall came at the end of the match, when he was nearly broken, trapped in the depths of Hart’s Sharpshooter. Austin wasn’t ready to give up just yet, though. Minutes went by where he refused to tap out, until Referee Ken Shamrock called the match when Austin passed out from the pain. Although he couldn’t claim the victory, fans will never forget the moment Austin walked away from the ring with blood streaming down his face, victory slipping through his hands.

Stone Cold and his Special Enforcer – WrestleMania XIV – 1998

Austin battled in his first Championship showdown with Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania 14 – a match that proved to be the catalyst for the Austin Era. One of boxing’s greatest and most intimidating champions, Mike Tyson, made his WWE debut as the special enforcer, causing a media circus to surround The Show of Shows in 1998. Tyson and Austin had had their differences in the past, so it was a surprise to see Tyson help him to execute the fatal Stone Cold Stunner that secured him the Title. The moment the pair celebrated was one that fans would never forget.

The Rock Battle Begins – WrestleMania XV 1999

Stone Cold and The Rock headlined three WrestleMania’s together from 1999 to 2003, a feat no other Superstars have yet accomplished. The two stars couldn’t have been more different, but no two men were ever as iconic and popular as these two. Kicking off the rivalry in 1999, The Rock appeared to close in on victory with a Rock Bottom Special, but to the shock of the audience including Vince McMahon, Stone Cold  made one of the greatest comebacks of all time, jumping out of harm’s way to secure the victory. That night, Austin defied the laws of science to prove that a Stone really can overpower a Rock.

A Deal with the Devil – WrestleMania X-Seven – 2001

Headlining WrestleMania 17, Austin was desperate to take the Title by any means necessary. The Rock made this particularly difficult, kicking out of Austin’s trademark manoeuvres including the Stone Cold Stunner, proving his resiliency. Backed into a corner, Austin even pulled out the Million Dollar Dream, a manoeuvre used during his time as The Ringmaster. It was not until Vince McMahon made his way to the ring and handed Austin the chair that defeated The Rock in the Main Event. This unlikely partnership marked the moment that fans realised just how determined Stone Cold was to reclaim the Title. In the words of Paul Heyman, who was on commentary that day, Stone Cold sold his soul for the Championship.

The end of an Era – WrestleMania XIX – 2003

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WrestleMania 19 marked the third and final time Austin would headline against The Rock. What people didn’t see coming, is this would be his final match as he retired thereafter. During this final feud Austin was finally defeated and the rules of physics were restored. Despite their differences, The Rock and Austin even told each other they loved each other at the end of WrestleMania 19

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