Brian Pillman Jr., who recently had his contract with AEW expire, has expressed his desire to have a match at WrestleMania and retire WWE Hall of Famer ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin. Pillman Jr., the son of Austin’s long-time friend and former tag team partner Brian Pillman, sees himself as the ideal candidate to take on the iconic wrestler at WrestleMania.
During a Captain’s Corner virtual signing event, Pillman Jr. enthusiastically spoke about his aspirations to face Steve Austin in the ring and potentially retire him at the grand stage of WrestleMania. He believes that being the son of Austin’s close friend could add an emotional and significant element to the match.
Pillman Jr. also humorously mentioned not wanting to let someone else, referring to Kevin Steen, get the opportunity to face Austin at WrestleMania before him. He playfully added that he is a fan of Kevin Steen but wants to be the one to take on Stone Cold in such a high-profile match.
“I gotta retire Steve Austin. If anybody’s gonna do it, it’s gonna be his best friend’s son, you know? His long-time friend’s son. So I think that should be a moment for me and who knows? Maybe bring out the Varsity Blonds vest for that match.
I mean, obviously, let’s be real, I’d have to face Stone Cold Steve Austin [if I could have a match at WrestleMania in the future]. I can’t just let what’s-his-name beat me on that. Kevin Steen, I can’t let Kevin Steen — sorry for not remembering his name [Pillman Jr. laughed]. I’m actually a pretty big fan of his. So I can’t let him one-up me there.”
Steve Austin is undeniably one of the biggest names in pro wrestling history, and his retirement match at WrestleMania would be a major event for fans and the wrestling community as a whole. While Pillman Jr.’s future plans with either AEW or WWE are yet to be officially confirmed, his desire to have a memorable match at WrestleMania demonstrates his ambition and passion for the wrestling business.
