2025 was the year of returns for WWE fans as John Cena, Nikki Bella, AJ Lee, Goldberg, The Rock and more all returned to WWE programming. We’re currently on the cusp of WrestleMania season here in 2026 and it looks like another big return could be on the horizon.
WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select is reporting that there have been internal discussions about Steve Austin potentially making a return appearance at some point in the near future. It was noted that sources aren’t confident either way about the likelihood of it happening, but Austin’s name has been circulating across multiple departments.
At this point in time it’s not clear what a potential Steve Austin return could entail. Steve Austin last appeared on WWE programming in 2022 when he returned to the ring to face Kevin Owens at WrestleMania 38.
Steve Austin recently made headlines when he said that he could still go for one more match. However, there’s been no confirmation regarding what WWE does, or does not have planned for Austin, and whether or not the company is hoping for him to get back in the ring. Austin also recently confirmed that WWE contacted him about making an appearance at WrestleMania 40, but he noted that talks fell through because he had other things going on at the time.
One way or another the timing is interesting as WrestleMania season is right around the corner, so we’ll have to wait and see how the situation with Austin plays out.
Stay tuned for updates.