From his childhood fandom to headlining WWE WrestleMania, Kevin Owens has a unique relationship with “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. Speaking to James Williams on YouTube, Owens recently shared the profound impact Austin has had on him as a performer.
“At one point, I would argue that I was the biggest ‘Stone Cold’ fan out there,” Owens said.
The former WWE Universal Champion recounted how his room was once covered floor-to-ceiling with posters of the WWE star.
As Owens pursued a career in professional wrestling, he had several significant interactions with Austin, including a chance encounter at an airport in 2005 and an appearance on Austin’s podcast before Owens signed with WWE. In recent years, Owens received Austin’s blessing to use the Stunner as his finishing move.
Steve Austin (Credits: WWE)
“All that culminating in him coming out of retirement after 19 years to have a match with me, of all people — it’s very hard to even believe that story is real,” Owens continued.
“[It was] undoubtedly the most special moment of my career. I had a great career, a lot of great moments, [but] I really don’t know what’s going to top that one.”
Owens then detailed how the match with Austin came together. Previous WWE booker and CEO Vince McMahon informed Owens months in advance that he would be “involved with” Austin at WWE WrestleMania 38. Initially, it wasn’t clear if it would be an actual match, but discussions continued, and that is eventually what transpired.
Austin emerged victorious after nearly 14 minutes in a No Holds Barred match. Although rumors have circulated about Austin returning for another match, it has yet to happen.
