In the annals of professional wrestling, few moments are as electrifying as the “Submission Match” between Steve Austin and Bret Hart at WrestleMania 13. This wasn’t just a match; it was a clash of titans, a changing of the guard, and a turning point in the history of the WWE. It was a match that transcended mere entertainment; it was a cultural phenomenon that captivated the world and cemented its place in wrestling lore.
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For wrestling fans, it was a brutal display of athleticism and technical prowess, a testament to the grit and determination of two of the most iconic wrestlers of their generation. But beyond the technical brilliance, this match was a story – a tale of revenge, betrayal, and the ultimate triumph of the anti-hero. It was the story of Stone Cold Steve Austin, the rebellious rebel, against Bret Hart, the hero turned villain. To truly understand the epic nature of this contest, we need to take a trip back in time, to the events that led to this epic clash.
The Road to Wrestlemania 13: A Narrative of Betrayal
Bret Hart: The Champion and the “Hitman”
Bret “The Hitman” Hart was a Canadian superstar who embodied everything the WWE stood for in the early 1990s. He was athletic, technical, and a charismatic performer who carried himself with an air of class and professionalism. As the WWF Champion, Hart was the heart of the company, a hero to millions of fans across the globe. His in-ring style was a ballet of submission holds and technical expertise, earning him the nickname “The Hitman”.
However, Hart’s reign as champion was marred by growing tensions with the WWE management. Disagreements over creative direction and the promotion’s focus on a more “sports entertainment” style, a style he deemed disrespectful to the more traditional, technical approach to professional wrestling, left Hart feeling isolated and frustrated. He felt like he was losing control of his career. This discontent would eventually lead to a fateful decision that would have lasting repercussions.
Steve Austin: The Rise of the “Texas Rattlesnake”
On the opposite end of the spectrum was Steve Austin, a rough-around-the-edges brawler known as the “Texas Rattlesnake.” Austin was the embodiment of the working-class hero, a blue-collar wrestler who was willing to fight anyone on anyone’s terms. His brawling style, coupled with his defiant attitude, resonated with the working class audience who saw their own rebellion reflected in his persona. Austin was a threat to the status quo, a loose cannon who was destined to break the mold of the traditional hero.
Austin’s rise to prominence was a testament to his unwavering determination and ability to connect with the audience. His signature catchphrase, “Austin 3:16,” became a rallying cry for rebellion and individuality. This rebellious and edgy approach clashed with Hart’s more traditional, heroic persona, leading to a growing animosity between the two. Austin was rising in popularity, and Hart felt threatened by his disruptive influence.
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The “Montreal Screwjob”: A Moment of Betrayal
The tension between the two came to a head at Survivor Series 1997. Hart, facing impending departure from the WWE to join WCW, refused to lose the title to Austin in his home country of Canada. In a move that shook the wrestling world, Vince McMahon, the WWE CEO, orchestrated a “screwjob,” a pre-planned finish where Hart was betrayed by his own colleagues and forced to submit to Austin.
The incident, known as the “Montreal Screwjob,” sent shockwaves through the wrestling community. It was a blatant act of deception that shattered the sanctity of the business.
It felt real, and it felt personal. Fans were left bewildered, their faith in the wrestling industry shaken. For Hart, it was a betrayal of trust and a professional humiliation. For Austin, it was a victory born out of betrayal, a moment that cemented his status as a villainous anti-hero.
The Wrestlemania 13 Match: The Climax of the Story
The drama of the Montreal Screwjob spilled over into the lead-up to Wrestlemania 13. Hart was a bitter man, a champion dethroned and humiliated in front of his home crowd. He wanted revenge on Austin, a man who benefited from his betrayal. Austin, on the other hand, was riding the wave of his newfound popularity, fueled by his rebellious persona and the “screwjob” victory that had propelled him to the top of the industry.
The match was billed as a “Submission Match,” a no disqualification, no time limit match where victory could only be achieved by forcing the opponent to submit. This stipulation added an extra layer of intensity to an already heated rivalry. It was a match that promised brutality, and the sheer animosity between the two was palpable.
The Match: A Brutal and Emotional Contest
The crowd was on the edge of their seats as the two wrestlers entered the ring. The tension was thick enough to cut with a knife. The match was a textbook example of technical prowess and brutal brawling, a captivating blend of both Hart’s technical expertise and Austin’s hard-hitting, “Stone Cold” style. It was a game of cat and mouse, Hart using his technical expertise to control the match with submission holds, and Austin using his power and grit to overcome the holds and strike back. A back-and-forth battle for supremacy that had the crowd captivated.
Both wrestlers pushed each other to the brink. The match was a war of attrition, with both Austin and Hart leaving every ounce of energy and determination in the ring. It was clear that this match was more than just a fight for victory; it was a personal clash between two contrasting personalities. The match was a fight for the soul of the wrestling business, a fight that would decide whether the traditional hero would prevail, or if the anti-hero would usher in a new era.
The climax of the match came when Hart, exhausted and bruised, refused to submit to the “Sharpshooter,” Austin’s signature submission hold. In a moment of defiance, Austin tightened the hold, causing Hart to lose consciousness, forcing referee, “The Man with the Golden Arm,” Earl Hebner, to call for the bell. The crowd erupted, knowing that this was a defining moment.
The Implications: A Change in the Wrestling Landscape
The Wrestlemania 13 match was a watershed moment in the history of professional wrestling, marking the end of the “Attitude Era” and the beginning of the “Stone Cold” era. It was a monumental shift in the power dynamic, a moment where the rebellious anti-hero emerged triumphant over the traditional hero.
The victory over Hart, a symbol of the traditional era, solidified Austin’s status as the face of the company. His “anti-hero” character was a perfect reflection of the cultural shift towards rebellion and individualism. With Austin leading the charge, the WWE embraced a more edgy, harder-hitting style, becoming a more “sports entertainment” product, that pushed boundaries and challenged the status quo.
The match was not merely a spectacle, but a storytelling masterpiece, a narrative of betrayal, revenge, and the triumph of the anti-hero.
Steve Austin Vs Bret Hart Wrestlemania 13
The Lasting Legacy: A Defining Moment
The match between Steve Austin and Bret “The Hitman” Hart at Wrestlemania 13 is remembered as one of the most pivotal moments in wrestling history. It wasn’t just about the victory; it was about the journey, the clash of personalities, and the story that unfolded in the ring. It was about how the “Texas Rattlesnake” finally struck, bringing about a change in the wrestling world that would last for decades. It was a match that transcended the boundaries of entertainment, becoming a cultural phenomenon. It is a match that is not only considered a technical masterpiece, but also a story that resonates with viewers long after the final bell rings.
The match serves as a reminder that wrestling is more than just a fabricated form of entertainment – it is a powerful medium that reflects and captures the cultural zeitgeist. It is a reminder that stories, even those that are staged, can be gripping, emotional, and profoundly impactful, and that the world of wrestling is a world of captivating narratives that will forever be celebrated by fans of the wrestling world.