Stone Cold Steve Austin opened up about life after wrestling on the Dale Earnhardt Jr NASCAR podcast, sharing personal struggles and reflecting on his retirement during a candid conversation. Hosted by Dale Earnhardt Jr. on the Dale Jr. Download from Dirty Mo Media, the episode offered insights into Austin’s abrupt exit from WWE and the challenges he faced after leaving the ring.
Austin, a childhood icon for many wrestling enthusiasts, was forced to step away from his career in 2003 due to multiple severe injuries, including a broken neck sustained during a brutal match with Owen Hart at SummerSlam in 1997. His storied journey ended with his final bout against The Rock at WrestleMania 19, marking the close of an era for WWE fans.
The wrestling star admitted that he had no clear plan once he decided to leave.
“Man, I had to pull the plug on myself,”
Austin told Dale Earnhardt Jr.
“When I got dropped on my head, I bruised my spinal cord, and there are a lot of neurological issues that I still deal with. It just got to a point where I was just running hard on a personal level, and then I was beat to shreds because I wasn’t taking no time off.”
– Stone Cold Steve Austin, Former WWE Superstar
He continued to express how difficult the change was for him, touching on the hardships many wrestlers encounter once they retire.
“Getting out of business was a hard transition for me,”
he further added.
“I see a lot of guys get strung out on pain pills, a lot of guys get in IRS trouble or whatever… I’m no smarter than a lot of the guys. When I got out, I didn’t really have an exit strategy.”
– Stone Cold Steve Austin, Former WWE Superstar
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Crossroads with Wrestling Legends
Stone Cold Steve Austin is not the first high-profile wrestling figure to join Dale Earnhardt Jr. on his podcast. In September 2023, Cody Rhodes appeared on the show, where he and Dale Jr. discussed Rhodes’ return to the wrestling arena at WrestleMania 38. Rhodes shared personal anecdotes, including his father’s deep admiration for Dale Earnhardt Sr., the late seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion whose sudden passing had a lasting impact on the Rhodes family.
This blend of wrestling and motorsports nostalgia underscores the broad appeal of the Dale Earnhardt Jr NASCAR podcast, bridging the gap between fans of racing and wrestling alike.
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Lasting Impact on NASCAR
Dale Earnhardt Jr. has carved his own path as a pioneer in the realm of NASCAR, earning his place in the 2021 NASCAR Hall of Fame. At 51, he remains a pivotal figure in the sport, contributing as a commentator for Amazon Prime Video and TNT Sports, and steering the future of motorsports with critical insight and experience. His ongoing presence reinforces his influential legacy both on and off the track.
Why Modern NASCAR Drivers Retire Earlier
Racing careers in NASCAR have trended shorter in recent years, with most drivers stepping away in their late 40s, in contrast to previous generations who often competed into their 50s. Dale Earnhardt Jr. offered a perspective on this shift, citing the rigorous demands of today’s racing schedules.
“(Kyle ) Larson might go run dirt. Just say, ‘That was great. 20 years in the Cup Series. Awesome. I’m out.’ Chase Elliot, (Ryan) Blaney, (William) Byron, why do we feel like that they won’t race till they’re 45 or 50 years old? I just think it’s the demand of the season. How long they are,”
Dale Jr. explained (37:16 onwards). – Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Commentator and Former Driver
Earnhardt Jr. retired in his early 40s in 2017 but maintains ties to racing through JR Motorsports, the team that bears his initials. With experience both behind the wheel and as a team owner, his viewpoint highlights how the relentless race calendar influences veterans’ decisions to step aside earlier than in decades past.
The exchange between Stone Cold Steve Austin and Dale Earnhardt Jr. on the Dale Earnhardt Jr NASCAR podcast reveals not only the personal challenges faced by sports legends after retirement, but also the evolving landscape for athletes in wrestling and motorsports. As the pressures of careers and the intensity of seasons increase, further stories from figures like Austin and Earnhardt Jr. can offer important perspectives to both fans and fellow competitors.
