3. Submission Match: Bret Hart vs. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin (WrestleMania 13)
Bret Hart's hard-fought victory over Steve Austin at Survivor Series 1996 was a huge feather in the cap of the Hitman but went a long way in establishing Austin as the future of the industry. The pinfall victory may have convinced Hart that his issues with the Texan were over but that could not be further from the truth. After Austin eliminated the former heavyweight champion to win the Royal Rumble in controversial fashion, the feud intensified. Austin repeatedly cost Hart the opportunity to regain the title he held with such pride, awakening a side of the Calgary native that fans had never seen before. The angrier and more volatile Austin became, the angrier and more volatile he made the Hitman. By the time WrestleMania 13 and the Submission match between the two arrived, fans expected a violent and brutal contest. They would not be disappointed. Austin bled buckets following a laceration caused by striking the guardrail but never used the severe injury as an excuse. He took a hellish beating but dealt out one of his own. Hart endured a tremendous amount of punishment from his relentless opponent but was able to trap Austin in the Sharpshooter. Refusing to submit, Austin felt his heart pump and his blood pour down over his face. Defiant until his body could no longer back up his will, Austin passed out and special referee Ken Shamrock called for the bell. The Chicago crowd so respected Austin's gutsy performance that they cheered him and booed longtime hero Hart, executed a rare double-turn that would have long-lasting effects on WWE.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
