Over the years, WWE has been blessed with iconic rivalries that fans have thoroughly enjoyed in each generation. Each feud has been absolutely epic, driven by such an emotionally passionate storyline that has left a lasting impression in the memories of the wrestling enthusiasts. Thus, making it near impossible to forget them.
From Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Jericho to Matt Hardy vs. Edge, each rivalry resonated deeply with audiences. However, there’s only rivalry that sets itself apart from the masses, making it once in a generation. It is none other than the rivalry between Bret Hart and Stone Cold Steve Austin.
Surprisingly, instead of making Austin have sore feelings with his rival, he thanks the legend for creating the career that he has only seen an upward trajectory. Thus, making it significantly better than the lot.
Bret Hart and Steve Austin: A rivalry for ages to remember
“Stone Cold” Steve Austin made his WWE debut back in 1995, showcasing his in-ring prowess, and the how he can be one of the greats of the game. However, Austin’s career soon came to a standstill as he got stuck in the mid-tier card. Things started to change for the better, when paths crossed with Bret “The Hitman” Hart, who was the top guy working under Vince McMahon.
Their rivalry spanned only a year, from 1996 to 1997, when The Rattlesnake cut his infamous Austin 3:16 promo, taunting Hart, who was taking his time off from the company after WrestleMania 12. After his return, he handpicked Austin to be his new rival, as the two clashed in the fall of 1996 at the Survivor Series.
The two squared off at the Madison Square Garden, creating magic, each star flaunting their in-ring excellence, with The Hitman showing no signs of rust and scoring the victory. This was just the beginning, as they met again on RAW and then in 1997 at the Royal Rumble, where Austin cheated to win the Rumble, eliminating none other than his old rival, Bret Hart.
This kicked off their intense feud, where each week both stars came at each other with pure hatred, proving how he is worthy enough to become the face of the company. Their best and most memorable match was at WrestleMania 13, where they faced off against each other in a No Holds Barred Submission match with Ken Shamrock as the special guest referee.
Without a dram of doubt, it was one of the greatest matches in the history of the Show of Shows, where the image of a busted-open Austin locked in a Sharpshooter remains the most iconic visual of WrestleMania. While the 6-time WWE Champion refused to tap out, he lost because he lost too much blood.
![“[Gold Medal] doesn’t seem to pay the bills”: Even Triple H’s Speech Was Less Harsh and Intimidating Than What Gunther Said to PC Atheletes](https://fwmedia.fandomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/28004514/triple-h-gunther-768x432.jpg "“[Gold Medal] doesn’t seem to pay the bills”: Even Triple H’s Speech Was Less Harsh and Intimidating Than What Gunther Said to PC Atheletes")
Though Steve Austin lost the match, he transitioned into a babyface with his opponent becoming a heel. This switch enabled him to get on the good side of the fans, who respected his valiant efforts to score a 2nd victory against his long-term rival. The two met again 4 times; each time, Hart came out on top and earned the bragging rights against Austin.
Stone Cold acknowledges his feud with The Hitman created his legendary career
It has been 28 years since the legendary double turn took place, which played a core role in creating the character that became so famous in the Attitude Era. While the two were bloodthirsty rivals on the screen, the two were equally close off-screen. Austin expressed his gratitude to the members of the Hart Foundation.
During an exclusive interview with Sports Illustrated, The Rattlesnake mentioned that the 5-time WWE Champion gave him his breakout moment and made him a prominent face in the wrestling industry. He said,
If it wasn’t for Bret Hart, I don’t know that I would be having this interview right now. My feud with Bret changed everything.
However, that wasn’t all because he reminisced about how WrestleMania 13 happened to be his favorite, giving the “double turn” moment. He added,
Of all the ones I’ve been part of, my favorite is WrestleMania 13 against Bret ‘The Hitman’ Hart when we executed a double turn. I got busted open in that match, transitioned from a heel into a babyface. It was so paramount in the importance of ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin getting over.
Nevertheless, their feud has become immortal, and what better way to honor their heat than by making it a part of the WWE Hall of Fame? This year, the company decided to add a new category called the “Immortal Moment,” where the first inaugural honoree is the iconic match between Bret Hart and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin from WrestleMania 13 via WWE.
This one-of-a-kind tribute showcases how significant their rivalry has been, which in the bigger picture has shaped the success of the company, making it a global powerhouse that fans would tune in to each week.
WrestleMania 41 will be a two-night event taking place on Saturday, April 19, and Sunday, April 20, 2025.
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