Why Bret Hart Vs Stone Cold Steve Austin Transformed The Wrestling Business
8. The Best Seat In The House
Though matches had occasionally spilled out into the crowd in the past, fighting amongst fans was a rarity in WWE until Austin and 'The Hitman' made fantastic use of the trope.
Brawling up into the stands early, the two re-aligned a drab-sounding 'Submission Match' stipulation by highlighting the no holds barred element that suited their heated rivalry far more than a chase for holds and tap-outs.
The energetic brawl (well-manned by guest referee Ken Shamrock, who gamely followed them throughout) gained rapturous support from those they strolled past during the battle, and added an energy to the contest that didn't subside until both men had walked back through the curtain.
It was used again to great effect later in the year, with Bret tussling with Michaels amongst his partisan Montreal faithful during their notorious Montreal clash, and would become a staple of main events as a masking agent for Austin's growing injury problems.