The rivalry between Stone Cold Steve Austin and Bret Hart stands as one of the pivotal narratives of the 1990s, igniting WWE’s legendary “Attitude Era.” Years later, commemorating the anniversary of the “Montreal Screwjob,” Hart returned to Montreal during the “Johnny I Pro Show” and reminisced about his past with Austin. Hart revealed that he played a significant role in bringing Austin to the WWF, having pushed Vince McMahon to acquire new talent and criticizing him for initially letting Austin join WCW. He recalled confronting McMahon about Austin’s potential move to ECW, which ultimately led to McMahon signing Austin within a few months. Hart expressed pride in his part in Austin’s entry to WWF, enthusiastically acknowledging Austin’s arrival.
Reflecting on Austin’s wrestling skills, Hart praised him as a dedicated athlete who sought to make an impact. Hart fondly remembered their matches, including the one at WrestleMania 13 and another at Survivor Series 1996, highlighting the strong chemistry between them that made these bouts memorable. Although Hart was critical of the “I Quit” match concept and voiced his concerns to McMahon, he believed both he and Austin maximized the opportunity fully. Hart also cherished the iconic WrestleMania 13 encounter, admitting that the dramatic bloodshed contributed to its legendary status. While some hail that match as the greatest ever, Hart humbly described it as an incredible story rather than the definitive best.
Fan Take: This insight from Bret Hart offers WWE fans a deeper appreciation of the origins behind one of wrestling’s most famous rivalries and how critical backstage dynamics shaped the industry. Understanding Hart’s role in bringing Steve Austin to WWE helps highlight the importance of talent relationships in evolving the sport’s storytelling and legacy.
