Steve Austin’s Original WrestleMania 41 Role Revealed
“Stone Cold” Steve Austin almost had a much more active presence at WrestleMania 41 than the brief cameo fans witnessed in Las Vegas. A new behind-the-scenes reveal from the WWE Unreal docuseries shows that Austin was originally considered for a key role—as the special guest referee for a singles bout between Drew McIntyre and Bron Breakker.
The original pitch was revealed via a whiteboard in the writers’ room, showcasing early booking plans before final creative decisions were made. Austin’s return as a referee could’ve added major star power and intensity to what was planned as a hard-hitting battle between two top-tier heavyweights.
However, those plans were eventually scrapped. When WrestleMania 41 arrived at Allegiant Stadium, Austin only made a quick appearance, where he welcomed fans and announced the official attendance figure. Unfortunately, that cameo was overshadowed by a botched ATV entrance, where Austin struggled to bring the vehicle to a smooth stop near ringside.
Meanwhile, the wrestlers Austin was originally linked with took drastically different paths on Night 2. Drew McIntyre clashed with Damian Priest in a brutal Sin City Street Fight, picking up a gritty win. Bron Breakker, on the other hand, defended his Intercontinental Championship but came up short in a Fatal Four-Way Match that included Dominik Mysterio, Finn Bálor, and Penta—with Dominik eventually walking away with the title.
While it’s no secret that WWE often changes creative plans in the weeks and even days leading up to WrestleMania, the idea of “Stone Cold” officiating a key match could’ve added a nostalgic and emotional element to the event. Fans were left wondering what the moment could have meant for Austin’s legacy and the match’s intensity.
This isn’t the first time WWE has explored ways to include Austin on the ‘Mania stage without putting him in full in-ring action. His last actual match came at WrestleMania 38 in a brawl with Kevin Owens, and since then, Austin’s role has mostly been cameos. The WrestleMania 41 whiteboard reveals that WWE was at least willing to test the waters with more meaningful involvement.
Would fans have loved it? Most likely yes. Austin still receives one of the loudest pops anytime his glass-shattering theme hits the arena. A referee role would’ve given him screen time, nostalgia, and interaction with modern stars—without the physical toll.
Though this idea didn’t make the final cut, it opens the door to future roles for legends like Austin. Whether it’s a referee, enforcer, or special host, there’s still gas left in the tank for Stone Cold to electrify the WWE Universe one more time.
Do you think Steve Austin should’ve been more involved at WrestleMania 41? Let us know in the comments!
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