This is the match that features, arguably, the most famous "crimson mask" in the history of the business. Steve Austin, screaming in pain as blood streams down his face while Bret Hart has him locked in the Sharpshooter, became a megastar because of that blood work. One of the best things about the entire feud between Austin and the Hart Foundation was just how real it all seemed. If you didn't know any better, you would think Austin and the Harts, but especially Bret, hated each other's guts. Every match and segment featuring them saw stiff-looking beatings. Their Mania 13 match was physical from the opening bell, and the brawl was on. Never before has a single blade job told a better story. As every drop of blood rolled down Austin's face, getting in his mouth and his nose, he just would not give up. Passing out in the Sharpshooter showed wrestling fans that Austin really did look like the "world's toughest S.O.B.", as he would go on to call himself for years. Without that extra level of violence, you have to wonder how history would have been different. The exact same finish to the match, just without blood, could have hindered Austin's rise to the top of the business, albeit not by much.
Columnist/Podcaster/Director at LordsOfPain.net for nearly seven years, with nearly 2000 total columns written. Interviewed and/or involved in interviewing the likes of Tyler Black/Seth Rollins (twice), Diamond Dallas Page, Jimmy Jacobs, Christopher Daniels, Uhaa Nation and more.
