3 WWE Superstars who overcame career-threatening injuries and 3 who were forced to retire

#2 WWE Superstar forced to retire: Stone Cold Steve Austin

22 years ago today, Dr. Stone Cold Steve Austin visited Vince McMahon in the hospital 👨‍⚕️🏥 @steveaustinBSR (via @WWE) pic.twitter.com/sumkGIjE0n

— ESPN (@espn) October 5, 2020

There are hardly few WWE Superstars who can match the popularity of Stone Cold Steve Austin. After a not-so-successful stint in WCW and ECW, he jumped ships to WWE and adopted the Stone Cold persona and the rest is history. Considered to be the "Poster Boy" of the Attitude Era, Austin's anti-authority character and his feud with Vince McMahon did wonders for the company.

Unfortunately, one of the most successful careers in WWE came to an end way earlier than expected as Stone Cold Steve Austin was forced to retire from in-ring competition in 2003. The reason for the same was because of his multiple knee and neck injuries which he sustained during his matches. But he continues to make occasional appearances for WWE and delivers his Stunners to anyone and everyone who comes in his path.

AUSTIN 3:16 SAYS I WILL BE IN TAMPA, FL NEXT MONDAY FOR @WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW. I HAVE MADE SURE THIS IS NOT A DRY COUNTY. AND THAT’S THE BOTTOM LINE CAUSE I SAID SO..#BYOB pic.twitter.com/zUhuJBJXYY

— Steve Austin (@steveaustinBSR) July 15, 2019

During a recent interview with Talksport, Stone Cold Steve Austin made it clear that he does not plan to make an in-ring return.

“Basically you’re asking me, based on Edge’s return, would I consider making a return? No. Whatever Edge is doing has nothing to do with me. I’m done. I’ve already said I’m done."

Still, WWE fans keep their hopes high to see the Texas Rattlesnake back in action someday. It's just another case of the classic "Never Say Never" in WWE. But the chances are extremely slim.