Results from Night 1 of WrestleMania 38: Stone Cold Kevin Owens is pinned by Steve Austin, and Belair and Flair walk away with gold.
While Charlotte Flair vs. Ronda Rousey was undoubtedly the big event of Saturday night, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin and his showdown with Kevin Owens on "The KO Show" was the evening's major event.
Austin performed all of his hits in front of his home crowd, as only he can. He was wearing his 3:16 tee, knee braces, and, of course, a four-wheeler to the ring. During a tough conversation with Owens, he thrived — as he always did — verbally ripping down his opponent with ease.
Austin vs. The Rock before WrestleMania 17 or even Austin vs. CM Punk ahead of a WWE '13 release is similar to pairing Austin and Owens one-on-one for a tense debate. Owens, who chastised Austin and traded barbs with him, challenged Austin to a no-holds-barred brawl. Austin, who recently reminded the world that his first-ever match took place in the Sportatorium in nearby Dallas, would be happy to play his final match there as well.
Austin was back in the ring after 19 years, with the help of a referee. Austin started pounding a mudhole into Owens, complete with drinks thrown in from the crowd. Austin and Owens would take advantage of the "no hold barred" rules, inflicting harm with easels and tables. At AT&T Stadium, the battle was brought into the crowd, and Owens was getting the better of his opponent, hitting him with a smash that sent Austin's back to the concrete floor.
Austin was not going to be outdone. The match was briefly brought back to the ring, and Owens found himself on the defensive this time. Austin, fueled by a few more beers, sent Owens sprinting up the ramp, while KO attempted to flee on the four-wheeler. Austin caught up to Owens, bruised him, and then drove him up the ramp with no key in the ignition. On the stage floor, he landed two suplexes on Owens.
Austin dragged Owens back into the ring and ordered another round of drinks. Owens regrouped and found an opening on Stone Cold to land his version of the Stunner. After Owens grabbed a chair, Austin kicked out at the last second. Owens attempted to smash Austin in the head with his chair, but Austin ducked and the chair bounced off the ropes, hitting him instead. Austin hit his own Stunner to perfection, giving him the win and a victory celebration that included more beer.
What's next: An ice bath and more beers for Stone Cold. It's probably time for Owens to choose a new target for the next episode of "The KO Show."
