Who Ended Stone Cold Steve Austin’s Career?
Stone Cold Steve Austin, one of the most iconic figures in professional wrestling, is celebrated for his rebellious persona, electrifying performances, and pivotal role in WWE’s Attitude Era. Known as the “Texas Rattlesnake,” Austin’s career was marked by unforgettable moments, but it was cut short in 2003. Fans often ask, “Who ended Stone Cold’s career?” This article explores the events, injuries, and key figures that led to his retirement, while incorporating semantic keywords to provide a comprehensive look at his legacy. It also covers his recent knee surgery in 2024 and rumors of a potential return in 2025.
The Rise of a Stone Cold Steve Austin Wrestling Legend
Born Steven James Anderson on December 18, 1964, in Victoria, Texas, Stone Cold Steve Austin transformed professional wrestling in the late 1990s. After playing football at the University of North Texas, Austin trained under “Gentleman” Chris Adams and debuted in 1989. His breakthrough came in WWE (then WWF) as a brash, beer-drinking antihero who defied authority, particularly his on-screen rival, Vince McMahon.
Austin’s accolades include:
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Six WWF Championships
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Two Intercontinental Championships
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Four Tag Team Championships
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Three Royal Rumble victories (1997, 1998, 2001)
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Headlining WrestleMania four times (14, 15, 17, and 38)
His feuds with The Rock, Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, and Triple H, along with his signature move, the Stone Cold Stunner, and catchphrases like “Austin 3:16” and “Hell yeah!”, made him a cultural phenomenon. His match against Bret Hart at WrestleMania 13 is widely regarded as one of the greatest in wrestling history, earning the “Immortal Moment” Award at the 2025 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony.
Stone Cold Steve Austin injury at SummerSlam 1997
The question of who ended Austin’s career often points to a single, devastating moment. On August 3, 1997, at SummerSlam, Austin faced Owen Hart for the Intercontinental Championship. During the match, Hart executed a Tombstone Piledriver, but the move went wrong, causing Austin to land directly on his head. The result was a bruised spinal cord and temporary paralysis for about 90 seconds.
Austin later recalled the terrifying moment: “As soon as my head hit that mat, I was thinking Christopher Reeve” (IMDb Quotes). The injury forced him to relinquish both the Intercontinental and Tag Team Championships and sidelined him for months. While he returned to action, the neck injury had lasting effects, requiring surgery in 1999 and contributing to his eventual retirement.
|
Event |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Date |
August 3, 1997 |
|
Event |
SummerSlam 1997 |
|
Opponent |
Owen Hart |
|
Move |
Botched Tombstone Piledriver |
|
Injury |
Bruised spinal cord, temporary paralysis |
|
Impact |
Forced to vacate championships, long-term health issues |
The Road to Retirement
The SummerSlam 1997 injury was not the sole reason for Austin’s retirement, but it set the stage for further physical challenges. Over the years, he faced:
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Chronic Knee Injuries: Multiple surgeries due to wear and tear from his college football days and wrestling career.
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Further Neck Damage: The 1997 injury worsened, necessitating additional medical intervention.
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Storyline Setback: At Survivor Series 1999, Austin was “hit” by a car in a storyline, which he later called one of his worst angles (411mania). This allowed recovery time for his neck surgery.
By 2003, the cumulative toll of these injuries made it impossible for Austin to continue wrestling full-time. His final match was against The Rock at WrestleMania XIX, where he lost the WWF Championship. In 2009, during his WWE Hall of Fame induction, Austin announced he was “officially closing the door on his wrestling career,” marking the end of his in-ring tenure at age 38.
Who Ended His Career?
While Owen Hart’s botched Piledriver is often cited as the catalyst, it’s inaccurate to say one person ended Austin’s career. Hart, who expressed regret for the accidental injury, was a respected wrestler, and the incident was unintentional (EssentiallySports). Instead, Austin’s retirement resulted from:
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The 1997 Neck Injury: The primary trigger, causing long-term damage.
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Cumulative Injuries: Knee and neck issues that compounded over time.
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Personal Decision: Austin chose to retire to preserve his health, as advised by doctors (Quora).
Thus, while Owen Hart’s move was a significant factor, Austin’s career ended due to a combination of injuries and his own choice to step away.
Stone Cold Steve Austin’s WWE appearances After retirement
Austin’s retirement didn’t diminish his influence. He made sporadic WWE appearances, including:
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WrestleMania XXV (2009): A “farewell beer bash” where he drove an ATV and toasted fans (Pro Wrestling Fandom).
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WrestleMania 38 (2022): A surprise match against Kevin Owens, showing he could still perform (TheSportster).
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WrestleMania 41 (2025): An appearance driving his ATV, with reports suggesting he hinted at a potential in-ring return (Khelnow).
Beyond wrestling, Austin pursued acting in films like The Longest Yard, The Condemned, and The Expendables (IMDb). He hosted reality shows like Tough Enough and Redneck Island, and runs The Steve Austin Show podcast and Broken Skull Ranch (Simple Wikipedia). His merchandise, including “Austin 3:16” gear, remains a top seller, earning an estimated $3.6 million annually (Wikipedia).
Stone Cold Steve Austin’s WWE Knee Surgery in 2024
In October 2024, Austin revealed on the BobbyCast podcast that he urgently needed a total knee replacement for his left knee, which had been problematic since a college football injury in the 1980s (TPWW). The surgery took place in late 2024, likely in November or December. By January 21, 2025, Austin shared an update on Instagram, stating he was seven weeks post-op, with X-rays showing good healing. He returned to the gym for upper body training but was not yet working on his legs, continuing physical therapy (Muscle & Fitness).
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Surgery Details |
Information |
|---|---|
|
Date |
Late 2024 (November/December) |
|
Procedure |
Total knee replacement (left knee) |
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Reason |
Long-standing injuries from college football and wrestling |
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Recovery Status |
7 weeks post-op by January 2025, healing well, back to gym |
Stone Cold Steve Austin’s WWE Return 2025
In April 2025, Austin appeared at WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas, driving his ATV to announce Night 2’s attendance. According to The Sportsters, multiple sources reported that Austin hinted at a potential in-ring return, saying he “might have one more in him.” This sparked speculation about a possible match at events like Money in the Bank 2025 or the Royal Rumble. His last in-ring appearance was in 2022 against Kevin Owens at WrestleMania 38, where he impressed despite his age and injury history (TJR Wrestling). Fans and insiders are eager to see if the Texas Rattlesnake will return to the ring.
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Event |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Event |
WrestleMania 41 (April 19-20, 2025) |
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Appearance |
Drove ATV, announced Night 2 attendance |
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Return Hint |
Suggested “one more” match, per Fightful Select |
|
Last Match |
WrestleMania 38 (2022) vs. Kevin Owens |
Conclusion
Stone Cold Steve Austin’s career was not ended by one person but by a series of injuries, with Owen Hart’s 1997 SummerSlam Piledriver as the pivotal moment. The neck injury, combined with knee issues and other setbacks, led to his 2003 retirement. His 2024 knee surgery and hints of a 2025 return show that the Texas Rattlesnake’s legacy endures, keeping fans hopeful for one more match.
Jacob Bennett, a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is not only a devoted WWE fan but also Jacob Bennett is a seasoned WWE content writer, SEO expert, and web designer with over 10 years of experience covering pro wrestling. He’s the founder of WrestleBig.com, where he shares breaking WWE news, event predictions, superstar features, and game updates. Known for delivering fan-focused, fast-ranking content, Jacob helps readers stay one step ahead in the wrestling world.
With a sharp eye for detail honed through years of experience, Jacob meticulously crafts articles that resonate with fellow wrestling enthusiasts. His keen ability to capture the essence of WWE's drama and excitement ensures that each piece he edits is not just informative, but also engaging and captivating.
- Jacob Bennetthttps://wrestlebig.com/author/jacob123/
- Jacob Bennetthttps://wrestlebig.com/author/jacob123/
- Jacob Bennetthttps://wrestlebig.com/author/jacob123/
- Jacob Bennetthttps://wrestlebig.com/author/jacob123/
