Many people point to the Austin/McMahon storyline as the catalyst for the resurgence of the WWF in the Attitude Era. However, it was the USA/Canada storyline throughout the summer of 1997 which initially started to swing momentum back into the WWF's favor. Though the television ratings victories over WCW did not happen until 1998, it was this storyline which initially started to turn around business (ppv buys, ticket sales) for the WWF and give their television a much needed jolt of excitement. The two stars of the US/Canada feud were unquestionably Bret Hart, leading Team Canada with his Hart Foundation, and Steve Austin, the proud Texas Rattlesnake. By July 1997, Hart and Austin had been feuding with each other for close to 9 months. Going into the In Your House: Canadian Stampede pay per view (held in Calgary), it was decided that there would be a Team Canada vs. Team USA main event. Team Canada would consist of the Hart Foundation (Bret Hart, Owen Hart, Jim Neidhart, The British Bulldog, Brian Pillman), and Team USA would be comprised of Steve Austin, Road Warrior Hawk, Road Warrior Animal, Goldust, and Ken Shamrock. http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x19yi6k_wwf-in-your-house-16-canadian-stampede-the-hard-foundation-vs-legion-of-doom-goldust-ken-shamrock-st_sport The crowd reaction in this match makes it as memorable as the wrestling itself. With the event being held in the Hart's backyard, the crowd was obviously very pro Canadian and one of the most intense in wrestling history. Watching this match back really gives you a sense of just how hot the USA vs. Canada storyline was throughout the summer of 1997.
