Event: Wrestlemania XIII Location: Rosemont, Illinois Venue: Rosemont Horizon Date: 1997 Its a textbook instance of storytelling and its importance in the squared circle. Its a prime example of how, if booked properly, a loss can be just as significant as a win. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ft2erDvZWYc Austin lost this match pretty decisively he was passed out and covered in blood by the time the Hitman was finished with him. But yet somehow, we hated Bret, against all logic, for getting the revenge that he absolutely deserved. And at the same time, we admired Austins grit and his refusal, against all reason, to tap out to the Sharpshooter. It was that scrappy, blue collar pride that would propel Austin to the top of the card. One year later, Austin won his first WWE Championship by defeating Shawn Michaels at Wrestlemania XIV.
Kevin is an AP English Language teacher and freelance writer from Queens, NY. His focus is on American pop culture and American issues. He wrote a weekly column for Complex called "Throwback Thursdays," which spotlighted video games and trends from previous console generations. Kevin has also been published in VIBE, Salon, PopMatters, Joystiq, and Racialicious. Follow him on Twitter to learn more.
