10 Times Wrestling GENUINELY Tried To Be Progressive
7. Turf War
1997's race-baiting 'Gang Wars' were anything but a step in the right direction for WWE in their ongoing war with WCW, but the complex motivations of anti-American heel Bret Hart broke intriguing new ground when the company needed it most.
Bret wasn't just still well-liked outside in Canada, he was positively adored. His scathing assessment of America's healthcare system, gun laws and treatment of vulnerable members of society struck equal chords with jingoistic and patriotic fans either side of the border. His words simultaneously tapped into Canada's insecurity as a bullied little brother and America's own masked failings as a nation.
Brilliantly, it was all still rooted in him being a classic wrestling heel. His reunion with Davey Boy Smith and brother Owen after his first embittered attack on the American audience revealed a sinister edge to his war-mongering. Eyes tinged with scorn, he was equal parts malcontent and manipulator. 'The Excellence Of Execution' had yet again exploited the best bits from the circumspect circumstances that surrounded him. His reward was one of the best runs of his entire career, ironically solidifying his legacy rather than divisively destroying it.