Steve Austin came out of retirement at WrestleMania 38, initially appearing on the Kevin Owens Show, and then facing Kevin Owens in a sanctioned match.
Austin ended up picking up the victory in his first match since 2003.
Speaking to Ryan Glasspiegel of the New York Post, Owens reflected on how the bout with Austin came together.
"I still don’t have a full grasp on how that happened,” Owens said. “All I know is I was told by several people, from Steve to Vince McMahon to Bruce Prichard, it couldn’t have been anybody other than you — meaning me — with Steve. I’m not sure who suggested it, who asked for it or how it came about. One day I’ll find out. But the point is that it’s extremely flattering to me that those three all thought I was the best choice. There’s really no higher compliment than that for me. It doesn’t get any better than that. I said it the day after the match: It’s all downhill from here.”
For years, Owens has been using the Stunner, with Austin's permission, as his finishing move. He continues to pay tribute to Austin by using the move.
Owens will team with John Cena on Friday's WWE SmackDown when they battle Sami Zayn & Roman Reigns.
Fightful will have live coverage of WWE SmackDown beginning at 8 p.m. ET on Friday.
