Goldberg Vs. Gunther: A Dream Match Brewing?

The WWE Universe is on the edge of its seat regarding rumors about the return of one of the most iconic figures ever in professional wrestling history: Stone Cold Steve Austin. Monday Night Raw is going to make its historic appearance on Netflix on January 6, 2025. Speculation has risen to fever pitch as it has been wondered if Austin will be a part of the massive show. WWE’s promotional materials have done little to dissuade these rumors, including a drone show featuring his iconic smoking skull logo. And if the Texas Rattlesnake does indeed show up, that would make what is already a monumental event nothing short of legendary.

A deeper look into what one potential Stone Cold return might imply, the impact such an act could have on this new era in WWE, and how such a story arc would set up into WrestleMania 41.

The Significance of Stone Cold’s Return

Stone Cold Steve Austin was synonymous with WWE’s golden era, none other than the Attitude Era, where he became a full-fledged cultural phenomenon. With his signature style of an attitude problem, beer-drinking antics, and a never-to-be-forgotten rivalry with Vince McMahon and The Rock, Austin remains one of the most popular figures in wrestling history.

While Austin retired from in-ring competition after WrestleMania 19 in 2003, his neck injuries have kept him away, yet his occasional appearances over the years have been very well received by thunderous applause. The last big return came at WrestleMania 38 this year when he was supposed to face Kevin Owens in an impromptu match that stole the show.

An Austin appearance at the Netflix premiere of Raw would mark his first televised WWE appearance in nearly three years. It would not only thrill longtime fans but also introduce a new generation of viewers to one of wrestling’s most iconic figures.

Why Now? Timing the Comeback Just Right

The timing of Stone Cold’s reported return couldn’t be more perfect.

WWE-NETFLIX Deal: This will mark a massive step ahead for the company, and with Raw coming onto Netflix globally, an Austin appearance out of nowhere will have huge buzz going on, bringing millions into the fold for this historic episode.

WrestleMania Season: January opens the road to WrestleMania in WWE, and it shall be that time of the year when several storylines with a high stake unravel along with major surprises. Planning Austin’s return could set up a significant angle leading into WrestleMania 41.

Fan Nostalgia: Throw Stone Cold into the mix, with all those legends reported to appear at the Netflix premiere, and that would definitely be a night that fans from every era have been dreaming of.

Stone Cold: Possible Roles

If Stone Cold were to return, here are various ways WWE could use him:

1. Facing off against Roman Reigns or Solo Sikoa

He could get involved with the highly announced Tribal Combat bout between Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa. Between the rising tension within The Bloodline, adding Austin to all this could truly take a surprising end. Would this mean he hit Roman Reigns with a stunner, or is he aligning with Solo Sikoa?

2. Hosting a Special Segment

Austin is known for his memorable talk show segments like The Highlight Reel or The KO Show. He could host a special edition of “The Broken Skull Sessions” live on Raw, interviewing top stars like Cody Rhodes or Seth Rollins while stirring up rivalries in the process.

3. Setting Up a WrestleMania Match

Although Austin has been largely retired from active competition, the match he had with Kevin Owens at WrestleMania 38 proved he still has it in him to deliver a good performance. A confrontation at the Netflix premiere of Raw could set the stage for one final match at WrestleMania 41 against someone like LA Knight or even Logan Paul.

4. Passing the Torch

This could be a great opportunity for Austin to come back and give his seal of approval or “pass the torch” to one of the up-and-coming guys like Gunther or Solo Sikoa. It would be a strong endorsement to the rising star and seal their place as a main-eventer while giving respect to Austin’s legacy.

Fan expectations, reactions by fans

The prospect of Stone Cold Steve Austin returning to WWE television has gone wild among fans on social media:

“Stone Cold shows up tonight on Raw; I’m canceling all my plans!

“Austin vs. Roman Reigns at WrestleMania? Take my money!”

This Netflix deal just keeps getting better—Stone Cold is just what the doctor ordered!

While excitement is through the roof, there’s also concern over how WWE would work his return without overshadowing current stars and storylines in progress.

Challenges and Considerations

Living up to such a scenario as thrilling, there are issues WWE would have to address regarding Stone Cold’s return:

Balancing Nostalgia with Progression: Legends like Austin bring star power, but WWE has to balance the appearances and make sure it is not on the altar of building new talent.

Physical Limitations: Given his age of 60 and a history of neck injuries, Austin’s involvement in the ring will be very limited, likely non-wrestling or carefully planned segments.

Fan Expectation: The WWE universe regards Austin and, thus, making any missteps in booking his return would surely incite fan disappointment.

What This Means for WWE’s Future

A potential return of Stone Cold Steve Austin means much more than mere nostalgia; it means WWE is committed to a rich history blended with an evolving future. Teaming such iconic figures as Austin in moments of great importance, like the Netflix debut of Raw, the company can appeal to both casual viewers and lifelong fans alike.

In addition, the move also comes in line with the bigger strategy of the WWE while pairing up with Netflix to create a must-see kind of television. Including legends like Austin only guarantees WWE is relevant and leads all conversations concerning pop culture.

Conclusion: A Night to Remember?

If Stone Cold Steve Austin does, in fact, appear at the January 6 edition of Raw marking Netflix’s entry into the wrestling world, without question it has to be one of those moments where either jaws have to drop or phones are out live on socials. He is going to walk in and provide a stunner, host a segment, or probably just raise absolute hell because Stone Cold is appearing during this match or event, selling it to all global fans.

And that is definitely in store in this historic edition of Monday Night Raw. If you hear any glass shatter tonight, just know all heck is about to break loose. because Stone Cold Steve Austin is ready, and that’s the bottom line!