Dot Net Exclusive: The reason Steve Austin was not at WrestleMania 24

Steve Austin arrived in Orlando last Thursday and hung out with friends throughout the weekend. He attended the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony on Saturday and had an open invitation to attend WrestleMania 24, but he chose to fly home instead. He told friends that he wanted to watch the show at home in California and was especially looking forward to the match between Ric Flair and Shawn Michaels.

Powell's POV: Austin wanted to watch the show at his home in California where he could enjoy the show—and especially Flair vs. Michaels—without being distracted. He told friends that it's difficult to enjoy shows when he attends in person because so many people want to talk with him.