WWE Hall of Famer Stone Cold Steve Austin revealed that a highly anticipated CM Punk WWE match nearly took place, offering an inside look into discussions that almost brought two wrestling icons face-to-face. Speaking on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, Austin shared candid reflections about the near-miss and discussed why some legendary encounters in wrestling history remain only dream matches.
Plans Discussed for a Steve Austin vs. CM Punk Showdown
During a recent appearance, Steve Austin addressed longstanding fan speculation about a possible CM Punk WWE match. He recounted how the idea was considered during the promotion of a WWE video game but explained that timing and circumstances prevented it from happening. According to Austin, he was recovering from several knee surgeries at the time, creating a roadblock for such a major bout to take place while Punk was World Heavyweight Champion.
“It was teased at one time, we were promoting a video game, and I think I just had an ACL, PCL [surgery]. Maybe it was teased, but it just never happened, just like me and Hogan never [happened]. Many things never happened. There’s so much good s**t that did happen. Not everything can happen.”
– Steve Austin, WWE Hall of Famer
This revelation highlights that even high-profile stars like Steve Austin sometimes find themselves unable to turn fan dreams into reality, due to factors beyond their control. Austin’s comments also nod to other legendary matches, such as the one with Hulk Hogan, that never took place, despite sustained interest from wrestling enthusiasts.
The Missed Opportunity for a Confrontation with Goldberg
Steve Austin went further, discussing why a blockbuster showdown with Goldberg was also left on the table. He explained that timing within the wrestling business played a crucial role, pointing out that Goldberg needed to establish himself more in the WWF after making his name in WCW before such a major match could happen. Austin noted that their paths were parallel during wrestling’s fiercest period—the Monday Night Wars—but schedules and career trajectories did not line up for the encounter.
“I don’t know. I think we pitched it when he first came in, but he wasn’t at the level that he needed to be. He had just come into WWF, and he needed to get going or get over first. He was certainly over from his WCW days. I think a little bit of time had elapsed, but I watched him down there in Atlanta, but we were all on the road at the time, and that was during the Monday Night Wars. If you set your DVR to record back in the day, you kind of knew what was going on. I watched Dallas Page kind of go down a parallel path as me too as far as this timeline of getting over. But yeah, you know, Goldberg just needed to put some time in WWF before we could go, and then it just never happened. Bill is a good friend of mine.”
– Steve Austin, WWE Hall of Famer
This detailed reflection sheds light on how even the best intentions and opportunities can fall short in wrestling, where timing and momentum are vital. The possibility that another major match with a star like Goldberg never happened underscores the unpredictability of the sport.
What Unfulfilled Matches Reveal About Wrestling’s History
The revelations from Steve Austin provide a window into the realities within pro wrestling, where the most anticipated matches—like CM Punk WWE match possibilities—can sometimes stay just out of reach. As Austin’s stories about his time on the road, his friendship with Bill Goldberg, and the era of the Monday Night Wars illustrate, the stars themselves do not always have control over what the fans ultimately get to see. These insights help fans appreciate the matches that did occur, and serve as a reminder of the complex dynamics at play behind-the-scenes in WWE history.
