WWE 2015 rumors: Why was Steve Austin absent at Wrestlemania 31?

Steve Austin Wikimedia Commons

Wrestlemania 31 was star-studded as expected.

Not only were the present-day star wrestlers present to give the 70,000+ fans something to remember, there were also the traditional appearances of WWE legends in attendance.

There was the Rock (Dwayne Johnson), Hulk Hogan, Scott Hall, Kevin Nash, X-Pac, Road Dogg, Billy Gunn and Shawn Michaels who at one point drew wild ovations from the WWE fans. Each had their own role in matches and spills but there was one WWE icon that was conspicuously absent. That person is Stonecold Steve Austin.

Austin is someone who is usually around, especially during the WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony. He is always seen in the front row. But for some reason, the man known as the rattlesnake was nowhere in sight.

Was he invited? It was confirmed that Austin was indeed invited to attend Wrestlemania 31 but curiously, his absence at the annual WWE event created some stir on the possible reason as to why Austin was not around.

Rumors have it that Austin and Vince McMahon are in the middle of an issue and this concerned Austin's podcast. It wasn't clear on what the real reason was but it may have something to do with how Austin's podcast was called. The WWE apparently gave it a different name despite the fact that Austin's weekly podcast were immediately identified with him.

Austin's podcast is normally named The Steve Austin Show and The Steve Austin Show: Unleashed. On the WWE Network, it was simply called the Stone Cold Podcast.

Taking into consideration the rumored rift, such seems to be a bit petty. However, it would be foolish to speculate this early since there could be more than just the Podcast issue.

However, fuel has been added to the fire with an announcement during Wrestlemania 31 that the WWE will now be airing Chris Jericho's podcast this coming April 6. Could it be temporary or a sign that Austin and McMahon's tied have soured?

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