For years, WWE fans have been clamoring for a dream match between two of the industry’s most iconic figures: Stone Cold Steve Austin and CM Punk. The possibility of these two wrestling legends stepping into the ring together sent shockwaves throughout the wrestling community, with many speculating about what could have been.
However, despite the palpable chemistry and undeniable attitude between Austin and Punk when they appeared together promoting a WWE video game, the match between them remained a pipe dream. But what exactly went wrong? And why did the WWE never bring this highly anticipated showdown to life?
The Tease Begins
In 2012, Austin and Punk were brought together by the WWE to appear in a high-profile promotional campaign for the upcoming WWE ’13 video game. The two wrestling icons were seen strolling around the video game’s virtual world, complete with Austin’s signature beer and Punk’s no-nonsense persona.
To the surprise of many, the chemistry between Austin and Punk was palpable, and fans quickly began speculating about a potential match between the two. However, sources close to CM Punk reveal that the idea of a match between him and Austin was never seriously considered by the WWE at the time.
“It was more of a publicity stunt than anything else,” an insider close to Punk revealed. “We knew the fans would go wild if we brought Steve and CM together, and it was a great way to generate buzz for the video game. But to be honest, I don’t think anyone ever seriously considered making it happen.”
Why the Match Never Happened
While Austin and Punk’s on-screen chemistry was undeniable, several factors may have contributed to the match never coming to fruition. One major obstacle was Austin’s on-again, off-again status with the WWE. The WWE Hall of Famer had been absent from the company for several years, and his return was far from guaranteed.
Furthermore, Austin’s personal health issues, including a string of injuries and a high-profile stint in rehab, likely played a significant role in the match being nixed. As one WWE insider notes, “Steve’s health has always been a concern, and I think that was a major factor in the WWE deciding against the match. They didn’t want to risk putting him in harm’s way, especially given his history with injuries.”
Another potential obstacle was Punk’s own contractual status with the WWE. At the time, Punk was a key member of the company’s creative team, serving as a writer and producer in addition to being a top performer. As one source notes, “CM’s role within the company was always evolving, and I think that made it difficult for him to balance his creative responsibilities with the idea of being involved in a high-profile match like this.”
The What-If Factor
While the Steve Austin vs. CM Punk match may never have come to pass, it’s impossible not to wonder what could have been. What would the match have looked like, with two of the most iconic figures in wrestling history facing off in the ring?
According to a WWE insider, the match would have likely been a high-energy, hard-hitting contest, with both men pushing each other to new heights. “It would have been a clash of styles, with Steve’s tough-as-nails attitude pitted against CM’s cerebral, no-nonsense approach,” the insider notes. “Imagine the crowd reaction, with Steve’s beer bash and CM’s pipe bomb promos – it would have been electric.”
While fans may never get to see the match they’ve been dreaming of, the tease between Austin and Punk remains an unforgettable moment in wrestling history. As one fan notes, “It may not have happened, but it’s still one of the most memorable moments of my wrestling fandom. The what-ifs will always linger, but that’s part of what makes wrestling so special.”
In the end, the Steve Austin vs. CM Punk match may have remained a pipe dream, but it’s a testament to the enduring power of wrestling’s most iconic figures to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.