When people hear the name Steve Austin, they instantly think of WWE’s legendary “Stone Cold” persona—beer cans, broken rules, and one of the biggest stars professional wrestling has ever produced. But long before the fame, the championships, and the global recognition, Austin lived a very different life. Part of that early chapter includes Kathryn Burrhus, his first wife and someone who played a role in his life before wrestling superstardom took over.
This article takes a deep, respectful, and fully factual look at Kathryn Burrhus, focusing on her background, her marriage to Steve Austin, and why she remains a point of curiosity for wrestling fans today. While she never sought fame herself, her connection to one of wrestling’s most iconic figures makes her story relevant and worth understanding—especially for fans interested in Austin’s life beyond the ring.
We’ll explore her early life, how she met Steve Austin, what their marriage looked like, why it ended, and what is publicly known about her life afterward.
Early Life and Background of Kathryn Burrhus
Kathryn Burrhus was born and raised in the United States. Unlike many people connected to celebrities, she lived a private, low-profile life both before and after her brief time in the public eye.
A Normal Life Before Fame
Before becoming known as Steve Austin’s ex-wife, She lived an ordinary life. There is no public record of her being involved in:
- Professional wrestling
- Entertainment or media
- Modeling or acting
- Celebrity culture
She did not pursue fame, interviews, or public appearances, even after her marriage to Austin became part of wrestling history.
This is important because it explains why so little detailed information exists about her personal life—she intentionally stayed out of the spotlight.
How Kathryn Burrhus Met Steve Austin
She met Steve Austin (born Steven James Anderson, later Steven James Williams) during their younger years, long before he became a household name in professional wrestling.
High School Sweethearts
According to publicly available information, Kathryn and Steve were high school sweethearts. This places their relationship firmly in Austin’s pre-fame era, when he was still figuring out his future and had not yet entered the wrestling business.
At the time:
- Steve Austin was not famous
- He was not yet part of WWE (then WWF)
- He had no major wrestling success
Their relationship was built on shared youth and familiarity, not fame or fortune.
Marriage to Steve Austin
When Did Kathryn Burrhus and Steve Austin Get Married?
Kathryn Burrhus married Steve Austin in 1990. At this point, Austin was still at the very beginning of his wrestling journey.
He had not yet:
- Joined WWE
- Become “Stone Cold”
- Won world championships
- Achieved mainstream recognition
This marriage took place during a time of financial uncertainty and career instability, which is common for wrestlers starting out.
Life During the Marriage
Their marriage lasted only a few years, roughly from 1990 to 1992. During this period:
- Austin was traveling frequently
- Wrestling required long road schedules
- Income was inconsistent
- Career pressure was intense
For many young couples, especially those dealing with demanding travel-based careers, this lifestyle can be difficult to sustain.
Why Did Kathryn Burrhus and Steve Austin Divorce?
They got divorced in 1992. Neither party has publicly shared detailed personal reasons for the separation, and no credible sources suggest scandal, abuse, or controversy related to this marriage.
A Quiet and Respectful Split
What stands out most about their divorce is how private and drama-free it was:
- No public accusations
- No legal battles in the media
- No interviews exploiting the relationship
This strongly suggests the split was a personal and mutual decision, rather than a headline-grabbing event.
Life After Divorce: Where Is Kathryn Burrhus Now?
One of the most common questions online is: What happened to Kathryn Burrhus after her divorce from Steve Austin?
Choosing Privacy Over Publicity
After the divorce, She completely stepped away from public attention. Unlike many former spouses of celebrities, she did not:
- Write a book
- Give interviews
- Appear in documentaries
- Use the connection for fame
As a result, there is very limited publicly available information about:
- Her career
- Her current marital status
- Her personal life today
This level of privacy is rare and deserves respect.
Kathryn Burrhus vs. Steve Austin’s Other Marriages
Steve Austin has been married multiple times, and comparing these relationships helps put Kathryn Burrhus’s role into context.
Steve Austin’s Marital Timeline
Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Kathryn Burrhus (1990–1992) – First wife, pre-fame
- Jeanie Clarke (1992–1999) – Known as “Lady Blossom,” involved in wrestling
- Debra Marshall (2000–2003) – High-profile WWE marriage
- Kristin Feres (2009–present) – Current wife
Kathryn Burrhus stands out because:
- She was not part of the wrestling industry
- She knew Austin before fame
- Her marriage was the shortest and quietest
Why Fans Still Search for Kathryn Burrhus
Despite her private life, Kathryn Burrhus remains a frequently searched name online. This is largely due to:
- Steve Austin’s massive popularity
- Curiosity about his early life
- Interest in “before fame” relationships
The Significance of Kathryn Burrhus in Steve Austin’s Story
While Kathryn Burrhus is not a public figure herself, she represents an important chapter in Steve Austin’s life.
A Symbol of the Pre-Fame Years
Her role highlights:
- Austin’s humble beginnings
- Life before wrestling success
- The personal sacrifices made along the way
Many fans forget that legends don’t start as icons—they start as ordinary people with normal relationships, struggles, and uncertainties.
Lesser-Known Facts About Kathryn Burrhus
Here are a few lesser-known but verifiable points:
- She never worked in wrestling or entertainment
- She avoided media even during Austin’s peak fame
- There are no verified photos of her in public circulation
- She has never capitalized on her past marriage
These facts reinforce her reputation as someone who values privacy and normalcy.
Public Misconceptions About Kathryn Burrhus
Because of limited information, misconceptions sometimes arise online. Let’s clear a few up.
Common Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: She was involved in wrestling
Fact: No public evidence supports this - Myth: Their divorce was scandalous
Fact: No verified sources indicate controversy - Myth: She sought fame after the marriage
Fact: She stayed completely private
Accuracy matters, especially when discussing someone who chose a life away from attention.
FAQs
Who is Kathryn Burrhus?
She is best known as the first wife of WWE legend Steve Austin. She was married to him before he became famous.
When did Kathryn Burrhus marry Steve Austin?
She married Steve Austin in 1990.
How long were Kathryn Burrhus and Steve Austin married?
Their marriage lasted about two years, ending in divorce in 1992.
Did Kathryn Burrhus have children with Steve Austin?
No publicly available information confirms that Kathryn Burrhus and Steve Austin had children together.
Is Kathryn Burrhus involved in wrestling?
No. She has no known involvement in professional wrestling or entertainment.
Where is Kathryn Burrhus now?
She has chosen a private life, and there is no publicly verified information about her current activities.
Why is Kathryn Burrhus still searched online?
Fans remain curious about Steve Austin’s early life, including his first marriage before fame.
Final Thoughts on Kathryn Burrhus
She may not be a celebrity, but her story matters because it represents a real, human chapter in the life of one of wrestling’s greatest icons. She knew Steve Austin before the fame, before the “Stone Cold” persona, and before the world knew his name.
What makes her story unique is not drama or controversy—but quiet dignity and privacy. In an age where many people chase attention, She chose the opposite path, and that choice deserves respect.
For fans looking to understand Steve Austin beyond the ring, learning about Kathryn Burrhus offers a glimpse into the man he was before he became a legend—and reminds us that every superstar has a life long before the spotlight ever turns on.
