In the realm of sports, there are numerous milestones, but few individuals experience the rare honor of being recognized as the first in their field—something that is the culmination of years of dedication and talent. While many athletes can boast of record-breaking seasons or numerous accolades, genuinely being the first remains an elusive distinction.
On April 18th, just before WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas, Bret “The Hitman”Hart will achieve a historic milestone by becoming the first-ever three-time inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame. His iconic “I Quit”match with “Stone Cold”Steve Austin at WrestleMania 13 receives the honor of being the very first recipient of the “Immortal Moment”Award. Ahead of this monumental event, Hart shared his thoughts with ScreenRant, reflecting on the profound significance of this match in both his career and the broader landscape of professional wrestling.
Bret Hart Champions His WrestleMania 13 Match
“To Me, It’s Like A Rembrandt. It’s Perfect.”
The year 1997 was nothing short of revolutionary for the WWE, as the industry underwent a dramatic transformation. Initially viewed as just another contest, the match between Hart and Austin at WrestleMania 13 quickly garnered acclaim, emerging not only as a highlight of the event but also as a pivotal moment marking the dawn of the Attitude Era—a period that would irreversibly alter the direction of professional wrestling.
Hart expressed his pride regarding WWE’s choice to honor this match with the inaugural “Immortal Moment”title, emphasizing its importance not only to him but to the wrestling industry as a whole.
I love the idea, and I appreciate how many other people might be considered for something like this. But for me, I’ve always believed and I’m incredibly proud of my career and all the great matches I’ve had throughout my journey. However, from the moment this match occurred, I felt it was my best match ever without question. I acknowledge that I’ve had many standout performances, but there was something uniquely special about this match—the impact it had, the journey of Steve Austin, and the critical change it signified in his career. While Steve was always a talented wrestler, this particular match was the catalyst that significantly elevated his career. The storytelling, execution, and attention to detail all came together flawlessly. Watching it back, I wouldn’t change a thing. It’s like a Rembrandt—it’s perfect. I’m honored that it was chosen as the first entry into the Hall of Fame. Personally, I consider it my finest hour, too, so I feel a tremendous sense of pride on multiple levels.
Reflecting on their earlier contest at Survivor Series, Hart acknowledged the challenge of surpassing their previous performance. Despite initial skepticism regarding the “I Quit”stipulation, which they felt might restrict their creativity and performance, both wrestlers eventually embraced the challenge.
Steve and I had an exceptional match at Survivor Series just months before, and it remains one of my finest. After that experience, I thought, how can we top that? Initially, the stipulation seemed limiting since it eliminated pinfalls and false finishes. We were unsure how to craft a compelling match under those restrictions. Yet, it drove us to dig deeper and innovate. It pushed us to think outside the box and develop new ideas and transitions for the match. I remember compiling a list of submission holds, including Boston Crabs and Sharpshooters. We often questioned how to advance the story without the usual format of a wrestling match, and I believe that challenge made it extraordinary.
The Story Is What Distinguishes This Match
“I Remember Drawing An Analogy from a School Fight I Witnessed as a Kid”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXiP6dxNsckhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXiP6dxNsck
The narrative surrounding Bret Hart and “Stone Cold”Steve Austin was fraught with intriguing developments, particularly regarding the audiences’ shifting loyalties. Hart, who was considered a fan-favorite for years, found himself cast in the role of the heel, while Austin transitioned from a notorious heel to an unprecedented hero.
Reflecting on this shift, I likened it to a school fight I observed in my youth, where the underdog ultimately gained respect for their performance, even in defeat. It reminded me that with compelling storytelling, roles can reverse; a perceived heel can emerge as a hero through sheer resilience and determination.
Interestingly, on the day of the match, Steve was aware that the WWE had plans to turn me heel the very next night on Raw. My character had been embroiled in various frustrations over the preceding months, and I felt justified in wanting to exact revenge on Austin for my grievances. Knowing how adept he was at portraying an anti-hero, Steve played his role superbly, garnering audience support while I was increasingly viewed negatively. This anticipation created intense dynamics that elevated the match.
The Legendary Blood Spot Wasn’t Pre-Approved
“We Had To Operate Undercover, Including with Our Colleagues in the Backstage”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yg75_Jnxaochttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yg75_Jnxaoc
One of the most enduring images from the Attitude Era is that of Steve Austin caught in Bret Hart’s Sharpshooter, blood streaming down his forehead as Ken Shamrock challenges him to declare he quits. At the time, audiences largely assumed Austin’s bleeding was incidental, but Hart revealed that this was a calculated aspect of their match, given the prevailing cultural aversion to blood in WWE at that time.
When real injuries occurred during a match, they often led to tense confrontations backstage. In our case, we navigated perceptions meticulously. There were theatrical exchanges in the dressing room after our match where we feigned conflict to avoid drawing scrutiny from management. We had to maintain the illusion, even with our colleagues. Ultimately, it exemplified our commitment to forging an authentic experience for the audience.
Hart reminisced about the match being emblematic of the high-octane nature of professional wrestling, showcasing the necessary intensity to portray the sport authentically. Despite the apparent violence, it was effectively a well-executed performance with no serious injuries reported—except for an infamous cut on Austin’s forehead.
One aspect that stands out for me about that match is that despite its brutality, both Steve and I walked away relatively unscathed. I remember tackling some tough maneuvers, but I emerged feeling surprisingly well post-match. Reflecting back, I could easily have wrestled again immediately after, unlike some other matches that leave you battered for weeks. It remains a fond memory where everything clicked, showcasing our talents as performers.
A Fitting Tribute for the Inaugural “Immortal Moment”Award
“We Nailed It When We Crafted That Match”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXPVV5o_IGIhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXPVV5o_IGI
In terms of storytelling and its long-lasting impact, Hart and Austin’s “I Quit”match from WrestleMania 13 is unparalleled, making it a perfect choice for the inaugural “Immortal Moment”Award in the WWE Hall of Fame. Hart reflects on this memorable bout as a testament to the brilliance of professional wrestling.
Steve often calls me to reminisce about our match, highlighting its importance to both of us. For me, it’s the match I would proudly showcase to illustrate my career. It’s a quintessential representation of what wrestling can achieve. The skillful execution and how we navigated the heel/face dynamic were executed seamlessly, making it a match that resonates with fans and provides an exemplary model of wrestling storytelling.
The 2025 WWE Hall of Fame Ceremony is set to take place at Fontainebleau Las Vegas on April 18th, streaming live via Peacock and WWE’s social media, commencing at 10 PM PT. The new “Immortal Moment”category provides a platform for fans to celebrate monumental shifts in wrestling history, and without a doubt, Hart vs. Austin’s “I Quit”match is the ideal starting point for this recognition.