25 Best Moments Of WWE Monday Night RAW (Year-By-Year)
21. 1997: Bret Hart Snaps
In early 1997, RAW expanded to two hours. Deciding that changes needed to be made in the wake of the extra hour and sagging ratings, WWE rebranded the show as "RAW is War," featuring a new, grittier intro sequence and a renewed focus on drama and conflict. On the second episode of this new initiative, they delivered, giving fans one of the best preludes to a heel turn ever.
On the go-home segment before WrestleMania 13, Bret Hart snapped and took out his anger on Vince McMahon after being screwed out of the WWF Championship by Steve Austin. Hart went on an uncensored tirade blaming the company and accusing everyone of screwing up (and bear in mind, this was months before Montreal happened or before anyone thought Bret was leaving). The segment devolved into shouting matches between Bret, Austin, and Sid, and the show ended in a chaotic brawl.
It was Hart's unfiltered rage that made this segment. To see the previously stoic and noble Hitman give in to the rage and passion surrounding him was a sight to behold, and showed how "raw" this new RAW was.