Why Did Steve Austin Leave WWE?By Coder| September 28, 2023 Wrestling Blogs Why Did Steve Austin Leave WWE? Steve Austin, also known as Stone Cold Steve Austin, is one of the most iconic figures in the history of professional wrestling. His rebellious attitude, charismatic personality, and captivating in-ring skills made him a fan favorite during his time in the WWE. However, despite his immense popularity, Austin shocked the world when he decided to leave the WWE. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind his departure. The Neck Injury One of the main factors that led to Steve Austin’s departure from WWE was a serious neck injury he suffered during a match with Owen Hart at SummerSlam 1997. The injury occurred when Hart executed a botched piledriver on Austin, resulting in a broken neck. This injury forced Austin to take an extended break from wrestling to undergo several surgeries and intense rehabilitation. The process was long and grueling, and it took a toll on both his physical and mental well-being. The Toll on His Body The neck injury not only affected Austin’s ability to perform in the ring but also had long-term implications for his overall health. The constant physical strain of wrestling took its toll on his body over the years, leading to chronic pain and further complications. Austin realized that continuing to wrestle at such a high intensity could potentially worsen his condition and jeopardize his long-term health. This realization played a significant role in his decision to leave WWE. Creative Differences Another factor that contributed to Steve Austin’s departure from WWE was creative differences with management. As one of the biggest stars in the company, Austin had considerable influence over his character development and storylines. However, as time went on, tensions between Austin and WWE creative began to rise. Austin felt that his character was becoming stagnant, and he was not given the creative freedom he desired. This led to frustration and a growing dissatisfaction with the direction of his character. Austin believed that he had achieved everything he could in WWE and that it was time for a change. He wanted to explore new opportunities outside of wrestling and take control of his career. Personal Issues In addition to the physical and creative factors, Steve Austin also faced personal issues that influenced his decision to leave WWE. The demanding schedule and grueling lifestyle of a professional wrestler took a toll on his personal life. Austin went through two divorces during his time in WWE, which put a strain on his mental and emotional well-being. He realized that he needed to prioritize his personal happiness and make changes in his life. Retirement from In-Ring Competition After leaving WWE, Steve Austin officially announced his retirement from in-ring competition in 2003. Although he made sporadic appearances in WWE after retiring, Austin shifted his focus towards other ventures. He became involved in acting, hosting television shows, podcasting, and even started his own successful line of beers (Broken Skull IPA). These endeavors allowed him to explore different passions while still staying connected to the world of professional wrestling. In conclusion, Steve Austin’s departure from WWE was influenced by various factors, including the neck injury, creative differences, and personal issues. Despite leaving the ring behind, Austin’s impact on professional wrestling continues to be felt today. His rebellious spirit and captivating personality have left an indelible mark on the industry.
