Hey wrestling fans! Let's dive into one of the most iconic rivalries in WWE history: Bret "The Hitman" Hart versus "Stone Cold" Steve Austin. More specifically, we're going to break down one of their most memorable promos. This feud wasn't just about titles; it was a clash of ideologies, a battle between the old guard and the rebellious upstart. So, grab your iced-cold beverages, and let's get into it!

The Foundation of the Feud

To truly appreciate the promo, you gotta understand the backdrop. Bret Hart, the Excellence of Execution, was Mr. WWE, a technical wizard who always played by the rules. Stone Cold, on the other hand, was the anti-hero, the beer-swilling, rule-breaking badass who gave the middle finger to anyone who got in his way. Their contrasting characters were pure gold, setting the stage for an epic collision.

Bret represented the old school, where respect and tradition mattered. He believed in hard work, fair play, and upholding the values of professional wrestling. Stone Cold, however, was a product of the changing times. Fans were tired of the squeaky-clean heroes and wanted someone who reflected their own frustrations and rebellious spirit. Stone Cold was that guy.

The seeds of their rivalry were sown in late 1996 and early 1997. Bret, coming off a brief hiatus, was questioning his place in the company, feeling that his values were no longer appreciated. Stone Cold was gaining momentum, winning the Royal Rumble and becoming a major threat to the established order. Their first major confrontation occurred during a Survivor Series match where Austin cost Hart the WWE Championship, igniting a fire that would burn for months.

The Promo: A Masterclass in Storytelling

The promo we're focusing on is a legendary exchange that took place in the lead-up to WrestleMania 13. This wasn't just about hyping a match; it was a deeply personal confrontation that blurred the lines between reality and kayfabe (the wrestling world's term for maintaining the illusion of reality). What made this promo so special?

First off, the intensity was off the charts. Both Bret and Austin were at the top of their game, delivering their lines with conviction and passion. You could feel the genuine animosity between them, making the entire segment feel incredibly real. This wasn't just about two wrestlers cutting a promo; it was about two men settling a score.

Bret played the role of the bitter veteran, accusing Stone Cold of disrespecting the business and undermining everything he stood for. He talked about his years of dedication, his sacrifices, and his commitment to being a role model. He painted Stone Cold as a reckless upstart who only cared about himself.

Stone Cold, in turn, fired back with his trademark defiance. He didn't care about Bret's values or his traditions. He was only interested in winning, and he was willing to do whatever it took to get to the top. He mocked Bret's self-righteousness and portrayed him as an out-of-touch dinosaur.

What made this promo truly special was the gray area. Neither man was presented as purely good or purely evil. Bret's frustration was understandable, and Stone Cold's rebellious attitude was relatable. This ambiguity allowed fans to connect with both characters on a deeper level, making the rivalry even more compelling.

Key Elements of the Promo

• Authenticity: The emotions felt real, and the animosity was palpable.
• Clear Character Roles: Bret the tradition-bound veteran vs. Stone Cold the rebellious anti-hero.
• Relatability: Fans could see pieces of themselves in both characters.
• High Stakes: It wasn't just a match; it was a clash of ideologies.
• Memorable Lines: Both men delivered iconic lines that are still quoted today.

WrestleMania 13: The Culmination

The promo set the stage perfectly for their match at WrestleMania 13, a Submission Match with Ken Shamrock as the special guest referee. This match is considered by many to be one of the greatest in WWE history. Why?

It was brutal, intense, and emotionally charged. Bret and Austin beat the living hell out of each other, pushing their bodies to the limit. The match was filled with near-falls, submission attempts, and shocking moments. But what truly elevated it was the storytelling.

As the match progressed, the dynamic between Bret and Austin began to shift. Bret, initially the hero, became increasingly ruthless and desperate. He bent the rules, used underhanded tactics, and showed a side of himself that fans had never seen before. Stone Cold, despite being the anti-hero, refused to quit. He absorbed punishment after punishment, showing incredible resilience and determination.

The finish of the match is legendary. Bret locked Stone Cold in the Sharpshooter, his signature submission hold. Austin, in excruciating pain, refused to tap out. He passed out from the pain, but he never gave up. This moment cemented Stone Cold as a true icon, a symbol of defiance and never-say-die attitude.

After the match, Bret continued his assault on Austin, cementing his heel turn (becoming the bad guy). Ken Shamrock intervened, pulling Bret off of Austin and further solidifying the changing landscape of WWE. Stone Cold, despite losing the match, was carried out of the arena to a standing ovation.

The Double Turn

WrestleMania 13 is famous for its double turn, a rare occurrence in wrestling where both the hero and the villain switch roles. Bret, the longtime good guy, became the hated heel, while Stone Cold, the rebellious anti-hero, became the beloved babyface. This was a masterstroke of storytelling that changed the course of WWE history.

The double turn worked because it was organic and believable. Bret's frustration and bitterness had been building for months, and his actions at WrestleMania were a natural extension of his character. Stone Cold's refusal to quit resonated with fans, who saw him as a symbol of strength and perseverance.

The Impact and Legacy

The Bret Hart vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin rivalry had a profound impact on WWE and professional wrestling as a whole. It ushered in the Attitude Era, a period of more adult-oriented and edgy content that revolutionized the industry.

The feud proved that wrestling could be more than just good guys versus bad guys. It could be about complex characters with relatable motivations. It showed that fans were willing to embrace anti-heroes and villains who challenged the status quo.

Bret and Austin's rivalry also raised the bar for in-ring performance. Their matches were technically sound, physically demanding, and emotionally engaging. They pushed each other to be better, and their rivalry helped to elevate the entire WWE roster.

The Attitude Era

The Attitude Era was a time of unprecedented growth and popularity for WWE. Ratings soared, attendance records were broken, and wrestling became a mainstream phenomenon. The Bret Hart vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin rivalry was a key catalyst for this success.

The Attitude Era was characterized by:

• Edgier Content: More violence, profanity, and sexual content.
• Complex Characters: Morally ambiguous heroes and villains.
• Realistic Storylines: Storylines that blurred the lines between reality and kayfabe.
• Emphasis on Attitude: Wrestlers with strong personalities and rebellious attitudes.

The Bret Hart vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin rivalry embodied all of these elements, making it a perfect representation of the Attitude Era.

Conclusion

The Bret Hart vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin rivalry is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with wrestling fans today. Their promo leading up to WrestleMania 13 was a masterclass in storytelling, and their match was a defining moment in WWE history. This rivalry wasn't just about titles or championships; it was about a clash of ideologies, a battle between the old guard and the new, and the moment when wrestling changed forever. So next time you're looking for some classic wrestling action, revisit this epic feud – you won't be disappointed!

What are your favorite memories of Bret Hart vs. Stone Cold? Let me know in the comments below!