WWE: 10 Iconic Alliances That Should Be Reinvented For 2014
2. The New Hart Foundation (1997)
Most people don't realize two things about the 1997 reformation of the Hart Foundation. One, Bret Hart reunited the faction shortly after his Wrestlemania 13 instant-classic submission match with "Stone Cold" Steve Austin. The match that propelled Austin into superstardom also resulted in Bret's first foray into heel territory since 1988. Another curious fact is that the new incarnation of the Hart Foundation lasted less than a year in 1997 despite what, in retrospect, seemed like an eternity. The Hart Foundation dominated WWE television, pay-per-views (including their very own In Your House: Canadian Stampede event), and indeed the entire 1997 championship title picture. In just eight months, the Hart Foundation won every available WWE title at the time and ushered in a strange "anti-Canadian era" of professional wrestling. American crowds booed the Hart Foundation just as loudly as they did the Iron Sheik in the 1980s, but they were simultaneously revered as national heroes by both Canadian and European fans. From Wrestlemania 13 until the infamous Montreal Screwjob at Survivor Series 1997, the Hart Foundation, and specifically Bret Hart, were the company's top heel money men. They proved to be a rare combination of a dominant faction (winning 6 combined championship belts) as well as perfect heel fodder for the emerging careers of both Shawn Michaels and Steve Austin. Sadly, their alliance was cut short by the sudden death of Brian Pillman in October of 1997 and the shocking departure of Bret Hart just a month later. Imagine the résumé they could have compiled with a deeper four or five year run atop the WWE. 2014 Proposed Update - The New New Hart Foundation C'mon, WWE, just do it! We want Natty Neidhart, Tyson Kidd, and DH Smith back together so that a new (unnecessary) United States vs. Canada feud can begin. Bring back the Hitman and the Anvil while you're at it, and let us all be happy 1990s teenagers once again.
