In the spring of 1997, World Wrestling Entertainment was transitioning into the Attitude Era that would eventually lead to the company winning the Monday Night Wars and doing unprecedented business. Part of that transition was eliminating the prototypical "good guys" and "bad guys" from programming. Bret Hart was the first to make a drastic change, moving on from the traditional motivational babyface to a pro-Canada, anti-USA villain who had become disgusted by the immorality and lack of values the American fans possessed. At the same time, Owen Hart and British Bulldog were in the middle of a bitter split that was costing them matches and could have cost them the WWE Tag Team Championship at the same time. During a heated fight between them, Bret came to the ring and talked them down. He emphasized family and by the end of the ordeal, all three Superstars were embracing in a mid-ring hug. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBwoJhUNSPQ In the weeks that followed, the group added Jim Neidhart and Brian Pillman, completing one of the greatest factions in WWE history.
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.
