21 years ago this April, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin faced off at WrestleMania 19 in what appeared to be the final chapter of their legendary rivalry. The Rock eventually came out victorious with a now-famous trio of Rock Bottoms, which also acted as a poetic end to the career of Austin who retired from in-ring competition afterward. That was, however, until 19 years later when Austin shockingly came out of retirement to face Kevin Owens back at WrestleMania 38.
While Johnson’s in-ring career has slowed down dramatically since his last clash with Austin, he has never officially hung up his wrestling boots. Despite not having competed in a proper match since his WrestleMania 29 clash with John Cena over a decade ago, the newly-appointed TKO Group Holdings board member has long been rumored for a dream match with his cousin and current Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns.
With both legends’ in-ring careers seemingly revived as WWE begins the road to WrestleMania 40, the possibility of one last match between two of professional wrestling’s biggest stars has crossed the minds of many fans. Now Austin himself has tackled the idea head-on in a new interview with Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated.
“I think that would be in slow motion,” said Austin with a laugh. “I don’t know about that, but Philly would be a great place for it to happen. I worked with The Rock at WrestleMania XV, and we rocked the house. I pinned his shoulders to the mat, one-two-three. But I don’t know about that happening now.”
While the Texas Rattlesnake is unsure about the potential for the match at this upcoming WrestleMania, he did provide an unusual solution for fans who want to see the legendary rematch one last time.
“If you want to recreate it, that’s why WWE 2K24 is so great,” said Austin. “We’ll see what happens in Philly. But if you want to see it happen, make it happen in your own house.”