20 Years Later... 10 Reasons Vince McMahon Was STILL RIGHT To Screw Bret Hart
6. (New) New Generation
Bret Hart's April 1997 heel turn was arguably the key moment in orchestrating a radical shift for WWE that was eventually packaged as 'Attitude'. His WrestleMania 13 contest with Stone Cold Steve Austin was a transcendent thing of beauty, flipping both performer's scripts and triggering a revived programme that would irreversibly elevate 'The Rattlesnake' to the upper echelon.
Despite spilt blood and bruising weapon assaults, the match never strayed from the art form of pro wrestling. Unfortunately for the morally conservative 'Hitman', the company employed similar methods with increasingly less tact as the year progressed, widening a disconnect between the sexed up violence of his legendary battle and actual storylines and contests that required it.
Conversely, rival top dog Shawn Michaels actively courted the controversy. Austin had the audience wrapped around his middle finger. Even The Undertaker got embroiled in drama hitherto unseen from 'The Deadman'. Ethically, Bret was an odd man out in a company that desperately required philosophical solidarity.