Jim Ross Breaks Silence on Stone Cold’s WWE Return—Why WrestleMania Suddenly Feels Very Real
Speculation around Stone Cold Steve Austin returning to WWE has exploded, and now Jim Ross has added serious fuel to the fire.
On a recent episode of Grilling JR, the legendary announcer reacted to a WrestleVotes report claiming Austin has been in talks with WWE about a possible return. While nothing is officially confirmed, Ross made it clear that if Stone Cold does show up again, it will be entirely on his own terms.
According to Ross, Austin has earned the rare luxury of complete creative freedom. After everything he accomplished in WWE, Ross believes Stone Cold can step in—or step away—whenever he chooses, whether that’s for a single appearance or something more physical.
Ross also took time to remind fans just how massive Austin’s impact was during the Attitude Era. He credited Stone Cold as one of the biggest reasons WWE reached new heights, noting that Austin didn’t just become a megastar himself—he helped elevate others, including The Rock. Their rivalry, Ross said, was a true game-changer that helped shape an entire era.
When it comes to Austin’s future, Ross admitted there are still many unknowns. However, he stressed one key point: Stone Cold doesn’t need the money. Any return would only happen if Austin fully believes in it. That said, WrestleMania continues to stand out as the most logical destination, especially with Austin living nearby and WWE always looking for a major attraction to boost its biggest show of the year.
Ross hinted that “where there’s smoke, there’s fire,” suggesting the rumors shouldn’t be dismissed so easily. He also pointed out that even a brief return—whether tied to WrestleMania or the Royal Rumble—would instantly raise interest, sell pay-per-views, and add mystique to WWE’s ongoing storytelling.
Most importantly, Ross shut down the idea of a watered-down appearance. If Stone Cold comes back, fans shouldn’t expect handshakes and nostalgia alone. Ross believes there would be real intensity, real physicality, and the same edge that made Austin iconic in the first place.
In the end, Ross made his stance clear: whatever Stone Cold Steve Austin decides to do, he has more than earned it. And if those black boots hit a WWE ring one more time, it could instantly become one of the most talked-about moments in WrestleMania history.
