Jim Ross speaks about Stone Cold’s take on WrestleMania 38 confrontation
This week post-RAW it was confirmed that Stone Cold is set to appear as the special guest on “The Kevin Owens Show” at WrestleMania 38.
It was reported by many top insiders of WWE that The Rattlesnake was slated for an in-ring return at ‘Mania. Austin was set to take on Kevin Owens. Owens had been saying foul stuff about Texas over the last few weeks. Texas is the home of Stone Cold Steve Austin and will also host WrestleMania 38.
WWE wanted the build-up to be like Kevin Owens going after Austin’s hometown and the latter returning to teach him a lesson at ‘Mania. According to Jim Ross, Austin didn’t buy the idea.
JR who is currently working as a commentator for AEW Dynamite made some interesting revelations about his long-time friend Austin and WWE’s plans.
JR would also praise Austin saying he is “a perfectionist” and someone who has always focussed on his fitness.
“People have to understand that Steve is a perfectionist.” – Jim Ross
On the latest episode of the Grilling JR podcast, Ross would claim that he has spoken with Austin recently. According to him, Austin isn’t too thrilled with what WWE planned for him at ‘Mania.
“It looks like Austin is not going to do anything at WrestleMania as far as wrestling in the ring. He and I have talked, but at the time we talked, he didn’t know what he was going to do and he didn’t sound overwhelmingly enthusiastic about it.”
Ross clarified that Stone Cold wasn’t concerned about his fitness levels as he trains hard and is ready to compete in the ring. It’s more about the legacy that is associated with the Stone Cold brand and he doesn’t want to tarnish it. Ross continued:
“People have to understand that Steve is a perfectionist. Even though he stays in great shape and he looks wonderful, especially for a guy his age, he looks great. He can do a photoshoot and it looks like that can be Steve from any era, but that’s the athlete in him. He likes to train, eat right, and all those things.”
JR’s suggestion regarding the build-up to Austin’s in-ring return
Ross also gave his suggestion regarding how Austin’s comeback in the ring should be built-up. He demanded a longer period for the build-up. Something in the range of six months. Austin was one of the biggest Superstars of his era. Unfortunately, he had to retire prematurely due to injury but now that he can return to in-ring competition, it can be hyped up to a greater extent. Austin last wrestled in 2003. A return to the ring after 19 years certainly deserves a better build-up.
“If he was going to wrestle at WrestleMania, and this is just me talking, I would suggest that it should have been decided six months ago, not only to build a story to that crescendo in Dallas at WrestleMania but to give him time to train better and have more peace of mind. You know he’s going to handpick his opponent.”
“Austin always wants to give fans their money’s worth” – Jim Ross
Ross also stated that Austin would not risk his legacy for just one match. WWE would love to have him back in the ring for one more match but it has to be properly planned out. This year it’s not happening. Maybe the company can come up with something bigger and better next year so that the huge fanbase of Austin can see him compete in the ring once again.
“He likes to prepare, and if anything, over prepare because he always wants to give the fans their money’s worth. He’s got a legacy that he’s built around the Stone Cold brand that he’s not going to purposely, or by his own hand, make himself look bad, and I don’t blame him.”
h/t – WrestlingNews.co
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