• Steve Austin Explains Why He Turned Down Major Angle With The Rock In 2024
Steve Austin’s absence from WrestleMania 40 in 2024 wasn’t the result of a creative snub or behind-the-scenes tension. It was a matter of availability. Appearing on the Insight podcast with Chris Van Vliet, the WWE Hall of Famer addressed speculation that he was nearly involved in the WrestleMania 40 main event between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes. Austin confirmed the idea had been discussed internally, but said he shut it down well before the show approached.
According to Austin, WWE reached out far in advance, but the timing never aligned. He said he was upfront about having other commitments and didn’t see a realistic path to making the appearance work.
Austin made it clear the interest from WWE was real. The company wanted him involved, but he was not in a position to commit when the pitch was presented.
Rather than citing injury or creative concerns, Austin pointed to his life away from wrestling. He explained that his priorities outside WWE – including his work at home – took precedence, and that sometimes those realities outweigh even the biggest events on the calendar.
He also dismissed any suggestion of friction, emphasizing that his relationship with WWE remains positive. Austin said he’s open to appearances when circumstances line up for both sides, but not every idea fits the timeline, even when the event is WrestleMania.
When Austin couldn’t commit to a moment with The Rock, WWE ended up replacing Austin with The Undertaker. The American Badass made a surprise return and chokeslammed The Final Boss, thus helping The American Nightmare defeat The Tribal Chief to win the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.
• WWE Set To Book “Bloodline Hunter” Storyline In 2026
WWE is revisiting an idea that was once shelved rather than discarded. Internal creative discussions have reopened the door on Drew McIntyre’s long-rumored “Bloodline Hunter” concept, a direction that was previously pitched but never executed. According to Self Made Pro, the storyline is now back under consideration for 2026 after gaining renewed momentum behind the scenes.
Drew McIntyre originally pushed for the angle ahead of WrestleMania 41, with the idea centered on positioning him directly against Roman Reigns. That proposal was ultimately passed over, and McIntyre’s WrestleMania plans shifted toward a match with Damian Priest instead.
At the time, McIntyre was said to be frustrated with the creative outcome, particularly coming out of the Royal Rumble period, where several of his pitches were not approved. The “Bloodline Hunter” concept was among the ideas that failed to move forward despite his interest in the role.
That stance appears to have changed. Sources now indicate there has been meaningful progress toward reviving the storyline, with WWE exploring ways to continue from where the concept was left rather than starting from scratch.
Also Read: Lawsuit Claims WWE Copied Bloodline Ritual From Indy Promotion
