Editing Stone Cold Steve Austin (section)

==Professional wrestling career==
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===Early career (1989–1991)===
Steve Austin began his wrestling training in 1989 under [[Chris Adams (wrestler)|Chris Adams]] at the Dallas Sportatorium, while Adams was affiliated with [[World Class Championship Wrestling|World Class Wrestling Association]] (WCWA, formerly WCCW).<ref name="OutOfTheRing" /><ref name="truth55">[[Stone Cold Steve Austin#AustinRoss2003|"Stone Cold" Steve Austin. ''The Stone Cold Truth'']] (p.55)</ref><ref name="slam">{{cite web |title="Stone Cold" Steve Austin bio |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/austin.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160113124330/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/austin.html |archive-date=January 13, 2016 |access-date=June 6, 2008 |work=Slam! Sports |publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref><ref name="DallasOb">{{cite web |last=McDonald |first=Chris |date=March 29, 2016 |title=Blood, Sweat and Fire: Dallas' Heroes Helped Make Wrestlemania a Sports Powerhouse |url=https://www.dallasobserver.com/arts/blood-sweat-and-fire-dallas-heroes-helped-make-wrestlemania-a-sports-powerhouse-8159025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624202516/https://www.dallasobserver.com/arts/blood-sweat-and-fire-dallas-heroes-helped-make-wrestlemania-a-sports-powerhouse-8159025 |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |access-date=June 20, 2021 |work=[[Dallas Observer]]}}</ref> Although the training emphasized technical skills, Austin later expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of instruction on the business side of wrestling.<ref name="Truth">{{cite web |last=Clevett |first=Jason |date=November 12, 2003 |title=The Stone Cold truth, WWE style |url=https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2003/11/12/the-stone-cold-truth-wwe-style/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624203540/https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2003/11/12/the-stone-cold-truth-wwe-style/ |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |access-date=June 20, 2021 |work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref>

Austin made his in-ring debut later that year in a televised WCWA match using his real name at the time, Steve Williams.<ref>{{cite web |title=35 Things You Didn't Know About Stone Cold Steve Austin |url=https://www.complex.com/sports/2014/12/35-things-you-did-not-know-about-stone-cold-steve-austin/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625082457/https://www.complex.com/sports/2014/12/35-things-you-did-not-know-about-stone-cold-steve-austin/ |archive-date=June 25, 2021 |access-date=June 21, 2021 |website=[[Complex Networks]]}}</ref> During the merger of WCWA and the [[Memphis, Tennessee|Memphis]]-based [[Continental Wrestling Association]] into the [[United States Wrestling Association]] (USWA), he began wrestling under the name "Steve Austin," a change made to avoid confusion with [[Steve Williams (wrestler)|"Dr. Death" Steve Williams]]. He competed primarily in Dallas and was managed by Percy Pringle (later known as [[Paul Bearer]] in [[WWE|WWF]]) during this period. One of his early storylines involved a feud with his trainer, Chris Adams.<ref name="DallasOb" />

=== World Championship Wrestling (1991–1995) ===
Austin joined [[World Championship Wrestling]] (WCW) in May 1991 and adopted the ring name "Stunning" Steve Austin.<ref name="AustinWCW">{{cite web |last=Wong |first=Kevin |date=September 14, 2019 |title=Epic Error: Remembering When WCW Fired 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin 24 Years Later |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2853682-epic-error-remembering-when-wcw-fired-stone-cold-steve-austin-24-years-later |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130221232/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2853682-epic-error-remembering-when-wcw-fired-stone-cold-steve-austin-24-years-later |archive-date=November 30, 2021 |access-date=June 20, 2021 |work=Bleacher Report}}</ref><ref name="HB1">{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Si |date=June 12, 2020 |title=Steve Austin and Brian Pillman - The Hollywood Blonds Story |url=https://prowrestlingstories.com/pro-wrestling-stories/steve-austin-brian-pillman-hollywood-blonds/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516152734/https://prowrestlingstories.com/pro-wrestling-stories/steve-austin-brian-pillman-hollywood-blonds/ |archive-date=May 16, 2021 |access-date=June 20, 2021 |work=Pro Wrestling Stories}}</ref> He won the [[WCW World Television Championship]] on June 3, defeating [[Bobby Eaton]], and later became a member of [[Paul Heyman|Paul E. Dangerously]]’s [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] stable, the [[Dangerous Alliance]].<ref name="slam" /><ref>[[Stone Cold Steve Austin#AustinRoss2003|Steve Austin. ''The Stone Cold Truth'']] (p.89)</ref> After briefly losing the title to [[Barry Windham]] in April 1992, Austin regained it the following month before dropping it to [[Ricky Steamboat]] at [[Clash of the Champions#Clash of the Champions XX: 20th Anniversary|Clash of the Champions XX]] in September. Around the same time, the Dangerous Alliance disbanded.<ref name="truth91">Austin Ross 2003, Steve Austin. ''The Stone Cold Truth'' (p.91-93)</ref>

In late 1992, Austin began teaming with [[Brian Pillman]], soon called the [[Hollywood Blonds]]. The team gained popularity and won the unified [[WCW World Tag Team Championship|WCW]] and [[NWA World Tag Team Championship]] in March 1993, holding the titles for five months.<ref name="slam" /><ref name="HB1" /> Following Pillman’s injury, Austin lost the titles alongside [[William Regal|Steven Regal]] as substitute partner and joined [[Robert Fuller (wrestler)|Colonel Robert Parker]]’s [[Stud Stable]].<ref name="HB1" /> The Hollywood Blonds dissolved shortly thereafter, and Austin defeated Pillman in a singles match in November.<ref name="HB2">{{cite web |last=Kilbane |first=Lyle |date=April 21, 2021 |title=Steve Austin Says The Hollywood Blonds Break-Up Is Still A "Mystery" |url=https://itrwrestling.com/news/steve-austin-says-the-hollywood-blonds-break-up-is-still-a-mystery/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624204812/https://itrwrestling.com/news/steve-austin-says-the-hollywood-blonds-break-up-is-still-a-mystery/ |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |access-date=June 20, 2021 |work=Inside The Ropes}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Clash of the Champions XXV results |url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/clash2.html#XXV |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080421024241/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/clash2.html |archive-date=April 21, 2008 |access-date=July 15, 2008 |publisher=Pro Wrestling History}}</ref>

At [[Starrcade '93: 10th Anniversary|Starrcade]] in December 1993, Austin defeated [[Dustin Rhodes]] to win the [[WWE United States Championship|WCW United States Heavyweight Championship]].<ref name="slam" /> He lost the title to Ricky Steamboat in August 1994, was awarded it by forfeit at [[Fall Brawl '94: War Games|Fall Brawl]], and immediately lost it to [[Jim Duggan]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Featherstone |first=Chris |date=October 16, 2013 |title=A "Stunning" Turn Of Events |url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2013/10/retro-wednesday-a-stunning-turn-of-events-566440/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624204546/https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2013/10/retro-wednesday-a-stunning-turn-of-events-566440/ |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |access-date=June 21, 2021 |work=WrestlingInc}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=WCW Fall Brawl 1994 results |url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/fall.html#94 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160413111226/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/fall.html#94 |archive-date=April 13, 2016 |access-date=July 15, 2008 |publisher=Pro Wrestling History}}</ref> He was unable to recapture the title in subsequent attempts.<ref>{{cite web |title=WCW Halloween Havoc 1994 results |url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/havoc.html#94 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080222213821/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/havoc.html#94 |archive-date=February 22, 2008 |access-date=July 15, 2008 |publisher=Pro Wrestling History}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Clash of the Champions XXIX results |url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/clash2.html#XXIX |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080421024241/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/clash2.html |archive-date=April 21, 2008 |access-date=July 15, 2008 |publisher=Pro Wrestling History}}</ref> WCW executive [[Eric Bischoff]] later cited the company’s focus on more established stars as a factor in Austin’s declining role.<ref>{{cite web |last=Pabari |first=Ashash |date=November 13, 2019 |title=Eric Bischoff On If Hulk Hogan Overruled WCW's Plan to Put U.S. Title Back on Steve Austin in 1994 |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/eric-bischoff-hulk-hogan-steve-austin-wcw/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624211219/https://411mania.com/wrestling/eric-bischoff-hulk-hogan-steve-austin-wcw/ |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |access-date=June 21, 2021 |work=411Mania}}</ref> A proposed storyline involving [[Hulk Hogan]] was rejected.<ref>{{cite web |last=McCarthy |first=Alex |date=September 16, 2020 |title=Steve Austin pitched to be related to WWE legend Hulk Hogan during WCW days, Eric Bischoff reveals |url=https://talksport.com/sport/wrestling/760479/eric-bischoff-steve-austin-hulk-hogan-wcw-wwe/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624204523/https://talksport.com/sport/wrestling/760479/eric-bischoff-steve-austin-hulk-hogan-wcw-wwe/ |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |access-date=June 21, 2021 |work=Talksport}}</ref>

After recovering from a knee injury, Austin returned in early 1995 and participated in a tournament for the vacant United States Championship but was eliminated in the quarter-finals. His final WCW match aired on May 21, 1995. During a tour of Japan, he suffered a torn triceps and was released by WCW while recovering on September 15.<ref name="slam" /><ref>Stone Cold Steve Austin. ''The Stone Cold Truth'' (p.117–118)</ref>

===Extreme Championship Wrestling (1995)===
After his release from WCW, Austin joined [[Extreme Championship Wrestling]] (ECW), where he was brought in by promoter [[Paul Heyman]], who had previously managed him in WCW as Dangerously.<ref name="slam" /> Using the nickname "Superstar" Steve Austin, he debuted at [[ECW Gangstas Paradise|Gangstas Paradise]] on September 18, 1995.<ref name="Loverro2007">{{cite book |last=Loverro |first=Thom |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JrGwTebNiUIC&pg=PA106 |title=The Rise & Fall of ECW: Extreme Championship Wrestling |date=2007 |publisher=[[Simon and Schuster]] |isbn=978-1-4165-6156-9 |pages=105–107}}{{Dead link|date=March 2024|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref> During his time in ECW, he delivered satirical promos criticizing WCW and its management, including segments parodying its programming. Austin used the ECW platform to develop a more aggressive, anti-authority persona that would later influence his "Stone Cold" character.<ref name="slam" /><ref name="cold120">Stone Cold Steve Austin. ''The Stone Cold Truth'' (p.120)</ref> He credited Heyman with helping him refine his promo skills during this period.<ref>{{cite web |last=Johnson |first=Mike |date=June 1, 2015 |title=Did WWE just start the build to Lesnar vs. Austin at Mania 32? Selling, Punk, the end of his WWE ECW creative run and more: Complete Stone Cold Podcast with Paul Heyman coverage |url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/94108/did-wwe-just-start-the-build-to-lesnar-vs-austin-at-mania-32-selling-punk-the-end-of-his-wwe-ecw-creative-run-and-more-complete-stone-cold-podcast-with-paul-heyman-coverage.html?p=1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201082346/https://www.pwinsider.com/article/94108/did-wwe-just-start-the-build-to-lesnar-vs-austin-at-mania-32-selling-punk-the-end-of-his-wwe-ecw-creative-run-and-more-complete-stone-cold-podcast-with-paul-heyman-coverage.html?p=1 |archive-date=December 1, 2017 |access-date=May 16, 2018 |work=PWInsider}}</ref><ref name="cold123">Stone Cold Steve Austin. ''The Stone Cold Truth'' (p.123–125)</ref>

Before departing the promotion, Austin briefly competed in the [[ECW World Heavyweight Championship]] scene, losing to [[Mikey Whipwreck]] at [[November to Remember (1995)|November to Remember]], and later participating in a three-way match at [[December to Dismember (1995)|December to Dismember]], which was won by [[The Sandman (wrestler)|The Sandman]].<ref>{{cite web |title=ECW November to Remember 1995 results |url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/ecw/results/1995d.html#111895 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120209034901/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/ecw/results/1995d.html#111895 |archive-date=February 9, 2012 |access-date=July 15, 2008 |publisher=Pro Wrestling History}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=ECW December to Dismember 1995 results |url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/ecw/results/1995d.html#120995 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120209034901/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/ecw/results/1995d.html#120995 |archive-date=February 9, 2012 |access-date=July 15, 2008 |publisher=Pro Wrestling History}}</ref>

===World Wrestling Federation / World Wrestling Entertainment / WWE===
====The Ringmaster and birth of "Stone Cold" (1995–1996)====
Steve Austin joined the [[WWE|World Wrestling Federation]] (WWF) in December 1995.<ref name="slam" /><ref name="Fired">{{cite web |last=Zarka |first=JP |date=March 4, 2019 |title=Eric Bischoff Firing Steve Austin – 'Totally Disrespectful' |url=https://prowrestlingstories.com/pro-wrestling-stories/eric-bischoff-firing-steve-austin/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726121033/https://prowrestlingstories.com/pro-wrestling-stories/eric-bischoff-firing-steve-austin/ |archive-date=July 26, 2021 |access-date=June 20, 2021 |work=Pro Wrestling Stories}}</ref><ref name="cold123" /> He debuted on the December 18 episode of ''[[WWE Raw|Raw]]'' under the ring name "The Ringmaster," a character introduced by [[Ted DiBiase]] and associated with the unsanctioned [[Million Dollar Championship]].<ref name="slam" /><ref>{{Citation |title=Steve Austin on the Brother Love show, WWF 1996 |url=https://www.bitchute.com/video/bOtNuZFBCCzE/ |access-date=September 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210910022111/https://www.bitchute.com/video/bOtNuZFBCCzE/ |archive-date=September 10, 2021 |url-status=live |language=en}}</ref> Austin’s first televised match saw him defeat [[Matt Hardy]].<ref>Ted DiBiase: The Million Dollar Man, p.193, Ted DiBiase with Tom Caiazzo, Pocket Books, New York, NY, 2008, {{ISBN|978-1-4165-5890-3}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Steve Austin |url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=635&page=4&s=700 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150122200533/http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=635&page=4&s=700 |archive-date=January 22, 2015 |access-date=January 4, 2015 |publisher=Cagematch}}</ref>

Unenthusiastic about the Ringmaster persona, Austin soon requested a character change. He adopted the moniker "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, shedding the more traditional wrestling gimmick in favor of a minimalist and cold, no-nonsense persona. With a shaved head, black trunks, and an increasingly aggressive demeanor, the "Stone Cold" identity began to take shape in early 1996.<ref name="MondayNightWars01-8">{{cite AV media |title=Monday Night War S01 E08: The Austin Era Has Begun |publisher=WWE}}</ref><ref name="StoneCold">{{cite web |date=October 2, 2020 |title=Steve Austin – How He Became "Stone Cold" in 1996 |url=https://prowrestlingstories.com/pro-wrestling-stories/steve-austin-stone-cold/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210607075415/https://prowrestlingstories.com/pro-wrestling-stories/steve-austin-stone-cold/ |archive-date=June 7, 2021 |access-date=June 20, 2021 |work=Pro Wrestling Stories}}</ref> Austin entered a brief feud with [[Savio Vega]], defeating him at [[WrestleMania XII]] but losing a [[Professional wrestling match types#Strap match|strap match]] at [[In Your House 8: Beware of Dog|In Your House: Beware of Dog]]. As part of the storyline, DiBiase departed the company following the loss, and the Million Dollar Championship was quietly retired.<ref name="StoneColdMania">{{cite web |last=Kilbane |first=Lyle |date=March 15, 2021 |title=Every Stone Cold Steve Austin WrestleMania Match Ranked |url=https://itrwrestling.com/features/every-stone-cold-steve-austin-wrestlemania-match-ranked/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624204658/https://itrwrestling.com/features/every-stone-cold-steve-austin-wrestlemania-match-ranked/ |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |access-date=June 22, 2021 |work=Inside The Ropes}}</ref>

====Rise to prominence (1996–1997)====
[[File:Stone Cold Steve Austin Speech King of The Ring 1997.ogv|thumb|300px|"Stone Cold" Steve Austin delivering his iconic promo after winning the 1996 King of the Ring.]]
Austin’s ascent began in earnest with his victory in the [[King of the Ring (1996)|1996 King of the Ring]] tournament. After defeating [[Jake Roberts|Jake “The Snake” Roberts]] in the final, Austin delivered a post-match promo mocking Roberts’s religious persona, declaring, “Austin 3:16 says I just whipped your ass.” The phrase quickly became one of the most iconic slogans in professional wrestling and helped establish Austin’s identity as a brash, rebellious antihero.<ref name="slam" /><ref>{{cite web |date=March 16, 2017 |title=What is Austin 3:16 Day? |url=https://www.wwe.com/article/official-national-austin-316-day |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181231143708/https://www.wwe.com/article/official-national-austin-316-day |archive-date=December 31, 2018 |access-date=December 31, 2018 |work=WWE}}</ref>

Later that year, Austin began a feud with Bret Hart, who had returned from a hiatus. Hart defeated Austin at [[Survivor Series (1996)|Survivor Series]], and their rivalry escalated into the [[Royal Rumble (1997)|1997 Royal Rumble]] match, which Austin won by last eliminating Hart.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Woodward |first=Hamish |date=December 5, 2021 |title=10 Best Stone Cold Steve Austin Matches Of All Time (WWE, WCW & ECW) |url=https://atletifo.com/wrestling/wwe/best-stone-cold-steve-austin-matches/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207005827/https://atletifo.com/wrestling/wwe/best-stone-cold-steve-austin-matches/ |archive-date=December 7, 2021 |access-date=December 7, 2021 |website=Atletifo Sports |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref name="PS32">{{cite news |last=Martin |first=Finn |date=February 25, 1997 |title=Power Slam Magazine |work="Back on Top" (Royal Rumble 1997) |publisher=SW Publishing |pages=12–15 |edition=issue 32}}</ref> This led to a four-way match for the vacant [[WWE Championship|WWF Championship]] at [[In Your House 13: Final Four]], which Hart won.<ref name="pwhresults">{{cite web |date=February 16, 1997 |title=Final Four results |url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/miscppvs1990s.html#13 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080412162128/http://prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/miscppvs1990s.html#13 |archive-date=April 12, 2008 |access-date=April 18, 2008 |publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments}}</ref> Austin retaliated the next night on ''Raw'' by interfering in Hart’s title defense, costing him the championship. The feud culminated at [[WrestleMania 13]] in a submission match, where Hart forced a bloodied Austin to pass out in the [[Sharpshooter (professional wrestling)|Sharpshooter]]. However, his refusal to submit earned established as fan favorite, while Hart’s increasingly aggressive conduct resulted in a shift toward a villainous role.

Following WrestleMania, Austin continued to gain momentum. He briefly held the [[World Tag Team Championship (WWE, 1971–2010)|WWF Tag Team Championship]], first with [[Shawn Michaels]] and later with [[Mick Foley|Dude Love]].<ref>{{cite web |title=19970525 – Stone Cold & Shawn Michaels |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/304454132122112 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051129091829/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/304454132122112 |archive-date=November 29, 2005 |access-date=August 8, 2012 |work=WWE}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=19970714 – Stone Cold & Dude Love |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/30445413212312 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051130072545/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/30445413212312 |archive-date=November 30, 2005 |access-date=August 8, 2012 |work=WWE}}</ref> At [[SummerSlam (1997)|SummerSlam]] in August 1997, Austin defeated [[Owen Hart]] to win the [[WWE Intercontinental Championship|Intercontinental Championship]], but suffered a neck injury during the match, which sidelined him temporarily and forced him to vacate both the Intercontinental and Tag Team titles.<ref>{{cite web |title=WWF SummerSlam '97 results |url=http://slam.canoe.com/SlamWrestlingArchive/aug4_slam_results.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150614125803/http://slam.canoe.com/SlamWrestlingArchive/aug4_slam_results.html |archive-date=June 14, 2015 |access-date=December 31, 2018 |work=SLAM! Sports |publisher=[[Canoe.com|Canoe.ca]]}}</ref>

Austin returned to television in September and delivered a Stone Cold Stunner to WWF Chairman [[Vince McMahon]] after being declared medically unfit to wrestle.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Traina |first=Jimmy |date=September 22, 2017 |title=Twenty Years Ago Today, Stone Cold Steve Austin Stunned Vince McMahon For The First Time Ever |url=https://www.si.com/wrestling/2017/09/22/stone-cold-steve-austin-gives-vince-mcmahon-first-stone-cold-stunner-msg |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624201918/https://www.si.com/wrestling/2017/09/22/stone-cold-steve-austin-gives-vince-mcmahon-first-stone-cold-stunner-msg |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |access-date=June 20, 2021 |magazine=Sports Illustrated}}</ref> He reclaimed the Intercontinental title from Owen Hart at [[Survivor Series (1997)|Survivor Series]] and entered a feud with [[Dwayne Johnson|The Rock]], who had taken possession of the championship belt. After defeating The Rock at [[D-Generation X: In Your House]], Austin forfeited the title back and threw the belt into a river, symbolically ending the feud.<ref name="History">{{cite web |title=1997 |url=http://www.thehistoryofwwe.com/97.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160410082315/http://www.thehistoryofwwe.com/97.htm |archive-date=April 10, 2016 |access-date=May 16, 2018 |website=TheHistoryofWWE.com}}</ref>

====Feud with Vince McMahon (1998–1999)====
[[File:Austin with WWF title.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Austin as WWF Champion]]
Austin’s on-screen rivalry with Vince McMahon became one of the defining storylines of the late 1990s WWF. After winning the [[Royal Rumble (1998)|1998 Royal Rumble]], Austin earned a [[WWE Championship|WWF Championship]] match at [[WrestleMania XIV]].<ref name="pwi100">{{cite news |title=2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts |work=Wrestling's Historical Cards |page=100}}</ref> At the event, he defeated Shawn Michaels to win the title for the first time, with [[Mike Tyson]] serving as a special enforcer.<ref name="slam" /> McMahon, portraying a controlling executive, opposed Austin’s defiant attitude and sought to make him a more cooperative, corporate champion. Austin openly resisted, and the tension between the two became the focal point of WWF programming throughout the year. Despite repeated attempts to remove him as champion, Austin successfully defended the title in several pay-per-view events.

He briefly lost the championship to [[Kane (wrestler)|Kane]] in a [[Professional wrestling match types#First Blood match|First Blood match]] at [[King of the Ring (1998)|King of the Ring]], but regained it the following night on ''Raw''. The title was later vacated after a disputed triple threat match at [[Breakdown: In Your House|Breakdown]], in which both [[The Undertaker]] and Kane pinned Austin simultaneously.<ref name="slam" /> Appointed as special guest referee for the title match between the other two at [[Judgment Day: In Your House|Judgment Day]], Austin refused to declare a winner and was (in storyline) fired. [[Shane McMahon]] reinstated him shortly afterward.

At [[Survivor Series (1998)|Survivor Series]], Austin was eliminated from a one-night tournament for the vacant title after interference from Shane. He went on to defeat The Undertaker in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Buried alive match|Buried Alive match]] at [[Rock Bottom: In Your House]] to qualify for the [[Royal Rumble (1999)|1999 Royal Rumble]]. In the Rumble match, Austin entered first but was attacked backstage and later eliminated last by Vince McMahon, who had entered at number two and was aided by The Rock. However, Austin defeated McMahon in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Steel cage match|steel cage match]] at [[St. Valentine's Day Massacre: In Your House|St. Valentine's Day Massacre]] despite interference from [[Big Show|Paul Wight]], earning a title shot at [[WrestleMania XV]]. At WrestleMania, Austin defeated The Rock to win the WWF Championship for a third time.<ref name="slam" />

After losing the title to The Undertaker at [[Over the Edge (1999)|Over the Edge]], Austin was named the on-screen CEO of WWF in a storyline twist. He was later removed from the role after losing a handicap [[ladder match]] to Vince and Shane McMahon at [[King of the Ring (1999)|King of the Ring]]. Austin defeated The Undertaker to regain the title on an episode of ''Raw'' in June, and again in a First Blood rematch, under a stipulation that required Vince McMahon to leave the company in storyline.<ref>{{Cite web |title=411Mania |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/the-smark-retro-repost-fully-loaded-1999/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624201545/https://411mania.com/wrestling/the-smark-retro-repost-fully-loaded-1999/ |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |access-date=June 21, 2021}}</ref>

====Championship reigns and The Alliance (1999–2001)====
[[File:Austinentrance.jpg|thumb|upright|Austin's signature "flipping off" the crowd pose]]
Austin held on to the WWF Championship until [[SummerSlam (1999)|SummerSlam]] on August 22 when he lost it to [[Mick Foley|Mankind]] in a triple threat match also featuring [[Triple H]]. He failed to regain the championship against Triple H at [[No Mercy (1999)|No Mercy]] in October after an inadvertent interference from [[Dwayne Johnson|The Rock]]. At [[Survivor Series (1999)|Survivor Series]], Austin was written off television after being hit by a car in a backstage segment—a storyline used to explain his real-life departure to undergo neck surgery.<ref name="slam" />

Austin returned in April 2000 at [[Backlash (2000)|Backlash]], costing Triple H to lost the WWF Championship to The Rock. A storyline investigation revealed that Austin’s earlier hit-and-run had been orchestrated by Triple H, leading to a year long feud which concluded in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Three Stages of Hell match|Three Stages of Hell match]] at [[No Way Out (2001)|No Way Out]] in February 2001, which Triple H won.<ref>{{cite web |title=Stone Cold vs Triple H Three Stages Of Hell At No Way Out |url=https://www.wwe.com/videos/stone-cold-steve-austin-vs-triple-h-three-stages-of-hell-match-no-way-out-2001 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316211906/https://www.wwe.com/videos/stone-cold-steve-austin-vs-triple-h-three-stages-of-hell-match-no-way-out-2001 |archive-date=March 16, 2023 |access-date=March 16, 2023}}</ref>

Austin challenged The Rock for the WWF Championship at [[WrestleMania X-Seven]] after winning the [[Royal Rumble (2001)|2001 Royal Rumble]]. In the match’s final moments, Austin turned [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] by aligning with longtime rival [[Vince McMahon]] to secure the victory and his fifth WWF Championship.<ref name="slam" /> The next night on ''Raw'', he formed a short-lived alliance with [[WWE Intercontinental Championship|Intercontinental Champion]] Triple H known as the "Two-Man Power Trip", with the duo holding the [[World Tag Team Championship (WWE, 1971–2010)|Tag Team Championship]] once.<ref>{{cite web |last=Beaston |first=Erik |date=June 30, 2015 |title=WWE Classic of the Week: Chris Jericho vs. Chris Benoit vs. Steve Austin |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2510794-wwe-classic-of-the-week-chris-jericho-vs-chris-benoit-vs-steve-austin |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624204749/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2510794-wwe-classic-of-the-week-chris-jericho-vs-chris-benoit-vs-steve-austin |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |access-date=June 22, 2021 |work=Bleacher Report}}</ref>

That summer, WWF launched [[The Invasion (professional wrestling)|the “Invasion” storyline]], featuring talent from the recently acquired [[World Championship Wrestling|WCW]] and [[Extreme Championship Wrestling|ECW]] promotions. Although initially positioned as the leader of Team WWF, Austin turned on the company at the [[WWF Invasion|Invasion]] pay-per-view and joined the opposing [[The Alliance (professional wrestling)|Alliance]] faction.<ref name="slam" /> He would lose the WWF Championship to [[Kurt Angle]] at [[Unforgiven (2001)|Unforgiven]] in September but regained it over a month later. Austin captained the Alliance at [[Survivor Series (2001)|Survivor Series]] in November, in a winner-takes-all elimination match against Team WWF. He was pinned in the final fall by The Rock, resulting in the Alliance's storyline disbandment.<ref>{{Cite web |title=411Mania |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/the-smark-rant-for-wwf-survivor-series-2001/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624201908/https://411mania.com/wrestling/the-smark-rant-for-wwf-survivor-series-2001/ |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |access-date=June 21, 2021}}</ref> The following night on ''Raw'', Austin became fan favorite again when he attacked Angle and McMahon, and celebrated with [[Ric Flair]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Remembering WWE's Original Undisputed Champion Storyline |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1878358-remembering-wwes-original-undisputed-champion-storyline |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624204038/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1878358-remembering-wwes-original-undisputed-champion-storyline |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |access-date=June 21, 2021 |website=[[Bleacher Report]]}}</ref> He would lose the WWF title in a unification match to [[WCW World Heavyweight Championship|World Champion]] [[Chris Jericho]] at [[Vengeance (2001)|Vengeance]] in December.<ref>{{Cite web |title=411Mania |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/steve-a-mania-reviews-vengeance-2001/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624201133/https://411mania.com/wrestling/steve-a-mania-reviews-vengeance-2001/ |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |access-date=June 21, 2021}}</ref>

====Final feuds and retirement (2002–2003)====
[[File:Rockaustinxix b.jpg|left|thumb|Austin (left) faces off against The Rock at WrestleMania XIX, which was Austin's last match until 2022.]]
At the [[Royal Rumble (2002)|2002 Royal Rumble]], Austin reached the final four before being eliminated by Kurt Angle. The following month, he challenged Chris Jericho for the Undisputed WWF Championship at [[No Way Out (2002)|No Way Out]] but was defeated after interference from the recently signed [[New World Order (professional wrestling)|nWo]] faction.<ref>{{cite web |last=Powell |first=John |date=July 17, 2002 |title=nWo returns at No Way Out |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingPPV/feb18_nowayout-can.html |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120719165819/http://slam.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingPPV/feb18_nowayout-can.html |archive-date=July 19, 2012 |access-date=August 21, 2009 |work=Slam! Wrestling |publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> Initially scheduled to face [[Hulk Hogan]] at [[WrestleMania X8]], Austin instead wrestled and defeated [[Scott Hall]], following reported creative disagreements over the proposed match with Hogan.<ref name="Linder">{{cite web |last=Linder |first=Zach |date=March 31, 2014 |title=The untold stories behind 10 WrestleMania matches that almost happened |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/10-wrestlemania-matches-that-almost-happened/page-11 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517011224/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/10-wrestlemania-matches-that-almost-happened/page-11 |archive-date=May 17, 2018 |access-date=May 16, 2018 |publisher=WWE}}</ref>{{sfn|Austin|Ross|Brent|2003|p=20}}

Shortly after WrestleMania, Austin walked out of the company for several weeks, citing burnout and dissatisfaction with creative direction. He returned in April as part of the newly launched [[Raw (WWE brand)|Raw brand]] but left again in June 2002 after refusing to lose a televised match to then-rookie Brock Lesnar. His sudden departure was criticized on-air by WWE management and talent, and he remained absent from programming for the rest of the year.<ref>{{cite web |date=June 2, 2022 |title=Stone Cold walks out of WWE in 2002 |url=https://www.thesportster.com/why-stone-cold-steve-austin-walked-out-of-wwe-in-2002 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316215922/https://www.thesportster.com/why-stone-cold-steve-austin-walked-out-of-wwe-in-2002/ |archive-date=March 16, 2023 |access-date=March 16, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Gardner |first=William |title=WWE Byte This Report – Stone Cold Steve Austin |url=http://www.twnpnews.com/messages2/6000/6535.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150406011842/http://www.twnpnews.com/messages2/6000/6535.shtml |archive-date=April 6, 2015 |access-date=August 19, 2014 |website=TWNP News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Woodward |first=Hamish |date=December 17, 2022 |title=The True Story Behind Steve Austin Walking Out The WWE - Atletifo |url=https://atletifo.com/wrestling/wwe/the-true-story-behind-steve-austin-walking-out-the-wwe/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127230108/https://atletifo.com/wrestling/wwe/the-true-story-behind-steve-austin-walking-out-the-wwe/ |archive-date=January 27, 2023 |access-date=January 27, 2023 |language=en-GB}}</ref>{{sfn|Austin|Ross|Brent|2003|p=21}}{{sfn|Austin|Ross|Brent|2003|p=26}} In an interview with Vince McMahon on his podcast in 2014, Austin publicly revealed for the first time that McMahon had fined him $650,000 upon his return, but he was able to lower the amount to $250,000.<ref>{{cite web |date=December 2, 2014 |title=Vince McMahon addresses CM Punk on Stone Cold Podcast |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/51937-vince-mcmahon-addresses-cm-punk-on-stone-cold-podcast |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141219081855/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/51937-vince-mcmahon-addresses-cm-punk-on-stone-cold-podcast |archive-date=December 19, 2014 |access-date=December 2, 2014 |publisher=WrestleView}}</ref>

Austin reconciled with WWE in early 2003 and returned at [[No Way Out (2003)|No Way Out]], defeating [[Eric Bischoff]]. He was soon challenged by The Rock, who sought to avenge previous losses at WrestleMania. At [[WrestleMania XIX]], Austin was defeated by The Rock in what would be his final match for 19 years. Unbeknownst to fans at the time, the bout was intended as his retirement from active competition due to ongoing health concerns stemming from his 1997 neck injury.<ref>{{cite web |last=Powell |first=John |title=WWE shines at WrestleMania XIX |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2003/03/31/55003.html |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120721000346/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2003/03/31/55003.html |archive-date=July 21, 2012 |access-date=December 25, 2010 |work=Slam! Sports |publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref>

==== On-screen authority figure (2003–2004) ====
The following month, [[Linda McMahon]] brought Austin back to be the co-general manager of the Raw brand, a role he played for the remainder of the year, often getting into physical altercations with talent and personnel. Austin and Bischoff continued to feud over control of the brand. On the July 21 episode of ''Raw'', McMahon informed Austin he could not get physical with anyone unless provoked. At [[Survivor Series (2003)|Survivor Series]] on November 16, Austin's hand-picked team of Booker T, [[Bubba Ray Dudley]], [[D-Von Dudley]], Rob Van Dam and Shawn Michaels faced Bischoff's team of Chris Jericho, [[Christian Cage|Christian]], [[Mark Henry]], [[Randy Orton]] and [[Scott Steiner]] in a [[Survivor Series match|5-on-5 Survivor Series elimination match]]. Austin's team lost after [[Dave Bautista|Batista]] interfered on behalf of Bischoff. After the match [[Jonathan Coachman]] came out to gloat and got beat up by Austin. As a result, Austin was "fired" from his position as co-general manager. Mick Foley took over Austin's former role and began petitioning to have Austin re-instated. Austin returned before the end of 2003, appearing at [[WWE Tribute to the Troops|Tribute to the Troops]]. He posed as [[Santa Claus]] before delivering a ''"Stone Cold Stunner"'' to both [[Vince McMahon|Mr. McMahon]] and [[John Cena]]. Austin returned to ''Raw'' on December 29 as its "Sheriff", giving a ''Stone Cold Stunner'' to Bischoff and rehiring Michaels, who had just been "fired" by Bischoff.{{citation needed|date=December 2019}} Austin appeared on-and-off as 2004 began, culminating in him being the special guest referee for the Brock Lesnar vs. [[Bill Goldberg|Goldberg]] match at [[WrestleMania XX]] on March 14. Following the match, Austin attacked both Lesnar and Goldberg with ''Stone Cold Stunners''.

====Part-time appearances (2005–2020)====
On April 3, 2005, Austin made his first appearance on WWE programming in a year at [[WrestleMania 21]] when he appeared with [[Roddy Piper]] on ''[[Piper's Pit]]''. They were interrupted by [[Carly Colón|Carlito]], who received a ''Stone Cold Stunner''. The segment ended with Austin and Piper celebrating with beer until Austin gave Piper a ''Stone Cold Stunner''. Austin was involved in the concluding segment at [[ECW One Night Stand (2005)|ECW One Night Stand]] on June 12 in which he had a beer bash with the ECW locker room and brawled with the anti-ECW invaders, led by Bischoff. He returned at ''Raw Homecoming'' on October 3, delivering ''Stone Cold Stunners'' to Vince, Shane, Stephanie, and Linda McMahon. An angle including Jim Ross being fired led to a match in which Austin agreed to face [[Jonathan Coachman]] at [[Taboo Tuesday (2005)|Taboo Tuesday]] on November 1, with the stipulation of Ross regaining his announcing job had Austin won and Austin losing his job had he lost. Austin hurt his back before the match and could not wrestle unless he was heavily medicated, so the match was canceled. To explain away his failure to appear at Taboo Tuesday, Vince McMahon said on ''Raw'' that Austin had been involved in an accident, thus preventing him from competing. Batista substituted for Austin, defeating Coachman along with [[Big Van Vader|Vader]] and [[Goldust]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwwew.net/ppv/wwf/november/taboo2005.htm|title=Taboo Tuesday 2005 Results|access-date=September 17, 2007|publisher=PWWEW.net|archive-date=May 18, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120518005525/http://www.pwwew.net/ppv/wwf/november/taboo2005.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

He returned to WWE to face [[John Layfield|John "Bradshaw" Layfield]] (JBL) in a beer-drinking contest at March 18, 2006, episode of ''[[Saturday Night's Main Event XXXII]]''. Austin inducted [[Bret Hart]] into the [[WWE Hall of Fame]] on April 1, 2006.<ref name="slam"/>

[[File:Stone Cold smashing beers.jpg|thumb|alt=|Austin is noted for his signature "beer smash", seen here at [[WrestleMania 25]].]]
Austin returned to WWE programming in March 2007, partially to promote his starring role in the release of WWE Films' production ''[[The Condemned]]''. On March 31, he inducted Jim Ross into the Hall of Fame. At [[WrestleMania 23]] on April 1, Austin was the [[referee (professional wrestling)#Special referee|special guest referee]] for the match between [[Bobby Lashley]] and [[Umaga (wrestler)|Umaga]]. If Lashley lost, his manager [[Donald Trump]]'s head would be shaved, and if Umaga lost, his manager Vince McMahon's head would be shaved. During the match, Austin delivered ''Stone Cold Stunners'' to Umaga, Vince McMahon, Shane McMahon, and Trump. Lashley won the match; Trump, Austin, and Lashley then shaved McMahon's head. Austin ended the show by hitting the ''Stone Cold Stunner'' on both Vince and Trump.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwwew.net/ppv/wwf/march/xxiii.htm|title=WrestleMania 23 Results|access-date=September 17, 2007|publisher=PWWEW.net|archive-date=March 9, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309092039/http://pwwew.net/ppv/wwf/march/xxiii.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> He then appeared in a video on the June 11 episode of ''Raw'' as part of "Mr. McMahon's Appreciation Night", where he shared his thoughts on his past feuds with McMahon. Austin appeared on the August 18 episode of ''Saturday Night's Main Event'', as a possible illegitimate child of McMahon. He hit McMahon and Coachman with ''Stone Cold Stunners'' before leaving. He appeared at [[SummerSlam (2007)|SummerSlam]] on August 26 to aid [[Matt Hardy]] in battling [[Montel Vontavious Porter|MVP]] in a beer-drinking contest. The match ended in a no-contest after Austin handed a beer to MVP and gave him the ''Stone Cold Stunner''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwwew.net/ppv/wwf/august/2007.htm|title=SummerSlam 2007 Results|access-date=October 22, 2007|publisher=PWWEW.net|archive-date=April 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160413110500/http://www.pwwew.net/ppv/wwf/august/2007.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> Austin made another appearance at [[Cyber Sunday (2007)|Cyber Sunday]] on October 28, where he guest refereed a World Heavyweight Championship match between Batista and The Undertaker. On the November 5 episode of ''Raw'', Austin made an appearance to confront [[Santino Marella]] for criticizing ''The Condemned''.<ref name="beer bath">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/11052007/articles/stonecoldsantino|title='Stone Cold' drops a box-office bomb on Santino|date=November 5, 2007|first=Corey|last=Clayton|access-date=December 31, 2007|publisher=WWE|archive-date=June 29, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629075416/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/11052007/articles/stonecoldsantino|url-status=live}}</ref> The argument ended as Marella received a ''Stone Cold Stunner'' from Austin, who then walked backstage only to return with a [[Budweiser (Anheuser-Busch)|Budweiser]] beer truck to hose down Marella and his valet [[Maria Kanellis|Maria]] with beer.<ref name="beer bath"/> Austin appeared on the ''Raw 15th Anniversary'' special, attacking Vince McMahon.

On October 26, 2008, at [[Cyber Sunday (2008)|Cyber Sunday]], Austin was the special guest referee during a match between Batista and Chris Jericho for the [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE, 2002–2013)|World Heavyweight Championship]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/cybersunday/matches/7880726/results/|title=Stunnin' New Champion|access-date=October 26, 2008|publisher=WWE|archive-date=September 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160920114305/http://www.wwe.com/shows/cybersunday/matches/7880726/results|url-status=live}}</ref> On January 12, 2009, on ''Raw'', Austin was announced to be the first member of the Hall of Fame class of 2009.<ref>{{cite web|title=One and only "Hall-Raiser"|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/halloffame/articles/9109986|access-date=February 15, 2009|publisher=WWE|archive-date=June 29, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629075440/http://www.wwe.com/superstars/halloffame/articles/9109986|url-status=live}}</ref> He was inducted by his long-term on-screen rival Vince McMahon, who referred to Austin as "the greatest WWE Superstar of all time". During the induction, Austin said he was officially closing the door on his wrestling career and starting a new chapter in his life. He would appear at [[WrestleMania 25]] the next night, driving an ATV to the ring. Austin appeared as the [[List of WWE Raw guest stars|guest host]] of ''Raw'' on March 15, 2010, moderating a contract signing between McMahon and [[Bret Hart]] for their match at [[WrestleMania XXVI]] on March 28.

In early 2011, Austin was announced as the head trainer and host for the revival of ''[[WWE Tough Enough|Tough Enough]]''. On the March 7 episode of ''Raw'', Austin interrupted the contract signing of the special guest referee for the [[Michael Cole (wrestling)|Michael Cole]] and [[Jerry Lawler]] match at [[WrestleMania XXVII]] on April 3, originally scheduled to be JBL; Austin attacked JBL with a ''Stone Cold Stunner'' and signed the contract instead.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|url=https://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_48305.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 3/7: Complete "virtual time" coverage of live Raw - Taker-Hunter stipulation, Stone Cold's TV return, WrestleMania hype, Cena-Rock|date=March 7, 2011|access-date=May 16, 2018|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304044248/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_48305.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> Although Lawler won by submission, the [[Anonymous Raw General Manager]] reversed the decision and disqualified Lawler, claiming that Austin had "overstepped his authority". Austin appeared on ''Raw'' the following night with the cast from ''Tough Enough'', while also getting into an altercation with [[The Miz]] and [[Alex Riley]]. On the June 6 episode of ''Raw'', Austin appeared to declare [[Andy Leavine]] as the winner of ''Tough Enough''. He also served as the special guest referee in the evening's tag team main event of [[John Cena]] and Alex Riley against The Miz and [[Ron Killings|R-Truth]], hitting Miz with a ''Stone Cold Stunner'' and aiding Cena. However, the Anonymous Raw General Manager awarding the match to The Miz and R-Truth via disqualification. Austin did not take kindly to his decision being overturned and gave Cole a ''Stone Cold Stunner'', which was followed with an ''[[Professional wrestling throws#Fireman's carry takeover|Attitude Adjustment]]'' by Cena. Austin and Cena closed the show with a beer bash. Austin later appeared as the special guest General Manager on the "[[WWE All-Stars]]" episode of ''Raw'', during which he destroyed the Anonymous Raw General Manager's laptop by running over it with his ATV. In July 2012, Austin was announced as the cover star of the special edition of the video game [[WWE '13]]. He then began a brief, verbal feud on [[Raw (WWE brand)|Raw]] with fellow cover star [[CM Punk]] in the months leading to release.

[[File:Hogan Rock and Austin WrestleMania XXX.jpg|thumb|alt=|Austin (center) with [[Hulk Hogan]] (left) and [[Dwayne Johnson|The Rock]] at [[WrestleMania XXX]]]]
Austin appeared at [[WrestleMania XXX]] on April 6, 2014, with Hulk Hogan and The Rock in the opening segment.<ref>{{cite web |last=Brett |first=Tom |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/wwe-mma-wrestling/wrestlemania-30-results-daniel-bryan-finally-reaches-gold-but-the-wwe-universe-left-stunned-by-the-9243139.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220525/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/wwe-mma-wrestling/wrestlemania-30-results-daniel-bryan-finally-reaches-gold-but-the-wwe-universe-left-stunned-by-the-9243139.html |archive-date=May 25, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Wrestlemania 30 results: Daniel Bryan finally reaches gold but WWE Universe left stunned by The Undertaker|date=April 7, 2014|access-date=May 16, 2018|work=[[The Independent]]}}</ref> Austin made an appearance on the October 19, 2015, episode of ''Raw'', introducing The Undertaker and promoting the [[WrestleMania 32]] event.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/index.php/2015/10/19/1019-wwe-raw-report-caldwells-live-results-lesnar-taker-more-on-pre-hiac-episode/|title=10/19 WWE Raw: Caldwell's Full Report|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=October 19, 2015|access-date=November 6, 2015|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|archive-date=October 26, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151026031838/http://www.pwtorch.com/index.php/2015/10/19/1019-wwe-raw-report-caldwells-live-results-lesnar-taker-more-on-pre-hiac-episode/|url-status=live}}</ref> Austin again appeared on ''Raw'' the following week, where he promoted the ''[[WWE 2K16]]'' video game in a backstage segment.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/index.php/2015/10/26/1026-wwe-raw-results-caldwells-live-report-on-hiac-fall-out/|title=10/26 WWE Raw Results – Caldwell's Live Report on HIAC fall-out|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=October 26, 2015|access-date=November 6, 2015|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|archive-date=November 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151116121111/http://www.pwtorch.com/index.php/2015/10/26/1026-wwe-raw-results-caldwells-live-report-on-hiac-fall-out/|url-status=live}}</ref> At [[WrestleMania 32]] on April 3, 2016, Austin (alongside [[Mick Foley]] and Shawn Michaels) confronted [[The League of Nations (professional wrestling)|The League of Nations]], with Austin delivering ''Stone Cold Stunners'' to [[Rusev (wrestler)|Rusev]] and [[Wade Barrett|King Barrett]]. While Austin was celebrating with Michaels and Foley, [[The New Day (wrestling)|The New Day]] tried to convince Austin to dance with them in celebration. While Austin reluctantly danced along at first, he soon hit [[Xavier Woods]] with a ''Stone Cold Stunner''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-sn-wrestlemania-live-results-20160403-story.html|title=Wrestlemania 32 results: Roman Reigns defeats HHH; The Undertaker defeats Shane McMahon|last=Mitchell|first=Houston|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=April 3, 2016|access-date=May 16, 2018|archive-date=February 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228114010/http://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-sn-wrestlemania-live-results-20160403-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

During [[WWE Raw 25 Years|''Raw''{{'}}s 25th anniversary episode]] on January 22, 2018, Austin appeared and performed a ''Stone Cold Stunner'' on Shane and Vince McMahon.<ref>{{cite web|last=Campbell|first=Brian|url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-raw-25-results-recap-new-champion-austin-stuns-mcmahon-taker-too-sweet/|title=WWE Raw results, recap: New champion, Austin stuns McMahon, Taker, 'Too Sweet'|date=January 23, 2018|access-date=May 16, 2018|publisher=[[CBS News]]|archive-date=January 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180124195540/https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-raw-25-results-recap-new-champion-austin-stuns-mcmahon-taker-too-sweet/|url-status=live}}</ref> On July 22, 2019, Austin appeared on the ''[[List of WWE Raw special episodes|Raw Reunion]]'' episode and raised a toast alongside [[Triple H]], [[Hulk Hogan]], [[Ric Flair]], and various other wrestlers from his era.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/07/22/7-22-wwe-raw-results-powells-review-raw-reunion-featuring-steve-austin-ric-flair-dx-hulk-hogan-and-many-more-alexa-bliss-talkshow-with-becky-lynch-the-build-to-summerslam-continues/|title=7/22 WWE Raw Results: Powell's review Raw Reunion featuring Steve Austin, Ric Flair, DX, Hulk Hogan, and many more, Alexa Bliss talkshow with Becky Lynch, the build to SummerSlam continues|date=July 22, 2019|last=Powell|first=Jason|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=July 23, 2019|archive-date=July 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723041939/https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/07/22/7-22-wwe-raw-results-powells-review-raw-reunion-featuring-steve-austin-ric-flair-dx-hulk-hogan-and-many-more-alexa-bliss-talkshow-with-becky-lynch-the-build-to-summerslam-continues/|url-status=live}}</ref> On September 9, he made an appearance on ''Raw'' at [[Madison Square Garden]] for the contract signing between [[Seth Rollins]] and [[Braun Strowman]]. Having been interrupted by [[AJ Styles]], he hit Styles with a ''Stone Cold Stunner''.<ref name="Raw09092019">{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-raw-results-recap-grades-stone-cold-steve-austin-steals-the-show-in-madison-square-garden-return/|title=WWE Raw results, recap, grades: 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin steals the show in Madison Square Garden return|date=September 9, 2019|last=Crosby|first=Jack|work=[[CBSSports]]|access-date=September 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190915095805/https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-raw-results-recap-grades-stone-cold-steve-austin-steals-the-show-in-madison-square-garden-return/|archive-date=September 15, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> On the March 16, 2020 episode of ''Raw'', Austin made an appearance to promote "3:16 Day" as a holiday. He shared a beer with commentator [[Byron Saxton]] before giving him a ''Stone Cold Stunner''. He then shared a beer with [[Becky Lynch]] and [[The Street Profits]] ([[Angelo Dawkins]], and [[Montez Ford]]) before giving The Street Profits ''Stone Cold Stunners''.<ref name="Raw03162020">{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2020/03/16/3-16-wwe-raw-results-kellers-report-on-stone-cold-steve-austin-in-fan-free-setting-a-j-styles-undertaker-contract-signing-for-wrestlemania/|title=3/16 WWE Raw Results: Keller's report on "Stone Cold" Steve Austin in fan-free setting, A.J. Styles-Undertaker contract signing for WrestleMania, Edge live in-ring interview|date=March 16, 2020|last=Keller|first=Wade|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=March 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200317053034/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2020/03/16/3-16-wwe-raw-results-kellers-report-on-stone-cold-steve-austin-in-fan-free-setting-a-j-styles-undertaker-contract-signing-for-wrestlemania/|archive-date=March 17, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== One-off return to competition and sporadic appearances (2022–present) ====
After 19 years away from in-ring competition, Austin defeated [[Kevin Owens]] in an impromptu [[Professional wrestling match types#No Disqualification match|No Holds Barred match]] at Night 1 of [[WrestleMania 38]] in 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Steve Austin Says He's Lucky To Finish His Career In Dallas, Praises The WWE Universe {{!}} Fightful News |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/steve-austin-says-he-s-lucky-finish-his-career-dallas-praises-wwe-universe |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220403143536/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/steve-austin-says-he-s-lucky-finish-his-career-dallas-praises-wwe-universe |archive-date=April 3, 2022 |access-date=April 3, 2022 |website=www.fightful.com |language=en}}</ref> He made a second appearance the following night, delivering stunners to Vince McMahon, [[Austin Theory]], and [[Pat McAfee]].<ref name="stunner38">{{cite news |last=Lambert |first=Jeremy |title=ince McMahon Takes The Worst Stunner Ever From Steve Austin At WrestleMania 38 |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/vince-mcmahon-takes-worst-stunner-ever-steve-austin-wrestlemania-38 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220503114858/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/vince-mcmahon-takes-worst-stunner-ever-steve-austin-wrestlemania-38 |archive-date=May 3, 2022 |access-date=April 25, 2022 |website=www.fightful.com |language=en}}</ref> He made another brief appearance at [[WrestleMania 41]] in 2025, crashing an [[All-terrain vehicle|ATV]] into the ringside barricade.<ref name="WM41N2">{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=April 20, 2025 |title=WrestleMania 41 results: Powell's live review of night two with Cody Rhodes vs. John Cena for the WWE Championship, Iyo Sky vs. Bianca Belair vs. Rhea Ripley for the Women's World Championship |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/04/20/wrestlemania-41-results-powells-live-review-of-night-two-with-cody-rhodes-vs-john-cena-for-the-wwe-championship-iyo-sky-vs-bianca-belair-vs-rhea-ripley-for-the-womens-world-championship/ |access-date=April 20, 2025 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref>