Stone Cold Steve Austin's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 16, 2026

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Stone Cold Steve Austin.

Steve "Stone Cold" Steve Austin is a retired professional wrestler, actor, and media personality. He is widely considered the greatest professional wrestler of all time and an ambassador for WWE. Austin was crucial to the World Wrestling Federation's success during the Attitude Era, which was a boom period for wrestling in the late 1990s and early 2000s. His persona and in-ring performances significantly contributed to wrestling's peak mainstream popularity.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

1996: King of the Ring Victory and "Austin 3:16" Promo

At the 1996 King of the Ring tournament, Steve Austin won by defeating Jake "The Snake" Roberts. During his post-win coronation, Austin ad-libbed the now-iconic catchphrase "Austin 3:16" and "And that's the bottom line, cuz Stone Cold said so."

1997: Intercontinental Championship Win and Neck Injury at SummerSlam

During SummerSlam 1997, Steve Austin faced Owen Hart for the Intercontinental Championship. Austin won the title but suffered a severe neck injury due to a botched piledriver.

1998: Royal Rumble Win and WrestleMania XIV Victory

In 1998, Steve Austin won the Royal Rumble and then defeated Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania XIV for the WWF Championship, marking the beginning of the "Austin Era".

1998: Key to the City of Hamilton

In 1998, Stone Cold Steve Austin received the "Key to the City" of Hamilton, Ontario, one of only two people ever to receive the honor.

January 21, 2001: Third Royal Rumble Win

On January 21, 2001, Steve Austin won his third Royal Rumble match, last eliminating Kane.

2002: Michaels Hiatus

In 1998, Steve Austin won the Royal Rumble and then defeated Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania XIV for the WWF Championship, marking the beginning of the "Austin Era". This was Shawn Michaels last match until 2002 due to injuries.

April 1, 2006: WWE Hall of Fame Induction

On April 1, 2006, Stone Cold Steve Austin inducted Bret Hart into the WWE Hall of Fame.

January 12, 2009: Hall of Fame Induction

On January 12, 2009, Stone Cold Steve Austin was announced as the first member of the Hall of Fame class of 2009, inducted by Vince McMahon, where he announced the end of his wrestling career.

2020: Ranked Greatest Wrestler of All Time by SPORTbible

In 2020, SPORTbible ranked Stone Cold Steve Austin as the greatest wrestler of all time, solidifying his legacy in professional wrestling.

2021: Named Greatest of All Time by Bleacher Report

In 2021, Bleacher Report named Stone Cold Steve Austin as the greatest wrestler of all time, further cementing his legacy.

2024: Valley Off Road Racing Association Championship

In 2024, Steve Austin won the Valley Off Road Racing Association championship in the Sportsman UTV class.

2025: Match Receives Immortal Moment Award

In 2025, the WrestleMania 13 match between Stone Cold Steve Austin and Bret Hart received the inaugural "Immortal Moment" Award at the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony, recognizing its lasting impact and significance in professional wrestling history.