WWE icon Stone Cold Steve Austin has announced he needs immediate surgery to replace his left knee, an issue that has plagued him since his wrestling career. Speaking on the podcast Bobbycast, Austin opened up about his long-standing health problems stemming from an ACL injury he sustained during college.

Austin revealed that this knee injury, originally from his days as a student-athlete at North Texas State University, has been the root cause of his mobility issues throughout his wrestling years. The Hall of Famer explained that he tore his ACL during a game, describing the pain as unlike anything he’d ever felt. Medical staff had opted against repairing the ligament back then, relying instead on the strength of his quads and hamstrings to stabilize the joint. However, this decision, combined with the strain of a physically demanding WWE career, has led to compounded knee problems over the years.

Reflecting on his wrestling career, Austin said he had multiple surgeries involving cadaver ligaments, but now, a full knee replacement is necessary. “That’s what led to all my knee issues down the road,” Austin shared. “I need a new left knee here pretty quick.”

Austin’s candid revelations underscore the physical toll wrestling takes on athletes, even years after retirement. Fans worldwide continue to show their support for Austin as he prepares for this critical surgery.