100 Greatest WWE WrestleMania Moments
41. Bret Hart Ends ‘Mania X On Top (WrestleMania X)
Vince McMahon had a quasi-love/hate relationship with the thought of pushing Bret Hart as his top champion in the early-to-mid-1990s. The boss knew he could rely on the 'Hitman' to produce excellent matches, and he understood Hart's popularity with the fanbase. However, McMahon simultaneously had the hots for creating 'the next Hulk Hogan'. That's something he tried with both The Ultimate Warrior and Lex Luger, but both eventually flopped in the role.
1994's Royal Rumble ended with Hart and Luger as co-winners. This was crafty, because it let the WWF find out firsthand who the audience wanted most. The answer? Bret. Always Bret. Reactions in Rhode Island shaped what came next at WrestleMania X. A mini-tournament was set up: Lex would wrestle Yokozuna for the WWF Title, then Hart would meet the winner in the main event.
To make things fairer, Bret would also work vs. his brother Owen earlier in the night too. You best believe that's higher up!
Roddy Piper was the special guest ref for the resultant Hart vs. Yokozuna headliner. It was a rematch from 'Mania IX before Hulk Hogan marched in, Mr. Fuji nonsensically fired out a dramatic challenge, then Hulkamania reigned supreme to end the show. By '94, Hogan was out of the WWF and it was time for Bret to show Vince who he should pin his hopes on full time.
A string of babyfaces, including Luger, hoisted the 'Hitman' up on their shoulders and paraded him around the ring as Madison Square Garden applauded. This was the only ending to 'Mania X that would've made sense. Bret (eventually) had his day.