Behind the Scenes of One of Wrestling’s Most Iconic Matches
WrestleMania 13, held at the Rosemont Horizon in 1997, witnessed one of the most iconic matches in WWE history: Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Bret “The Hitman” Hart. The bout, which has since become legendary, had layers of drama both inside and outside the ring.
As the story goes, Austin was informed of Bret’s impending heel turn upon arriving at the arena. Now faced with the challenge of crafting a match that would resonate with this narrative shift, the two superstars sat together, contemplating the bout’s structure. Understanding the gravity of the moment, Bret suggested that Austin bleed during the match to amplify its intensity. Despite never having done so before in WWE, Austin agreed, placing his trust in Bret.
However, this decision to “get a little juice” was not sanctioned by the WWE office. In fact, when the two superstars were confronted by Vince McMahon the next day, both denied the intentional bleeding. Disappointed by their lack of candor, McMahon chose to move on, recognizing the match’s brilliance.
The bout itself was a masterclass in storytelling. Austin, refusing to submit to Bret’s Sharpshooter, passed out from the pain, leading to the match’s conclusion. Bret’s subsequent attack on Austin’s knee post-match solidified his heel turn, while Ken Shamrock’s intervention added another layer of drama.
The crowd’s reaction was palpable. They booed Bret heavily, marking his successful transition to a heel, while Austin, despite his loss, left the arena to chants of his name, further establishing his babyface status.
Backstage, the atmosphere was electric. The Undertaker, recognizing the match’s significance, lauded Bret, suggesting that such a performance would be hard to top.
With its blend of in-ring action, storytelling, and real-life drama, this match epitomizes the essence of professional wrestling. It’s a testament to the commitment of the performers and their willingness to push boundaries for the sake of entertainment.
