Admin
The name Kathryn Burrhus might not immediately ring a bell to many wrestling fans, especially when compared to her famous former husband—Stone Cold Steve Austin, one of WWE’s most iconic figures. But for those who’ve ever wondered about the early life and relationships of the “Texas Rattlesnake,” Burrhus represents a significant part of Austin’s pre-fame journey. She was his high school sweetheart, the first woman he ever married, and the one who knew Steve before he became the beer-drinking, stunner-delivering legend of pro wrestling. Yet, her story remains largely untold, overshadowed by Austin’s meteoric rise and later public relationships. This article dives deep into Kathryn Burrhus’s life, her marriage to Austin, and what happened after they parted ways.
QUICK BIO
| Field | Details |
| Full Name | Kathryn Burrhus |
| Known For | First wife of WWE legend Stone Cold Steve Austin |
| Date of Birth | Not publicly available |
| Place of Birth | Texas, USA (assumed) |
| Nationality | American |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Spouse | Steve Austin (m. 1990 – div. 1992) |
| Children | None publicly known |
| Profession | Not publicly disclosed |
| Current Status | Private life; out of the public spotlight |
| Notable Fact | High school sweetheart and first wife of Steve Austin |
From Sweethearts to Spouses: The Early Years of Kathryn Burrhus and Steve Austin
Long before the bright lights of WrestleMania, before the “Stone Cold” persona was even born, Steve Austin was just Steve Williams, a teenager attending Edna High School in Texas. It was there that he met Kathryn Burrhus, a fellow student who would become his first serious romantic partner. Their relationship blossomed through high school and into early adulthood. The two were inseparable—young, ambitious, and very much in love. Kathryn supported Steve while he pursued football and later transitioned into wrestling. Their bond was one built on loyalty and shared dreams, with Burrhus believed to have stood by Austin during his most financially unstable years.
In 1990, the couple decided to take the next step. Steve and Kathryn Burrhus got married, tying the knot in what many hoped would be a long-lasting union. At that time, Austin was still wrestling under his real name or as “Stunning” Steve Austin in smaller promotions like World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW) and later WCW. The spotlight had yet to shine fully on him, and life with Burrhus was relatively quiet and normal. They lived modestly, facing the usual challenges that come with trying to build a life in an uncertain profession like wrestling.
A Marriage Under Strain: Wrestling’s Toll on the Relationship
While Kathryn Burrhus was adjusting to life as a wrestler’s wife, Austin’s career was starting to pick up pace. As he gained more bookings and exposure, travel became a constant part of his life. The professional wrestling industry in the 1990s was grueling—frequent travel, physical demands, long hours, and unpredictable paychecks were the norm. This lifestyle began to strain the marriage.
Although Austin hasn’t spoken in detail about his relationship with Burrhus, it’s clear that the couple struggled to maintain their emotional connection. The demands of Steve’s budding career took precedence, and communication became difficult. Kathryn reportedly kept her distance from the wrestling limelight, preferring a private life away from arenas and fans. This divergence in lifestyle and interests may have contributed to the growing tension between the two.
The Cheating Scandal and the Fall of the Marriage
The final nail in the coffin of their relationship came in the form of betrayal. Reports suggest that Steve Austin began an extramarital affair with Jeannie Clarke, a wrestling valet known professionally as “Lady Blossom.” Ironically, Clarke would later become Austin’s second wife and was instrumental in developing his “Stone Cold” persona and branding. The affair was a devastating blow to Burrhus, and it marked the beginning of the end.
In 1992, just two years after they wed, Kathryn Burrhus and Steve Austin officially divorced. The end was quiet, at least in the public eye. Unlike many celebrity divorces today, there was no media circus. Burrhus withdrew even further from public view, choosing privacy over publicity. For Austin, the divorce allowed him to pursue a relationship with Clarke more openly, and eventually, their personal and professional partnership propelled him to greater fame.
Life After Steve Austin: Where Is Kathryn Burrhus Now?
Post-divorce, Kathryn Burrhus essentially disappeared from the public eye. There’s no record of her attempting to gain fame or use her connection to Austin for personal gain. This is particularly rare in the age of tell-all memoirs and reality TV. Burrhus didn’t write a book, give interviews, or participate in wrestling documentaries. Her silence has contributed to the mystique surrounding her life.
Some speculate that she returned to Texas, possibly starting a family or pursuing a career outside of entertainment. Because she chose not to remain in the limelight, there are no social media profiles or public statements attributed to her. For someone who was once married to one of wrestling’s biggest icons, Kathryn Burrhus remains a figure shrouded in mystery.
How Kathryn Burrhus Influenced Stone Cold’s Early Life
Though their marriage didn’t last, there’s no denying that Kathryn Burrhus played a key role in Steve Austin’s formative years. She supported him emotionally during his early struggles, providing stability and love when his future in wrestling was far from secure. It’s often said that behind every great man is a strong woman, and in Austin’s case, Burrhus may well have been that woman during his developmental years.
Austin himself has never publicly spoken ill of Burrhus, which is a testament to the respect he may still hold for her. While he has praised Jeannie Clarke and even Debra Marshall (his later ex-wife), the silence around Burrhus speaks to a relationship perhaps too personal or painful to revisit.
Comparisons with Other Wrestling Relationships
Wrestling is a profession that notoriously complicates personal lives. Many wrestlers, including Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage, and Ric Flair, have gone through multiple divorces and highly public breakups. What makes the case of Kathryn Burrhus so interesting is the normalcy and dignity with which she exited the narrative.
Unlike other wrestling exes who’ve shared their side of the story through interviews, legal battles, or memoirs, Burrhus remained quiet. There were no legal spats, no accusations thrown in public, and no media interviews. She simply stepped away, and in doing so, preserved her privacy and dignity.
Why Kathryn Burrhus Deserves Recognition
Though she may never appear on WWE programming or be inducted into any Hall of Fame, Kathryn Burrhus deserves recognition as part of Steve Austin’s origin story. Her role in his life, though brief, helped shape the man who would eventually become a wrestling icon. By offering her support during his early career and staying with him when things were uncertain, Burrhus was a stabilizing force behind the scenes.
In a world that often overlooks the partners who helped build legends, Burrhus’s contribution is noteworthy. Her decision to stay out of the spotlight speaks to her character and perhaps even her strength. She is a reminder that not every impactful figure in a celebrity’s life seeks fame or validation.
Reflections from Wrestling Fans and Communities
While Kathryn Burrhus is not a widely discussed figure among casual wrestling fans, she occasionally surfaces in wrestling forums and deep-dive YouTube documentaries exploring Steve Austin’s early life. Many fans express curiosity about her, often surprised to learn that Austin was married before his rise to stardom.
Some fans even speculate on what might have happened if the two had stayed together. Would Austin’s career have taken a different path? Would his personal life have been more stable? These are, of course, questions with no clear answers. But the intrigue shows that Kathryn Burrhus’s story still resonates, even if only as a “what could have been.”
The Legacy of Kathryn Burrhus in Wrestling History
Though not a performer, manager, or promoter, Kathryn Burrhus is forever etched into the early narrative of one of wrestling’s greatest stars. Her quiet presence during Steve Austin’s formative years and her dignified exit from the spotlight make her one of the most enigmatic figures connected to wrestling fame.
She symbolizes the personal sacrifices often made by partners of aspiring athletes and entertainers. And while she may never be recognized with a trophy or induction, her place in wrestling history—as the first wife of Stone Cold Steve Austin—is both significant and worthy of acknowledgment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Kathryn Burrhus?
- Kathryn Burrhus is best known as the first wife of WWE legend Stone Cold Steve Austin. She married him in 1990 before he rose to fame in professional wrestling.
2. When did Kathryn Burrhus and Steve Austin get married and divorce?
- They were married in 1990 and divorced in 1992 after reports surfaced of Austin’s affair with Jeannie Clarke.
3. Did Kathryn Burrhus ever appear in WWE or wrestling events?
- No, Kathryn Burrhus chose to stay away from the wrestling world and did not appear in WWE or other wrestling promotions.
4. What happened to Kathryn Burrhus after her divorce?
- She withdrew from public life, and little is known about her current whereabouts. She has remained entirely private.
5. Did Kathryn Burrhus influence Steve Austin’s career?
- While she wasn’t involved professionally, she supported Steve Austin during his early wrestling career, which played a crucial role in his development.
