Stone Cold Steve Austin leaves door open for stunning WWE return against massive opponent

WWE legend Stone Cold Steve Austin has refused to rule out a stunning return - and even hinted at a potential opponent.

Austin retired from wrestling in 2003 after he lost to long-time rival The Rock at WrestleMania 19.

Although he had various other roles within wrestling, Austin regularly said he would not compete inside the ring again.

However, that all changed two years ago when he laced up the boots again for a bout against Kevin Owens in his home state of Texas at WrestleMania 38.

The Texas Rattlesnake emerged victorious in a 'No Holds Barred' main event match and at the age of 57, looked like he'd never been away.

And when asked about stomping a mudhole one more time, Austin responded by saying "never say never".

"I said I'd never get in a ring again unless all the stars aligned," Austin told ESPN.

"And for some reason, somehow, they all did. And at the age of 57, I headlined the first night of WrestleMania. I never thought I'd do that. If you'd have told me that when I retired in [2003], I'd have said, 'You're crazy.' So I'm not gonna sit here and say no to anything, because you never say never in this crazy business of sports entertainment."

The six-time world champion was then pressed on who the ideal opponent for his final match would be.

He did not give a name but then the recently returned CM Punk was mentioned and Austin appeared to express some interest.

Image: Getty

"I like Punk, and I think Punk likes me - so, as long as he can take a [Stone Cold] Stunner," Austin added.

"I consider him a great friend, a great guy and a great wrestler who's had a great career. We'll see."

A dream match between the two was teased many years back in a tense sit-down interview back in 2011, while reports last year claimed WWE were pushing to make the match at this year's WrestleMania.

After coming back to the company and competing in the Royal Rumble a decade after leaving, Punk appeared set to face world champion Seth Rollins.

However, he suffered a tricep injury in the match and now faces a spell on the sidelines after undergoing surgery.

Topics: Stone Cold Steve Austin, WWE, WrestleMania

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

@joshlawless_