WWE has seen many changes over the years, but perhaps the biggest shift came in 2023 when the company merged with UFC to form **TKO Group Holdings, Inc.** This major change has left fans wondering how WWE legends like **Stone Cold Steve Austin** feel about the current state of the company. Recently, Austin gave some insight into his relationship with WWE after the merger, and fans are taking notice of what he had to say.
WWE’s Historic Merger with UFC to Form TKO
In September 2023, WWE officially merged with UFC, creating **TKO Group Holdings, Inc.** This merger was a historic moment in the world of sports and entertainment. Since then, both WWE and UFC have operated under the TKO banner but continue to run as separate divisions. The move brought about a lot of changes behind the scenes, including new leadership and creative shifts. But what does this mean for iconic stars like Stone Cold?
Stone Cold Steve Austin Says His Relationship with WWE Is Still “Good”
During a recent interview with SI.com, Stone Cold Steve Austin was asked directly about his current relationship with WWE following the merger. Austin made it clear that while he’s not involved in the daily happenings of the company, his relationship with WWE remains positive.
He said, “We’re good. I just don’t know how the day-to-days are going, but I mean, they’re pushing the creative envelope in a whole lot of different directions, and it seems like it’s done good for them, I guess.” [H/T PWMania]
From this statement, it’s clear Austin has no issues with WWE, but he also keeps a respectful distance from the company’s current direction. He seems to be observing from afar as WWE continues to evolve in this new TKO era.
Stone Cold Has Not Been in Contact with WWE or Current Superstars
Interestingly, Austin also admitted that he hasn’t been in touch with anyone in WWE for quite some time. Even though he will make appearances during WrestleMania 41 weekend, Stone Cold has stayed out of regular communication with the company.
In the same interview, he shared, “I don’t know. I haven’t talked to anybody. I don’t really talk to anybody that’s currently wrestling right now anymore. John Cena and I will talk, like once a year, or whatever. I haven’t talked to John in forever. I don’t know. I haven’t been there. I just know finally, there’s a couple of people who work behind the scenes in the office that are still there from when I was there. But they’ve cleaned house pretty good, and it’s a new setup. But I can’t speak to any of that because I honestly do not know.” [H/T PWMania]
Will Stone Cold Be Part of WrestleMania 41?
Though he hasn’t been active on WWE TV recently, Stone Cold Steve Austin has been announced to appear during WrestleMania 41 weekend as part of WWE World events. Fans are excited to see what role, if any, he might play during WrestleMania itself. Given that WrestleMania is always full of surprises, many hope Austin might have a special segment or even confront one of today’s top stars.
Even though Stone Cold Steve Austin is not directly involved in WWE’s daily activities and hasn’t kept close contact with current superstars, his relationship with the company seems strong. As one of WWE’s biggest legends, his presence at events like WrestleMania 41 will surely excite fans. Whether or not he steps back into a storyline or in-ring role remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—Stone Cold’s legacy in WWE is as strong as ever.
FAQs
What is Stone Cold Steve Austin’s relationship with WWE after the TKO merger?
Stone Cold Steve Austin said that his relationship with WWE is good, but he is not involved in the day-to-day activities of the company since the TKO merger.
Is Stone Cold Steve Austin still talking to WWE Superstars?
No, Stone Cold Steve Austin mentioned that he is not in contact with current WWE Superstars and rarely talks to anyone from the company, including old friends like John Cena.
Will Stone Cold Steve Austin appear at WrestleMania 41?
Yes, Stone Cold Steve Austin is scheduled to appear during WrestleMania 41 weekend for WWE World events, but it is not confirmed if he will appear on the main WrestleMania show.
What does Stone Cold think about WWE’s creative direction after the merger?
Stone Cold Steve Austin said that WWE is ‘pushing the creative envelope in a lot of different directions’ and seems to be doing well, although he is not directly involved.
What is TKO Group Holdings, Inc.?
TKO Group Holdings, Inc. is the new company formed after WWE and UFC merged in 2023. Both companies now operate under the TKO banner but continue as separate divisions.
