"Did a lot of stupid stuff" - Stone Cold Steve Austin reveals struggles after WWE retirement

Stone Cold Steve Austin opened up on his struggles after his retirement from WWE. The Texas Rattlesnake was the face of the company during the Attitude Era, but his time in the ring was cut short due to a neck injury suffered in 1997.

As a result, he had to step away from being a full-time performer in 2003 at the age of 38. Issues from his neck and knee injuries led to an abrupt retirement for the former WWE Champion.

During an interview with NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. on DJD Classics, Stone Cold Steve Austin revealed his struggles after leaving the squared circle. He said he had a difficult time coming to grips with the reality of his situation.

"Hell, I retired when I was 38, man. You know, how much money I left on the table. I mean, it's not just about the money, it’s about the good times, being with the boys, traveling down the road, being in front of a crowd, getting that adrenaline rush. That’s what I lived and breathed, and so I didn’t handle it well," he said.

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He said that he led a lifestyle that wasn't sustainable, and this sudden realization dawned on him one morning.

"For about three years, I drank, I hunted, and I fished and did a lot of stupid stuff. And one morning, I woke up, and I went in the bathroom, and I just looked at myself in the mirror. It's a true story. I didn't say this out loud, but I was thinking to myself, 'Dude, the things you're doing are not conducive to living a long life. You need to slow your a** down,'" he added.

Struggling to find a way out of this predicament, he didn't want to go back to his previous job before wrestling. Stone Cold Steve Austin said he moved to Los Angeles, which eventually led to him hosting WWE's Tough Enough reality show.

You can watch the interview below:

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Stone Cold Steve Austin made a blockbuster in-ring return at WrestleMania 38

After retirement, Stone Cold Steve Austin made sporadic WWE appearances but didn't compete in a match. However, that changed at WrestleMania 38.

Kevin Owens goaded the Texas Rattlesnake into appearing for the KO Show on Night 1 of WrestleMania 38 in Arlington, Texas. Austin came to a loud pop, and it led to an impromptu No Holds Barred Match.

The two stars wrestled all over the arena, with Austin hitting a Stunner on Owens to win his return match after 19 years.

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If you use quotes from this article, please credit DJD Classics and give an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription.

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Edited by Sherjeel Malik