The incredible success for Bret Hart saw him create many successful rivalries with two standing out at the top. Fans often instantly think of both Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels when thinking of their top memories of Bret in the ring. The two feuds had successful results of memorable promos and must-watch matches in the mid-90s.
We will look at arguments for both wrestlers as the top rival of Hart’s career. Austin fans believe Bret’s best work came with him from 1996 to 1997. Quite a few people would claim Michaels and Hart’s importance working together made their rivalry more significant. Make your own choice after checking out both sides. The following points provide rational for each Austin and Michaels as Bret’s top rival.
10 Austin: WrestleMania 13 classic
The WrestleMania 13 match between Steve Austin and Bret Hart is often the first match mentioned when discussing the best in WrestleMania history. Fans realized they were witnessing some special when Austin and Hart delivered a new level of violence for WWE.
The visual of Austin trying to fight the sharpshooter with blood pouring down his face made him a top superstar moving forward even in defeat. Bret worked hard to set up a special match with layered storytelling and both men are still celebrated for it today.
9 Michaels: First Iron Man Match
WWE sees polarizing reactions to most Iron Man matches in company history. The idea of going into a match knowing it will be either 30 or 60 minutes makes it harder to remain invested if the wrestlers can’t keep up hooked into the story.
Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels were selected to have the first match of that kind in WWE at WrestleMania 12. Both wrestlers worked extremely hard on their conditioning coming into this highly anticipated match. Michaels won the Iron Man match to start his first reign as WWE Champion.
