In the realm of WWE, only a select number of matches leave an indelible mark on the careers of the Superstars involved. Moments of controversy, memorable in-ring spots, and post-match narratives often shape a wrestler’s legacy. However, it is quite uncommon for a single match to encapsulate the essence of two performers’ careers—from start to finish.
A standout example is the classic match that inaugurated the “Immortal Moments” section of WWE’s Hall of Fame: the clash between
Bret “The Hitman”Hart and “Stone Cold”Steve Austin at WrestleMania 13. This encounter not only transformed the trajectory of both men’s careers but also marked a pivotal shift in professional wrestling’s landscape, signaling the dawn of the Attitude Era.
The Hitman and The Rattlesnake: A Brief Overview
The Context and Significance
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The year 1997 was a transformative period for WWE, with WCW gaining momentum through the emergence of the nWo, driven largely by Hulk Hogan’s surprising heel turn. Many fans were drawn to a rawer, more realistic product offered by the upstart promotion ECW, rather than the flamboyant characters populating WWE. Amid this backdrop, both Hart and Austin were recognized as top talents, competing with others like Sycho Sid, The Undertaker, and Shawn Michaels for the spotlight.
During this time, Hart began to evolve from a typical hero into a more complex character, one disillusioned by the wrestling business, while Austin captured the audience’s admiration with his rebellious persona. This narrative culminated in a heated rivalry when Austin blamed Hart for costing him the WWE Championship in a critical match, setting the stage for their fateful encounter at WrestleMania 13—a submission match featuring UFC’s Ken Shamrock as the special guest referee.
The Iconic Submission Match
Unmatched in Intensity
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This match, recorded as the longest at WrestleMania 13—lasting 22 minutes and 5 seconds—commenced with an aggressive strike from Austin before Hart even fully entered the ring. Their battle was characterized by brutal exchanges that included innovative uses of steel guardrails, chairs, and even the ring bell, showcasing an unprecedented level of intensity and violence for WWE programming at that time, especially when contrasted with the comic-style antics of other matches that night.
As the match unfolded, both competitors traded submission holds, and in a climactic moment, Hart caught Austin in the Sharpshooter with blood streaming down Austin’s face. Despite his unyielding resolve, Austin succumbed to the combined effects of heavy bleeding and the submission hold, ultimately passing out. Seeing this, Shamrock declared Hart the victor, although Hart’s subsequent attack on Austin prompted a fierce reaction from the crowd.
The Genesis of The Attitude Era
Historical Fallout
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Beyond its technical prowess, the match between Hart and Austin signaled the onset of necessary changes within WWE. Hart leaned into his new villain persona, voicing grievances against the fans and the company, which paved the way for the reformulation of The Hart Foundation. Simultaneously, Austin’s rise to prominence was solidified, establishing him as the quintessential figure of the Attitude Era.
The ramifications of this encounter rippled through WWE’s programming, leading to the creation of notorious factions like D-Generation X and The Ministry of Darkness, and ultimately influencing WWE’s victory over WCW in the Monday Night Wars. Although Hart departed WWE after the infamous “Montreal Screwjob”and struggled to regain his previous acclaim in WCW, Austin emerged from the conflict as the face of WWE and its subsequent success.
Our Perspective on WrestleMania 13’s Showdown
An Unrivaled Classic
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In a history rich with iconic wrestling moments, Bret Hart and Steve Austin’s match at WrestleMania 13 stands prominently as a definitive shared experience. It is rightly celebrated as the inaugural inductee into WWE’s Hall of Fame’s “Immortal Moments.” A match recognized for its technical excellence, it is hailed by participants and wrestling historians alike as the greatest WrestleMania match ever.
Not only did this encounter enhance WWE programming, but it also pivotaly advanced the company’s trajectory just as the Attitude Era was about to unfold. Arguably one of the most significant matches in WWE history, it honors the legacy of a vital period in professional wrestling that reshaped the entertainment landscape.