10 Career-Making Wrestling Matches

5. Steve Austin Vs. Bret Hart (WWF Survivor Series 1996)

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WWE.com

Most fans will remember the WrestleMania 13 encounter between both men in much more vivid detail, but the Survivor Series 1996 bout should not be discounted. That was the night on which 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin was finally able to show Vince McMahon what he was capable of. 

Months earlier, Austin had won the King Of The Ring tournament. In the process, he coined the now-infamous 'Austin 3:16' catchphrase. Again, there's a bit of creativity from the company when it comes to discussing Austin's career. Immediately following his crowning as 'King', the WWF proceeded to do absolutely nothing with the man for a few months.

Indeed, he lost in rapid fashion to Yokozuna during the SummerSlam 'Free For All' show. It wasn't until he started feuding with Hart that Austin was finally allowed to show some personality for a prolonged period. The Survivor Series match was an intense brawl, and even though Austin lost, he came out of it looking like he belonged in the top line mix.

Contributor

Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.