Professional wrestling has given fans countless unforgettable moments, but few rivalries have left as lasting an impression as the iconic clash between Bret “The Hitman” Hart and “Texas Rattlesnake” Stone Cold Steve Austin. This legendary showdown transcended the squared circle, becoming a defining chapter in wrestling history that still captivates audiences today. Whether you’re a die-hard WWE fan or a casual viewer, the story of these two titans colliding in an epic battle is one of passion, skill, and raw intensity. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the origins of their rivalry, the unforgettable matches that shaped it, and why this feud remains a benchmark for wrestling greatness.
#### The Rise of Bret “The Hitman” Hart
To understand the magnitude of this rivalry, we first need to explore the man known as Bret Hart. Born into the legendary Hart wrestling family in Calgary, Canada, Bret was destined for greatness. Trained in the infamous Hart Dungeon by his father, Stu Hart, Bret honed his technical wrestling skills to perfection. With his signature pink and black attire and a sharpshooter submission hold that became synonymous with his name, Bret earned the nickname “The Hitman” through his precision and in-ring brilliance. By the mid-1990s, Bret had risen to the top of the WWE (then WWF), capturing multiple world championships and establishing himself as a fan favorite.
Bret wasn’t just a wrestler; he was a storyteller. His matches were masterclasses in psychology, blending technical prowess with emotional depth. Fans admired his dedication to the craft and his ability to make every move look effortless. However, as the wrestling landscape began to shift in the mid-90s with the rise of edgier characters, Bret’s traditional style faced a new kind of challenge—one that would come in the form of Stone Cold Steve Austin.
#### The Emergence of “Texas Rattlesnake” Stone Cold Steve Austin
On the other side of the ring stood Steve Austin, a brash, beer-drinking Texan who redefined what it meant to be a wrestling superstar. Before becoming the “Texas Rattlesnake,” Austin had a successful career in WCW as “Stunning” Steve Austin, but it was in WWE that he truly found his voice. After a stint as “The Ringmaster,” Austin shed the gimmick and unleashed his now-iconic Stone Cold persona in 1996. With his rebellious attitude, profanity-laced promos, and a no-nonsense approach to fighting, Austin became the anti-hero wrestling fans didn’t know they needed.
Austin’s rise coincided with the dawn of the Attitude Era, a period when WWE embraced a grittier, more adult-oriented product. His catchphrase, “Austin 3:16,” born from a legendary promo at King of the Ring 1996, catapulted him to superstardom. Unlike Bret Hart’s polished finesse, Austin brought chaos and unpredictability to the ring. His signature Stunner finishing move and relentless aggression made him a force to be reckoned with. It was only a matter of time before these two contrasting legends crossed paths.
#### The Spark That Ignited the Feud
The rivalry between Bret Hart and Stone Cold Steve Austin didn’t start with a single moment but rather built gradually, fueled by their starkly different personalities and wrestling philosophies. By late 1996, Bret was the established veteran, a hero to fans who valued tradition and sportsmanship. Austin, meanwhile, was the upstart renegade, flipping the bird to authority and winning over a new generation of fans hungry for rebellion. Their paths collided in a series of encounters that would set the stage for one of the most unforgettable feuds in WWE history.
One of the earliest significant moments came at Survivor Series 1996. Bret Hart, returning from a hiatus, faced Austin in a match that showcased their incredible chemistry. Bret’s technical mastery clashed with Austin’s brawling intensity, creating a dynamic that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Hart emerged victorious, but Austin’s performance earned him respect and solidified his status as a top contender. This match planted the seeds for what would become a rivalry for the ages.
#### WrestleMania 13: The Match That Defined a Generation
If there’s one moment that encapsulates the Bret Hart vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin rivalry, it’s their submission match at WrestleMania 13 on March 23, 1997. Held at the Rosemont Horizon in Chicago, this encounter is widely regarded as one of the greatest wrestling matches of all time. The stakes were high: Bret wanted to prove he was still the best, while Austin aimed to cement his place as the face of the company. What unfolded was a brutal, emotional masterpiece that blurred the lines between hero and villain.
The match was a no-disqualification affair with a simple rule—the only way to win was to force your opponent to submit. Ken Shamrock served as the special guest referee, adding an extra layer of intrigue. From the opening bell, the intensity was palpable. Bret methodically targeted Austin’s legs, setting up for the Sharpshooter, while Austin fought back with fists, kicks, and sheer determination. The crowd erupted as the two traded blows, spilling out of the ring and into the stands in a chaotic brawl that felt more like a street fight than a wrestling match.
The defining image of WrestleMania 13 came in the match’s final moments. Bret locked Austin in the Sharpshooter, wrenching his legs with unrelenting force. Blood poured from Austin’s forehead, a result of an earlier clash with the ring post, yet he refused to submit. His face contorted in agony, Austin clawed at the mat, unwilling to give up. The referee eventually called the match as Austin passed out from the pain, awarding the victory to Hart. In that instant, a double turn occurred—Bret, frustrated by the crowd’s shifting allegiance, began his descent into villainy, while Austin’s resilience made him a hero.
#### The Aftermath and Legacy of the Feud
The WrestleMania 13 match didn’t mark the end of the Hart-Austin rivalry but rather a turning point. Bret’s heel turn saw him form the Hart Foundation, a faction that railed against American wrestling fans, while Austin embraced his newfound status as the ultimate anti-hero. Their feud continued through 1997, with memorable encounters like their match on Monday Night Raw and a brutal 10-man tag team match at In Your House: Canadian Stampede. Each clash added new layers to their story, showcasing their ability to evolve as performers.
What made this rivalry so special was its authenticity. Bret and Austin didn’t just wrestle—they told a story of pride, defiance, and mutual respect. Off-screen, the two shared a professional admiration, with Bret later praising Austin’s work ethic and Austin crediting Hart for elevating his career. Their matches weren’t just about flashy moves; they were about raw emotion and the struggle for supremacy in a changing wrestling world.
#### Why This Feud Remains Immortal
Decades later, the Bret Hart vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin rivalry stands as a pinnacle of professional wrestling. It bridged the gap between the old-school technical style and the Attitude Era’s gritty realism, appealing to fans of all ages. The feud produced moments that are still replayed and analyzed, from Austin’s bloodied defiance at WrestleMania to Bret’s masterful in-ring psychology. It’s a testament to their talent that this rivalry remains a benchmark for what a wrestling feud should be.
For SEO purposes, this story continues to rank high in wrestling discussions online. Fans searching for “Bret Hart vs. Stone Cold” or “best WWE rivalries” inevitably stumble upon this iconic clash. It’s a keyword-rich topic that resonates with nostalgia while offering timeless lessons in storytelling and athleticism. Whether you’re reliving the matches on WWE Network or debating them on forums, the legacy of Hart vs. Austin endures.
#### The Cultural Impact Beyond the Ring
Beyond wrestling, the Hart-Austin feud reflected broader cultural shifts in the 1990s. Bret represented tradition and honor, a throwback to a bygone era, while Austin embodied the rebellious spirit of a generation rejecting conformity. Their rivalry mirrored the clash between establishment and revolution, making it relatable to audiences outside wrestling. This dynamic helped propel WWE into mainstream popularity, turning Austin into a pop culture icon and solidifying Hart’s status as a legend.
#### Reliving the Immortal Battle Today
For those eager to experience this epic showdown, platforms like YouTube and WWE Network offer access to the full matches and key moments. Clips of WrestleMania 13, in particular, remain some of the most-watched wrestling content online, drawing new fans to the saga. Books like Bret Hart’s autobiography, _Hitman_, and Austin’s _The Stone Cold Truth_ provide deeper insights into their perspectives, adding richness to the story. Podcasts and documentaries also frequently revisit this feud, ensuring its immortality in wrestling lore.
#### Conclusion: A Clash for the Ages
The rivalry between Bret “The Hitman” Hart and “Texas Rattlesnake” Stone Cold Steve Austin is more than just a series of matches—it’s a timeless tale of two legends pushing each other to greatness. Their immortal battle at WrestleMania 13 and the feud that surrounded it redefined wrestling, blending technical brilliance with raw emotion. For fans old and new, this showdown remains a shining example of why wrestling is more than a sport—it’s an art form. As long as wrestling exists, the legacy of Hart vs. Austin will live on, etched in the annals of history as one of the greatest rivalries ever.