AdminVery little is publicly documented about the early life of Kathryn Burrhus, but what is known paints a picture of a woman who, like many, grew up far from the glitz and spectacle of professional wrestling. Born in the 1960s in the United States, Kathryn led a private life before she became known due to her association with Steve Austin, who was still far from his WWE stardom when they met.
They reportedly attended the same high school in Texas, and what began as a young romance between teenagers would blossom into a serious relationship. This early bond formed the basis of what would be a major chapter in both of their lives, long before Steve Austin would become “Stone Cold.”
Quick Bio
| Full Name | Kathryn Burrhus |
| Known For | First wife of WWE Superstar Steve Austin |
| Date of Birth | 1960s (Exact date unknown) |
| Place of Birth | United States |
| Marital Status | Divorced (from Steve Austin) |
| Marriage Duration | 1990 – 1992 |
| Children | None |
| Profession | Private/Not Publicly Known |
| Current Status | Living a private life |
A Love Story in Texas: High School Sweethearts
Kathryn Burrhus and Steve Austin (born Steven James Anderson, later Steven Williams) met while attending high school in Edna, Texas. Their relationship began in the mid-1980s and spanned the early years of Austin’s journey to becoming a pro wrestler.
This wasn’t a typical celebrity romance full of tabloids and flashing cameras. Instead, it was a relationship rooted in familiarity, shared youth, and mutual dreams. Kathryn stood beside Steve when he was just starting to train at Chris Adams’ wrestling school and taking on small matches at local events in Texas. She witnessed first-hand his hustle, his discipline, and his relentless pursuit of a career in the ring.
Marriage to Steve Austin: The Calm Before the Storm
On November 24, 1990, Kathryn Burrhus married Steve Austin, just as his wrestling career was starting to gain traction. Austin was working with various wrestling promotions, including USWA (United States Wrestling Association), at the time. Their marriage marked a significant milestone not just for Austin personally, but also professionally.
Despite the pressures of a career that demanded constant travel and physical strain, the couple seemed to maintain a strong bond — at least in the beginning. Kathryn supported Austin during these tough early years, when the spotlight had not yet turned on him.
The Breaking Point: Fame, Wrestling, and Growing Apart
As Steve Austin’s wrestling career gained momentum in the early 1990s, especially after his WCW debut as “Stunning” Steve Austin, the strain on his personal life became evident. The wrestling lifestyle is notorious for its grueling schedules, frequent travel, and little time for family. For a young couple like Kathryn Burrhus and Steve Austin, it was difficult to maintain a balanced and healthy relationship.
Reports suggest that Steve Austin’s growing ambition and time away from home caused emotional and physical distance between the couple. Eventually, the cracks in their marriage became too large to ignore. The relationship began to deteriorate just as Austin’s wrestling persona was beginning to take form.
The Divorce: A Quiet Goodbye
In 1992, only two years after their wedding, Kathryn Burrhus and Steve Austin divorced. Unlike many celebrity breakups, their separation was not publicized with drama or scandal. There were no lawsuits or tabloid wars. It was a quiet, respectful ending to a relationship that had once held promise.
The divorce marked the end of Kathryn’s known involvement in the public sphere. While Steve Austin went on to have other high-profile relationships and marry again (including a turbulent marriage with fellow wrestling personality Debra Marshall), Kathryn Burrhus chose to step away from the limelight completely.
Life After Divorce: Where Is Kathryn Burrhus Now?
Following the divorce, Kathryn Burrhus disappeared from public view. She chose not to capitalize on her connection to Steve Austin, despite his meteoric rise in WWE. She has never written a tell-all book, appeared in interviews, or made public appearances. This speaks volumes about her desire for privacy and possibly her integrity as a person.
There is very little concrete information about her post-divorce life. Some reports suggest she may have remarried or pursued a professional career outside of entertainment. However, none of these claims have been substantiated. Her social media presence is virtually non-existent, further reinforcing her commitment to live life on her own terms.
Impact on Steve Austin’s Life and Career
While their marriage was relatively short, Kathryn Burrhus played an important role in Steve Austin’s formative years. She was with him during his wrestling school days and the uncertain early stages of his career. Although the marriage didn’t last, their relationship undoubtedly had an emotional impact on Austin.
In later interviews, while Austin rarely speaks about Kathryn, he does often reflect on the toll his early career took on his personal relationships. It is clear that fame and passion came with sacrifices — and his marriage to Kathryn Burrhus was one of them.
Why Kathryn Burrhus Still Matters in Wrestling History
You might wonder: why does someone who disappeared from public life matter in wrestling history? The answer lies in the fact that even the biggest icons start somewhere. Behind every larger-than-life figure, there are people who helped shape them. Kathryn Burrhus was one such person for Steve Austin.
Understanding her role provides a fuller, more human view of a man who would become the face of WWE’s “Attitude Era.” Without Kathryn, we might not fully grasp the emotional and personal challenges Austin faced off-screen. She represents the quieter chapters of his life — the ones not covered by championship belts and beer-soaked promos.
The Legacy of Kathryn Burrhus: More Than Just a Name
Though her time in the spotlight was brief and largely indirect, Kathryn Burrhus remains a name that pops up when tracing the origins of “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. And while she hasn’t spoken publicly, her story continues to interest fans and historians alike.
In many ways, her choice to live outside of fame — despite having a direct link to one of wrestling’s biggest legends — has made her even more intriguing. It’s a rare thing in today’s world of fame by association. Kathryn Burrhus stands as a reminder that not everyone seeks the spotlight, and some people choose peace over publicity.
Conclusion: A Quiet Life, A Lasting Footnote
Kathryn Burrhus may not have remained in the headlines, but her story still holds significance. She was there before the stardom, before the millions of fans and sold-out arenas. Her life intersected with a future superstar at a critical moment, and while their paths diverged, her chapter in his story remains unforgettable.
In the wrestling world, where almost every storyline is exaggerated and scripted, the tale of Kathryn Burrhus is refreshingly real — a reminder of the people behind the personas, and the relationships that shape them long before they step into the ring.
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. They married in 1990 and divorced in 1992.
2. How did Kathryn Burrhus meet Steve Austin?
- They were high school sweethearts in Texas and started dating long before Steve Austin became a wrestling superstar.
3. What happened to Kathryn Burrhus after the divorce?
- After her divorce from Steve Austin, Kathryn Burrhus withdrew from the public eye and has lived a private life ever since.
4. Did Kathryn Burrhus and Steve Austin have children?
- No, the couple did not have any children during their brief marriage.
5. Why is Kathryn Burrhus still talked about today?
- Despite her privacy, fans are curious about her because she was part of Steve Austin’s early life and career. Her story adds depth to the narrative of one of wrestling’s greatest legends.
