50 Greatest WWE Raw Moments Ever

Bret Hart deserves more credit than most for handing over his body, mind and soul for the greater good as Stone Cold Steve Austin's meteoric rise began. The run that would ultimately save the entire company was already underway by the time the two clashed throughout the legendary April 21st 1997 edition of the show, but 'The Hitman's turn to the dark side was key to revealing just how much his hated rival had pivoted in the opposite direction.

In the run up to and execution of their instant classic Survivor Series 1996 match, Bret had unlocked the dormant killer within 'The Rattlesnake', but their seismic WrestleMania 13 double turn simultaneously paid off months of one tale and relaunched the programme with the performers on different sides of the divide. It was pro wrestling perfection - Hart had initially called upon the challenge of Austin as the "best wrestler" in the company in an effort to still prove he was that man. The hornet's nest he booted resulted in just about everybody in sight getting stung.

Alas, right as the feud reached another apex, Bret found himself frustratingly in need of knee surgery. Creatively energised, the company produced perhaps the best ever solution to a problem - Raw was one episode-long profile of Austin's obsession with ending Hart's career. His relentless attacks (or attempted ones) added to his megastar aura in the hearts of a steadily increasing fanbase. Rebuking the support, Austin was a man possessed as he demolished Bret's leg with a chair, before hijacking the ambulance attempting to ferry him to safety. Fearless in the face of Owen Hart, Davey Boy Smith and later Brian Pillman (while pushing back the help of fellow face Shawn Michaels) it was another vital step on Austin's path to superstardom.