10 Times WWE Fans Were Elated At WrestleMania

4. The New Hero Emerges

Wrestlemania Elated
WWE

It's always daunting, covering the Bret Hart Vs. Steve Austin Submission match at WrestleMania 13.

It was something more than a masterpiece. It was the foundation for pro wrestling's next big star, and to put this in perspective, consider the parallels between Austin and his predecessor, Hulk Hogan. Hogan was already a superstar by the time he landed back in the WWF in 1984. Vince McMahon promoted him immaculately. That was a feat of marketing.

This was a feat of storytelling artistry; over the course of 22 of the best in-ring minutes the WWF ever promoted, Hart and Austin shifted, seamlessly and ingeniously, over to the other side of the moral spectrum. Hart added more viciousness to his limb work and bladed Austin with genius sleight of hand; Austin roared back with a storm of punches before being subdued by - but not submitting - to Hart's ultra-believable submission prowess. A white-hot, innovative brawl that peaked when it slowed down, this subverted the form of pro wrestling as much as the character dynamic. Both men laboured over Austin's agonised plight in a sort of anti-crescendo abundant in pathos and emotion. Even watching it back now, for the hundredth time, you will never convince yourself that Austin isn't in blinding pain - and that he isn't a total badass for not surrendering to it.

This elated fans with perfect timing. The ultimate show-don't-tell match, only at the finish did they grasp the magic, roaring Austin over a line no man could ever crawl beyond.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!