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Move into acting
After dispensing Goldberg at WM20, Austin would have noticed the changing landscape around him and emerging stars such as John Cena and Randy Orton. Instead of risking being moved down the card, Austin would have done what he did in reality: transition into acting.
Austin’s acting career hasn’t been as noteworthy as his former adversary, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s, but ‘Stone Cold’ has been able to find plenty of work – albeit, mostly low-budget flicks and reality shows. Austin has said that he prefers to work these low-profile projects, as he is granted a lot of creative control and doesn’t have to do anything out of his wheelhouse. Even if Austin weren’t forced to retire, he would have left the squared circle for a short while to pursue acting.
‘Stone Cold’ would have no longer wrestled a full-time schedule, but there would have been a few intriguing scenarios that may have convinced ‘The Rattlesnake’ to don the black jacket from time to time.
The Streak - WrestleMania 25
There was one prize in WWE that was more valuable than any championship; it was ending The Undertaker’s undefeated streak at WrestleMania. The Streak slowly grew from a trivia fact to hallowed record.
‘Stone Cold’ and The Undertaker had clashed many times, but never at WrestleMania. The prestige of The Streak would’ve been enough to entice Austin to come back for one last slug fest with ‘The Deadman.’ If it were to have occurred, the bout would have taken place at WrestleMania 25, which took place in Texas, home state of both Austin and The Undertaker. The Undertaker would have been the one to get his hand raised that night, as it wouldn’t be time for The Streak to end.
After facing The Deadman at ‘Mania, Austin would disappear from WWE television, but an outspoken star displaying the same rebellious spirit would have gotten Austin’s attention.
