Stone Cold Steve Austin just got real when it comes to his in-ring futureand while he says he could go again, fans shouldnt get their hopes up.
On the January 6, 2026 episode of Insight with Chris Van Vliet, the Texas Rattlesnake got straight to the point when asked if he could still go inside the squared circle.
But before fans start fantasy-booking another epic return, Austin quickly tempered expectations: Would I? Probably not. Ill say that but never say never. Austin opened up about the reality behind his decision. After years of silently enduring the pain, he had a total knee replacement in December 2024. The arthritis had gotten so bad he didnt even realize how severely it was affecting him until other people started pointing it out.
Eventually, the pain and deterioration forced his hand as it kept getting worse to the point he had no choice but to undergo the surgery.
He described how the pain wasnt just physical it mentally wore him down. But now, post-surgery, hes found relief and has embraced staying active in new ways.
This comes months after Austins WrestleMania 41 appearance, where he announced the combined attendance for both nights. While fans were hoping hed get physical again, Austin explained in an interview with Ariel Helwani back in April 2025 that his body just wasnt ready.
So while technically Steve Austin could lace up the boots again, it sounds like that iconic one more match might just stay a fantasy.
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