The WWE brought back legends and former stars for the 1000th RAW episode but one was noticeably absent. “Stone Cold” Steve Austin was not in attendance and has released a public statement to set the record straight and clear up rumors about his absence.
Here is what Austin wrote on his website regarding his non-appearance on the 1000th RAW.
“The reason I did not attend RAW 1,000 was because I underwent a major knee surgery on my left knee on July 2, 2012. Dr. Neal ElAttrache of the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in Los Angeles, CA performed the surgery.
The surgery was a complete success. I am currently three weeks post op. I began physical therapy a few days ago. I had a world class surgeon and a great medical team working on me. I am now working with a top notch PT team. I am still on crutches and will probably lose the crutches in another week. Then I will be in a custom knee brace much like the braces I wore in the ring for 9-12 weeks.
STONE COLD STEVE AUSTIN IS A 100% A$$ KICKING MACHINE. There was no way I was going to limp down the ramp on crutches for RAW 1,000. It was time to get my knee fixed. The decision to no-show RAW 1,000 was made by me and no one else. I have always taken pride in making my shots and have never faked an injury or illness. Pro Wrestling is a tough game and it was time to pay the piper for some of the damage I incurred in the ring. No gripes. No complaints.”
Austin has a little more on his website but you can check that out by visiting his site here. As fun as the 1000th RAW was, it wasn’t the same without Austin. I am not saying that Austin is the biggest star in WWE history, but I think it is safe to say that he is the biggest star in the history of RAW. When you think of great RAW moments, you think of Steve Austin.
There is always WrestleMania 30!
[amazon_link id=”B005FWO3OM” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ] Stone Cold Steve Austin: The Bottom Line on the Most Popular Superstar of All Time DVD[/amazon_link]
[amazon_link id=”B008IG0ESG” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]WWE: Cm Punk Best in the World DVD[/amazon_link]
Shop New RAW Retrospective Tees at WWEShop.com!
Grab discounted WWE DVDs, merchandise, t -shirts, figures, and more from the WWE Shop on Amazon.com