Former WWE head writer explains real reason why Stone Cold didn’t face The Rock at WrestleMania

Stone Cold Steve Austin turned down a deal to face The Rock at WrestleMania XL – because he didn’t want to share the spotlight.

That’s the view of former WWE head writer Vince Russo, who addressed the Texas Rattlesnake’s surprising absence from the show.

The second night of WrestleMania 40 was one of the most action-packed in history, with Cody Rhodes ultimately becoming the undisputed WWE Universal Champion.

A frenetic finish to Sunday’s main event saw American Nightmare defeat Roman Reigns with the help of some returning legends.

Reigns, who already had Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in his corner, ultimately had to compete with The Undertaker and John Cena.

Cena’s return was expected, with the company’s former franchise player being involved in the Rock’s final full WWE program through WrestleMania 28 and 29.

However, Taker’s appearance came as somewhat of a surprise, with fans expecting the People’s Champion’s other major rival to make his debut instead.

Stone Cold remains one of the biggest names in the wrestling business and, alongside Rock, was the poster child for WWE’s most profitable era – the Attitude Era.

Injuries forced Steve Austin to cut his storied career short with an epic 2003 showdown with the Fast and Furious actor.

Incredibly, after two decades away from the ring spotlight, the Hall of Famer made a return to WWE for WrestleMania 38 in 2022.

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His health and performance wowed fans and only fueled rumors that the 59-year-old would make another return for ‘Mania 40.

Austin himself also posted several cameo teases, sharing a video of a beer cart left at his ranch.

But the Undertaker’s iconic gong instead rang during Sunday’s clash, with Russo now explaining why a deal for Stone Cold fell through.

Speaking on Sportskeeda Wrestling’s Legion of RAW, Russo said: “There was a reason the glass didn’t break (Sunday) night.

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“There was a reason Austin wasn’t on that show. I knew Steve pretty well and I’ll tell you why Austin wasn’t on that show.

“You know why? He didn’t want to be one of the many. Austin is probably the only guy who is more protective of his character than anyone else.

“There’s no doubt they called Austin for this. Bro, the story was Rock and Austin, not Rock and Taker.

“But Austin won’t be one of the many. If it’s just him, you have a chance to make it.”