Long before “Stone Cold” Steve Austin became a household name in professional wrestling, there was Kathryn Burrhus—his first love, high school sweetheart, and the woman who stood by him during the earliest, most formative years of his life. While Austin’s later marriages gained more media attention, Kathryn remains a quiet yet meaningful chapter in his personal history. This article takes a closer look at who Kathryn Burrhus is, how she and Steve Austin met, what their life together was like, and why their relationship remains a point of curiosity for wrestling fans to this day.
Quick Bio
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kathryn Burrhus |
| Known For | First wife of Stone Cold Steve Austin |
| Birthplace | Edna, Texas, United States |
| Relationship | High school sweetheart and first wife of Steve Austin |
| Marriage Year | 1990 (approx.) |
| Divorce Year | 1992 |
| Public Appearances | None known post-divorce |
| Children | None publicly reported |
| Profession | Not publicly disclosed |
| Public Presence | Very private life post-divorce |
| Connection to Wrestling | Personal relationship with Steve Austin pre-WWE fame |
Early Life And Background Of Kathryn Burrhus
Kathryn Burrhus was born and raised in Edna, Texas, a small town with a strong sense of community. While specific public details about her family and upbringing are scarce, it’s clear that her early years were rooted in a stable and traditional environment. Her quiet demeanor and absence from the public spotlight after her marriage to Steve Austin suggest a person who values privacy and simplicity over celebrity attention. This may also explain why she has remained out of the headlines, despite being part of the early story of one of wrestling’s most recognizable names.
How Kathryn Burrhus And Steve Austin First Met
The love story between Kathryn Burrhus and Steve Austin began in high school. According to Austin’s 2001 memoir The Stone Cold Truth, he was just a freshman at Edna High School when he noticed Kathryn, a junior at the time. He was immediately smitten but doubted he had a chance with her due to their age difference. Determined to find a way to connect, Austin began spending time near the tennis courts where she played, hoping to cross paths.
That simple plan worked. Through mutual acquaintances and casual encounters around school, Kathryn and Steve started getting to know each other. Eventually, their friendship blossomed into a romantic relationship that would last for years, stretching across major life transitions.
A Long-Term Love From High School Through College
Kathryn and Steve’s bond endured beyond high school. As Austin pursued a football career in college—first at Wharton Junior College and later at the University of North Texas—Kathryn remained a constant presence in his life. The two moved in together after graduation, creating a life as young adults with shared dreams and mutual support.
Their decade-long relationship wasn’t just a high school romance; it was a serious and committed partnership. During this time, Austin was still far from the wrestling spotlight. His focus was primarily on football, and their life together revolved around ordinary routines and future planning. Kathryn’s support during this period played an important role in giving Austin the stability to eventually pivot toward professional wrestling.
Marriage To Steve Austin And Early Life Together
While the exact year of their wedding isn’t widely publicized, most sources place their marriage around 1990. This was a time when Austin was just starting to explore wrestling as a serious career path. Their early married life reflected a typical young couple starting out—both living modestly and focusing on building a future together.
However, things began to shift once Austin joined World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW) and later WCW (World Championship Wrestling). The demands of training, traveling, and performing on the road began to change the dynamic of their marriage. Kathryn, who had no interest in the wrestling world, found herself increasingly distanced from the lifestyle that consumed her husband’s attention.
The Role Of Wrestling In Their Separation
In The Stone Cold Truth, Steve Austin openly admits that his deepening commitment to wrestling marked the beginning of the end of his relationship with Kathryn. He describes how the once-strong foundation of their marriage began to crack under the pressure of long hours, travel demands, and emotional distance.
“We were good for 10 years,” Austin reflected in his memoir. “Then I got this wrestling bug, and Kathy was not a wrestling fan. That was the beginning of the end for us.”
His words make it clear that the issue wasn’t personal conflict or betrayal—it was a matter of incompatible lifestyles and drifting priorities. While Austin became obsessed with mastering his craft in the ring, Kathryn likely longed for the simple, grounded life they had once built together.
The Divorce And Quiet Departure From Public Life
In 1992, after just a couple of years of marriage, Kathryn Burrhus and Steve Austin officially divorced. The separation was handled privately, with no public controversy, legal battles, or media speculation. Their quiet parting reflects the overall tone of their relationship—respectful, understated, and personal.
Following the divorce, Kathryn completely stepped away from the public sphere. Unlike Austin’s later wives—especially fellow wrestlers like Jeannie Clarke (Lady Blossom) and Debra Marshall—Kathryn never appeared on wrestling programming, gave interviews, or used her former relationship to gain media attention.
Life Away From The Spotlight
One of the most intriguing things about Kathryn Burrhus is her complete privacy post-divorce. There is no social media presence, no tabloid stories, and no public career path attached to her name. She has chosen to live entirely outside of the wrestling world, likely returning to a quiet life in Texas or elsewhere.
This absence from public life has only added to the curiosity fans have about her. While many partners of celebrities choose to maintain some kind of visibility, Kathryn has done the opposite—essentially erasing herself from the narrative, except for her role in Austin’s early life story.
Why Fans Still Care About Kathryn Burrhus
Despite her absence, fans still search for Kathryn Burrhus because she represents something rare in celebrity culture: the private first chapter. Her story is a reminder that even the biggest stars had humble beginnings and real-life relationships long before fame.
For Steve Austin fans, Kathryn is the person who knew him before he was “Stone Cold.” She’s a symbol of the man behind the legend—a young athlete figuring out life and love before stepping into the ring as one of the greatest WWE performers of all time.
Kathryn Burrhus As Part Of Steve Austin’s Story
Even though their marriage didn’t last, Kathryn remains an essential part of Steve Austin’s history. Her presence in his life provided emotional grounding during his early years, and their relationship was a formative experience. In many ways, she helped shape the man who would later become one of wrestling’s most iconic figures.
Austin’s reflections in his memoir reveal genuine respect and nostalgia for that time in his life. He never speaks ill of her, and the fact that he included her in his autobiography shows how much he values the role she played.
Final Thoughts
Kathryn Burrhus may not be a public figure, but her story continues to resonate with fans who want to understand the full journey of Steve Austin. She was there before the fame, before the “Stone Cold” persona, before the millions of fans and wrestling championships.
In a world where so much of celebrity life is played out in the spotlight, Kathryn’s quiet, dignified departure is a reminder that not every chapter is meant for public consumption. And yet, her brief but meaningful presence in the life of one of wrestling’s biggest icons makes her a lasting part of his legacy.
FAQs About Kathryn Burrhus
Who Is Kathryn Burrhus?
Kathryn Burrhus is the first wife of professional wrestler Stone Cold Steve Austin. They met in high school and were together for over a decade before divorcing in 1992.
How Did Kathryn Burrhus And Steve Austin Meet?
They met at Edna High School in Texas when Steve was a freshman and Kathryn was a junior. Austin admired her from afar before finally getting the chance to connect through tennis.
When Did Kathryn Burrhus And Steve Austin Get Married?
They married around 1990, after dating for nearly 10 years. Their marriage lasted for a couple of years before they divorced in 1992.
Why Did Kathryn Burrhus And Steve Austin Divorce?
Their relationship ended due to growing distance and differences in lifestyle. Austin became deeply involved in wrestling, which Kathryn was not interested in, leading to their separation.
Did Kathryn Burrhus Ever Appear In Wrestling Shows?
No, Kathryn was never involved in professional wrestling and did not make any appearances in WWE or other promotions.
Where Is Kathryn Burrhus Today?
Kathryn Burrhus has chosen to live a very private life. There are no public records or social media accounts linked to her, and she has not spoken publicly since her divorce.
Does Kathryn Burrhus Have Children With Steve Austin?
No, there are no reports or public records of Kathryn and Steve Austin having children together.
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