Stone Cold Steve Austin's WrestleMania 38 Payday: Millions, Millions, and Lots of Broken Beer Bottles
Did Stone Cold Steve Austin get paid in cold hard cash, or was it a lifetime supply of Stunners?
Let's be honest, folks, the return of the Rattlesnake at WrestleMania 38 was a moment for the ages. Here we had a 57-year-old Stone Cold giving Kevin Owens a taste of what Texas rattlesnake wrangling is all about. But enough about the nostalgia and epic brawl (although, seriously, wasn't that awesome?), let's get down to brass tacks: how much did this legendary comeback cost WWE?
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How Much Did Steve Austin Make For Wrestlemania 38 |
The Truth is Stone Cold Stunner Cold
Unfortunately, the exact amount Steve Austin earned for his WrestleMania 38 appearance is a closely guarded secret by WWE, tighter than a sharpshooter on a passed-out jobber. However, that won't stop us from pulling out our detective magnifying glasses (and maybe a few brewskis for inspiration) to crack this wide open.
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Here's what we do know:
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- Stone Cold wasn't exactly a rookie: This wasn't some fresh-faced kid stepping into the ring for the first time. Steve Austin was, well, Stone Cold Steve Austin. The man practically invented the Attitude Era, and his iconic status is undeniable.
- WrestleMania is Big Business, Baby: This is the granddaddy of them all, the main event, the whole shebang. WrestleMania pulls in millions of viewers and generates a ton of revenue. It's safe to say WWE wasn't exactly hurting for cash when they brought in the Rattlesnake.
- The Return of a Legend: Let's face it, Stone Cold's return was a huge deal. It was all over social media, wrestling news, and even your neighbor's excited ramblings about giving someone a Stunner the next time they cut him in line at the grocery store.
Putting It All Together: A Speculative Stunner
While we can't say for certain, informed speculation suggests Stone Cold's paycheck for WrestleMania 38 was likely in the multi-millions. Here's why:
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- Drawing Power: Stone Cold is a guaranteed draw. People were going to tune in just to see him raise a beer and deliver a Stunner (or five).
- The Nostalgia Factor: His return brought back a wave of memories for longtime fans, which translates to increased viewership and merchandise sales (and speaking of merchandise...)
- The "Broken Skull Sessions" Boost: Don't forget, Stone Cold has a successful podcast too. His appearance likely boosted his interview show's popularity as well.
So, How Much Did Stone Cold REALLY Make?
Honestly, we can't say for sure. But one thing's for certain: Stone Cold Steve Austin didn't just get paid, he got Stone Cold Steve Austin Paid.
How To Wrestle Like Stone Cold (Probably Not Recommended)
- How to: Develop a taste for things that would make your momma blush (not recommended)
- How to: Cultivate a deep distrust of authority figures (consult a lawyer first)
- How to: Master the art of the Stunner (highly recommend against trying this at home)
- How to: Deliver iconic catchphrases (practice in the mirror, but avoid breaking things)
- How to: Walk out to a chorus of glass shattering (leave the pyrotechnics to the professionals)