Austin retirement was basically the same as HBK retiring in the late 90s, he was injured and got a rough diagnosis, but it wasn't as bad as all that and he really just needed an extended break and to take it easy on the neck bumps.

I remember Austin was supposed to wrestle a match in the mid 2000s but he didn't like the booking so chose not to. Then again in 2012 they were clearly thinking about doing Austin Vs CM punk but it didn't happen (likely because Austin didn't want to job)

Eventually Austin did return last year in 2022, and while he looked rusty with his kicks, he wasn't too bad, and proved he could still bump and had pretty impressive stamina.

But just imagine, if Austin had returned 15 years earlier than that.

That places him in the middle of the abysmal Cena reign of hell, Austin would have been 43, the same age Dolph Ziggler is now. Considering the match he has vs Owens I have no doubt a 15 years younger Austin could still have performed at main event level.

It will remain forever a "what could have been"

But Austin Vs Cena, Austin Vs Punk, Austin Vs Lesnar, these and other matches could have absoloutley happened.

Some wrestlers have problems other then injuries and fitness....the problems could be anything like personal responsibilities other then wrestling....not getting along with the company or it's employees...or they simply wnat to take a break from wrestling or chose not to.....so they don't wrestle even if they can..

Austin left everybody wanting more and that is so so rare in wrestling. that's part of what makes his legacy so special.

i would've definitely dug a one-off vs Punk or Cena or something like that but overall you have to respect that he stuck to his retirement. the KO stuff at Mania was solid and the crowd loved it. that's a nice way to remind everyone what a badass you are without fully coming back.

Just a shame when he did come back it was for fat fuk boy KO.

Stone Cold vs. Randy Orton whether Legend Killer mid 2000s or The Viper late 2000s would have been awesome!

Stone Cold vs. John Cena obvious WrestleMania WWE title main event for the ages, would work only if Stone Cold was the heel (that the fans cheer) while Cena the face (that get boo) with Austin winning.

Stone Cold vs. JBL would work perfectly from a promo/character point of view, they had a great beer drinking contest match/segment at Saturday's Night Main Event before WrestleMania 22.

If Austin could've remained till the early 2010s then the other big time matches that could've happened...

Stone Cold vs. Brodus Clay etc....