This Classic WWE Match Was Inspired By A "School Fight"
A WWE legend says one of his biggest matches was "modelled on a school fight".
A school yard fight Bret Hart once witnessed directly inspired his timeless war opposite Steve Austin at WrestleMania 13.
It's true - the 'Hitman' told CBC Radio's Q podcast that he once watched a "bad guy" become the sympathetic figure after losing a fight at school. Meanwhile, the supposed "hero" of the piece (who was previously the default babyface of the party) suddenly shifted to become the focus of everyone's hate.
That strange dynamic never left Bret's brain, and he was able to use it as inspiration for his 1997 'Mania classic during adulthood. Backstage, Hart told the pod, he laid out the plan to Austin and told him all about that school fight he'd once watched with interest.
'Stone Cold' loved the idea of a double turn, and he knew the WWF audience would come along for the ride if they were careful enough not to overdo it and force the thought that Austin was suddenly some goody-two-shoes.
Bret likened his plan to "cheering for the shark" in Jaws. That predator was the natural villain of the piece, but it did take on some anti-hero qualities by the end of the movie. Hart wanted that for Austin.