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With 2024 coming to an end, WWE fans are starting to make predictions for their dream WrestleMania 41 card. The Show of Shows is set to take place on Saturday, April 19 and Sunday, April 20 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, next year.
Over the years, WrestleMania has been the place for many past legends to compete in one more match. One performer who made a stunning and fantastic return to the ring at WrestleMania 38 in 2022 was Stone Cold Steve Austin.
Since then, fans have been clamoring to see the Texas Rattlesnake back in the squared circle one more time.
With the Road to WrestleMania nearing, we will look at three potential opponents that Stone Cold Steve Austin could face at WrestleMania 41.
#3. The Ring General faces the sport's great rebel
For almost two years now, Gunther has ruled as the most dominant force in the WWE, with the Austrian first ruling as the longest-reigning Intercontinental Champion of all time, to then go on to win the World Heavyweight Championship.
Throughout his WWE career, Gunther has made it his mission to go after performers who he believes are mocking the integrity of the business by their actions both in the ring and out of it.
With a methodical, hard-hitting style, Gunther would be a perfect opponent for Austin to face at WrestleMania 41 next year.
Also, as someone who has been involved in some of the most degenerative moments in company history, Stone Cold Steve Austin is undoubtedly a performer that Gunther would have a problem with should their paths ever cross.
#2. The Texas Rattlesnake finally faces the Second City Saint
One name that has been tied to Austin's over the past 15 years or so is somebody who many feel at one point was the modern-day version of the Texas Rattlesnake, that being CM Punk.
Both men made their names by challenging authority and connecting with the fan base on a level rarely seen in professional wrestling.
The two renegade performers have had a few interactions over the years, most notably during an episode of RAW in June of 2011 when Austin and Punk shared a heated interaction backstage, which saw the two stars go back and forth in a heated verbal exchange.
With CM Punk now back in WWE full-time and Austin open to performing again, fans have started to wonder if the two performers are destined to face off in Vegas next April.
During a recent interview on the Masked Man Show, CM Punk was asked if he would be open to facing the Hall of Famer at Allegiant Stadium.
"That would be up to Steven. It’s not up to me. I think he had a pretty good return — came back, main event-ed WrestleMania. At this point, his six shooters might be buried in the Nevada desert. But, if he wants to dig ‘em up — I’m your huckleberry. It should’ve happened ten-plus years ago, but if he wants to Go To Sleep, he can call me."
#1. Two of WWE's most iconic stars collide on the Grandest Stage of Them All
Over the years, fans have seen stars from different generations collide on the Grandest Stage of Them All. From The Rock and Hulk Hogan to Ric Flair and Shawn Michaels, and Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar. WrestleMania has always been the place for the best of the best to clash.
One battle that many have wanted to see is Stone Cold Steve Austin and John Cena. Like Hulk Hogan, The Rock, and Roman Reigns, Cena and Austin are arguably the biggest stars in the history of WWE.
Having been the faces of different generations, fans have always wondered who would win in a potential dream match.
Earlier this year, Cena announced that 2025 would be his final year in the ring. He is set to compete over the year in various matches worldwide.
During a recent interview with Collider, Cena gave some details on how his WWE farewell tour is going to look.
"I have given the calendar 2025 to WWE. I am retiring in 2025, and I start that farewell tour in January, and I’ll end it in December. It’s gonna be right around 36 dates, around the world, to pay thanks and gratitude to the WWE audiences around the world. So that’s what I’m doing in 2025."
With him set to perform throughout 2025, Cena will seemingly compete at WrestleMania 41. If that is the case, a generational showdown with Steve Austin in Vegas would certainly be the place to do it.
