To suggest that the Hart family is akin to royalty in their hometown of Calgary, Alberta, Canada would be the understatement of the century. Respected and celebrated for their contributions to the city and the industry of professional wrestling, they are beloved by fans across the country, let alone their home base. So when Vince McMahon booked his July 1997 pay-per-view event for the town, it was with the idea in mind that Bret Hart and the new Hart Foundation would receive monstrous ovations. Despite being heels in the United State, they entered the arena one after another, the pops growing louder and louder until the Hitman stepped through the curtain and the decibel level reached a solid 11. Their opponents, Steve Austin, Goldust, Ken Shamrock and the Legion of Doom, were greeted with receptions significantly cooler than those reserved for the conquering heroes in the states. The two teams crafted a classic match that climaxed when Austin slid out of the ring and assaulted Bruce Hart at ringside. All hell broke loose, leading to Owen pinning Austin, much to the delight of the fans. The images of the entire Hart family celebrating to end the show remains one of the greatest feel-good moments in WWE history. If that match had been the only one on the entire show, it would still rank as the best hidden gem on the WWE Network. The storytelling was so intricate yet so epic that you cannot help but become emotionally invested in what is unfolding on the screen. Austin is at his best as an antagonist while Bret Hart, who had been turned heel and was in danger of losing the spotlight to Shawn Michaels, was allowed one last opportunity for a hero's reception in WWE. With an awesome match between the Great Sasuke and Taka Michinoku early in the event, a wild brawl between Mankind and Triple H kicking things off, and a WWE Championship bout between Undertaker and Vader, the show is a stacked and loaded event that proved just why WWE was able to eventually rebound and win the Monday Night Wars.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
