5 Ways WWE could book the return of Stone Cold Steve Austin 

Stone Cold Steve Austin has recently been rumored to be making his return to WWE as part of WrestleMania 38 weekend.

The WWE Hall of Famer has made it clear several times that he doesn't want a final run in WWE due to struggling with severe knee and neck injuries towards the end of his career almost two decades ago.

Austin is the Texas Rattlesnake and given that WWE is presenting WrestleMania from Dallas, Texas next year, it's likely that he will be in attendance. Whilst the rumors make it clear that there are some plans in place for a return, that could mean several different things.

The following article looks at just five ways that WWE could book Stone Cold Steve Austin's return to the company.

---

#5. Stone Cold Steve Austin returns to WWE in Texas with a few beers and an interesting speech

Stone Cold Steve Austin has always been great on the mic and in recent years he has returned to WWE to have a good time.

Drinking beers and dishing out Stunner's is the usual route that a Stone Cold Steve Austin return plays out.

WrestleMania 38 could see Austin return and become the host of the show, which would allow him to drink beer, hand out a few stunners, and have a good time in Texas.

It's hard to imagine that he will be cleared to compete, but this has never stopped him from delivering a few stunners to whoever is in the ring setting him up, friend or foe.

WWE likes to go all out for WrestleMania, so having Austin as the host would be a great way to ensure that there are loyal fans in the crowd. It would also be the perfect way for Austin to pick up a feud with someone heading into SummerSlam if he's able to stick around.

Austin is an entertaining star and could help WWE with their ratings against AEW if the company allows him to step in. Even if he can't physically be part of the in-ring action, then he can definitely add something to the show just by being there.

#4. Steve Austin could make his return to WWE as a manager of a NXT Superstar

One thing that WWE is lacking at present is decent managers. The likes of MVP and Paul Heyman are the only real managers on the main roster at present, which needs to change if the company wants to start creating meaningful stories.

Stone Cold Steve Austin was always head and shoulders above most competition on the mic and could be part of some interesting stories if he is given the chance to manage an up-and-coming star.

There are a number of superstars in NXT at present who could use his guidance on the mic and they could then target anyone on the main roster for a feud.

As noted further down this list, the most obvious person to go after would be Kevin Owens since he stole Austin's finishing move and this could be seen as disrespectful in WWE, even though he did ask permission.

Austin as a manager could be a good ratings boost for WWE heading into 2022 if they are able to find him the right partner.

#3. Stone Cold Steve Austin is unveiled as WWE's Higher Authority on SmackDown

There has been something of a mystery on-going in WWE over the past few months, with Adam Pearce and Sonya Deville alluding to a higher authority in the company.

The "higher-ups" have been mentioned several times when it comes to storyline ideas which have put WWE Officials in hot water. Whilst it is likely that this "higher power" could just be the McMahon family or Vince McMahon himself, it could be unveiled as anyone at present.

The "higher-ups" have never been seen on-screen and it's likely that the company will continue to push the story until someone is chosen to play the role. With WWE pushing for Austin to make his return, who better than the Texas Rattlesnake to be unveiled as the man behind the curtain?

Austin knows the business inside out and could be a great pick to go up against Roman Reigns on the mic.

#2. Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Brock Lesnar - WWE Texas Death Match

Stone Cold Steve Austin has been working with WWE for the last several years. Whilst the former WWE Champion doesn't usually appear on TV, he does host his Broken Skull Sessions on the Network.

Over the years his guests have ranged from current and former WWE Superstars, Hall of Famers, and legends. One guest a few years ago was current WWE star, Paul Heyman.

Whilst talking to Brock Lesnar's advocate, Austin pitched the idea of a Texas death match at WrestleMania 32 which was almost six years ago.

This was an idea that WWE didn't capitalize on at the time, but if Lesnar's feud with Roman Reigns is wrapped up before WrestleMania in April then this could be an amazing idea.

A Texas Death match would be a WrestleMania-worthy match and would ensure that Brock Lesnar is a big part of the show. Roman Reigns' issues with The Beast are not expected to end at WWE Day 1, but it might be difficult for WWE to push the feud forward into WrestleMania season.

Austin and Lesnar have never faced one another before as Lesnar entered the company back when Austin's time in WWE was coming to a close. Should the two finally get the chance to lock horns, WrestleMania 38 in Texas is the time to do it.

#1. Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Kevin Owens - Which WWE Superstar owns the Stunner?

Stone Cold Steve Austin was known throughout his WWE career for his Stunner finisher. Since his departure from the company, Kevin Owens has decided to make the move his finisher instead of his usual Pop Up Powerbomb.

Owens recently signed a new WWE deal and it's not too far-fetched to imagine that the company tempted the former champion to put pen to paper by teasing a feud with the WWE Hall of Famer.

Owens is set to compete in the fatal four-way match at Day 1 but if he's unsuccessful in his quest to become champion then his career will reach a standstill once again.

It's a long-shot compared to the other options on the list, but an Austin-Owens feud culminating in a WrestleMania showdown in Texas has money and excitement written all over it. Stunner vs. Stunner: who does it better, and who would prevail?