Steve Austin Says He Doesn’t Have the “Match Itch” Anymore

Steve Austin remains one of the most iconic figures in professional wrestling history, but the WWE Hall of Famer says he no longer feels the urge to return for another match.

While speaking on the Busted Open Podcast on 3:16 Day, Austin reflected on the idea of retired wrestlers eventually feeling the urge to step back into the ring. The conversation turned to AJ Styles, who recently wrapped up a major chapter in his career and has been the subject of retirement discussions among fans.

Bully Ray brought up the idea that many wrestlers eventually feel the “itch” to come back after some time away from the business. Austin admitted that while he occasionally misses the big moments that come with wrestling, he does not feel the desire to work another match.

“No, it’d be to go back for one of those moments. Not a match itch, right? Because with a… yeah, I got a left knee replacement a little over a year ago and my leg feels good, I’m glad I got it done. But yeah, I get the itch for certain moments, but to try to do a match, no.”

Austin then shifted the conversation back to Styles and explained why he believes the former WWE Champion still has more to offer, even if he may be past his physical prime.

“But I’m glad to hear you say that, at 48 or whatever years old, that AJ Styles is young — because he is in a sense. He’s post-prime and he’s going to get older, but so many people don’t understand that you really don’t hit your peak years until later.”

Austin went on to praise Styles’ career and in-ring ability, calling him one of the best performers he has ever watched.

“Like I said, he’s post-prime, but what a monster career he’s had. One of the best workers ever that I’ve seen, and I just love the guy. I don’t know him real well personally — we speak every now and then — but he’s had a phenomenal run.”

Even though Austin doesn’t personally feel the need to wrestle again, he believes Styles will eventually feel the same pull many wrestlers experience after stepping away.

“He’ll have one more. He’ll get the itch.”

Austin also reflected on the difference between physical and mental prime years in wrestling, noting that many performers become sharper later in their careers because of experience. For Austin himself, the competitive urge isn’t about returning to the ring for another full match. Instead, he admitted that the only thing that occasionally crosses his mind is the energy of those unforgettable wrestling moments.

“I retired at 38, and that’s when you really put it all together. You might be post-prime, but your mind — that’s when your mind is at its best because you’ve done so much and you’ve soaked in so much and you can apply it all.”

“I get the itch for moments, but not an itch for a match.”

Austin has largely moved on from his wrestling career and now enjoys a quieter life outside the spotlight, though he remains grateful for the legacy he built during the Attitude Era and the connection he still shares with fans around the world.

Even so, his comments suggest that while Austin may not be looking to lace up the boots again, he still understands the pull that the wrestling business can have on those who dedicated their lives to it.

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