Looking back at Steve Austin's best matches

Rumors have floated for years about a return of Steve Austin to the ring. The long time veteran retired from the ring in 2003, but the Texas native is still in good shape. On his Steve Austin Show podcast, the former Stone Cold has discussed a return on more than one occasion, but outside a few non-wrestling appearances on WWE events has done little in the wrestling world. Instead his focus has been on reality shows like “Redneck Island” and “Broken Skull Challenge” as well as his twice a week podcast. On a recent show, Paul Heyman even tried to goad the Texas Rattlesnake into a match with Brock Lesnar at Wrestlemania XXXII.

Whether or not Steve Austin ever wrestles another match, the man born Steven Williams has a resume of great matches to look back on. From his early Texas days to WCW to his short run in ECW all the way through his superstardom in WWF, Austin brought a fiery resolve to the wrestling ring. While his future may be in question, he wrestled tons of great matches. Here are five of his best.

Note: I have included clips where I could find them, but all five of these battles are now available on the WWE Network with far superior quality.

Image Credit: WWE.com

Stone Cold Steve Austin versus The Rock

At Wrestlemania XV, two of the biggest stars in wrestling history met. The Rock was a dominant champion, backed by Vince McMahon’s Corporation and protected by nefarious tactics. But Austin’s title shot served to ruin The Rock’s day. After a brutal contest, Steve Austin came out on top and won his second Wrestlemania main event. By shows end, he even stood tall over his arch-nemesis Vince McMahon.