Bret "Hitman" Hart vs. The Mountie: The Forgotten MSG Intercontinental Showdown in November 1991 [Videos]

Madison Square Garden has hosted countless legendary Intercontinental Championship battles, but some slipped through the cracks of history — and this one deserves another look. On November 30, 1991, Bret “Hitman” Hart arrived in New York City in the middle of a defining run as I.C. Champion. For fans of early-’90s WWF storytelling, this is a slice of Intercontinental title history that hits all the right notes.

This MSG event was historic for another reason: it was the night Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair met in the ring for the first time, a dream match fans had waited years to see. With that level of electricity in the building, Bret Hart and The Mountie stepped into a crowd already super-charged — and they delivered a worthy IC title battle of their own.

Bret "Hitman" Hart vs The Mountie

MSG Network

November 30, 1991

💰 Starrcade ’84: The Million Dollar Challenge – Ric Flair vs. Dusty Rhodes [Videos]

The stage was set in Greensboro, North Carolina, for one of the most electric nights in NWA history — The Million Dollar Challenge, featuring Special Guest Referee “Smokin’ Joe” Frazier. “Nature Boy” Ric Flair, the World’s Heavyweight Champion, brought the limousine-ridin’, jet-flyin’ lifestyle, while “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes brought the blue-collar fire of every fan who believed in the Dream.

Relive the promos, the intensity, and the main event showdown that defined an era — just months before the World Wrestling Federation would introduce WrestleMania and change the professional wrestling industry forever.

Starrcade '84 Main Event Announcement

World Wide Wrestling

Aired on October 20, 1984

Greensboro, North Carolina

"The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes

Promos

"The Nature Boy" Ric Flair

Promos

Ric Flair vs Dusty Rhodes

Starrcade '84

November 22, 1984

Greensboro, North Carolina

Paying Respect to the Best There Is: CM Punk & Rey Mysterio Salute Bret Hart [Videos]

Bret Hart

"The best there is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be."

CM Punk Praises Bret Hart

Video Clip Source: Roots of Fight

Video Clip Source: Roots of Fight

Bret Hart Punches CM Punk

RAW

September 10, 2012

 Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Rey Mysterio Praises Bret Hart's Match Against Roddy Piper

Video Clip Source: Roots of Fight

Bret Hart Attacks Rey Mysterio

WCW Thunder

July 16, 1998

Oakland, California

Bret Hart: "Study Wrestling Like a Science" [Video]

Bret Hart stood out for treating wrestling as both art and discipline. His calm confidence and technical mastery are on full display here in this video. Calling wrestling “a science,” the Hitman gives rare insight into the philosophy behind his in-ring excellence — the very approach that helped redefine the WWF style of the 1990s.

Jim Cornette’s 1982 Memphis Wrestling TV Debut [Videos]

Before becoming one of wrestling’s most outspoken and influential managers, Jim Cornette made his humble on-camera debut on Memphis Wrestling television — a glimpse at the early spark that would shape a legendary career.

Jim Cornette (born September 17, 1961) made his professional wrestling debut at the age of 20, portraying a privileged, arrogant young manager from a wealthy background. Initially presented as a “rich kid” entering the business through family connections and his Mom's money, Cornette quickly became known for his sharp wit, articulate promos, and deep understanding of wrestling psychology.

Revisit Jim Cornette’s first television appearance — the moment that introduced one of wrestling’s most passionate and influential voices to the world.

Memphis Wrestling

Saturday, August 21, 1982

Though brief and modest in production, this television debut contains the genesis of Cornette’s voice in pro wrestling. It introduces the early stages of his managerial persona, the mic presence, and the stylistic seeds that would grow into decades of influence. From Memphis to national platforms, the trajectory started in 1982.

Memphis Wrestling

Saturday, August 28, 1982

Commentators: Lance Russell and Jimmy Cornett

Bret "Hitman" Hart vs British Bulldog in June 1992 [Videos]

Bret Hart vs British Bulldog

Some matches never make the broadcast, yet they still carry weight. On June 30, 1992, in Binghamton, New York, the WWF staged a dark match between Bret “Hitman” Hart and The British Bulldog. It wasn’t televised, and for years it remained tucked away in fan recordings and archives. But this bout has taken on extra meaning because it acted as a warm-up — even a rehearsal — for their legendary showdown at SummerSlam ’92 in front of 80,000 fans at Wembley Stadium. This dark match gave them the chance to test their timing and chemistry in front of a smaller crowd before being trusted to headline the company’s biggest international event ever.

Background & Stakes

• The two weren’t just rivals — they were brothers-in-law, linked through family, which gave their matches a unique undercurrent of pride and familiarity. Their familiarity gave this match (and SummerSlam ’92) an authenticity that few rivalries could match.

• Both also had rich tag team pedigrees: Bret with The Hart Foundation, and Bulldog with The British Bulldogs. Their years of tag experience against (and sometimes alongside) one another gave them a chemistry that translated perfectly when they clashed in singles competition.

Hidden Gem Spotlight: The Forgotten Prelude

This match matters not just because it’s rare, but because it’s a dress rehearsal for history.

• Fans often remember SummerSlam ’92 as the pinnacle of the British Bulldog's WWF career.

• Seeing them tangle here — away from the spotlight — feels like peeking into the workshop before the masterpiece.

• If Wembley was the polished diamond, this dark match is the rough cut that shows the first glimmer of brilliance.

Your Turn: Watch & React

What do you see here?

• Can you spot the seeds of the SummerSlam story?

• Does Bulldog look ready for the main event, or was Bret carrying more weight at this stage?
  Drop your take below — and let’s decide if this one deserves the label of Hidden Gem.

• After watching this dark match, go back and view their SummerSlam ’92 battle — see how this undercard moment set the stage.

Drop your thoughts in the comments and let me know which other rare matches deserve a spotlight next!

WWF Intercontinental Championship

"DARK MATCH"

Bret "Hitman" Hart vs British Bulldog

Binghamton, New York

Tuesday, June 30, 1992

Stephanie McMahon reads "Donna's Letter" on SMACKDOWN! [Videos]

SMACKDOWN!

March 30, 2000

Live on UPN

WWF Women's Championship Match

Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley vs Jacqueline

SMACKDOWN!

March 30, 2000

Vintage Wrestlers: Pat O’Connor vs. Buddy Rogers [Videos]

Friday, June 30, 1961 – N.W.A. World Heavyweight Championship – Comiskey Park, Chicago

The course of professional wrestling shifted after this match. Billed as a Champion vs. Champion showdown, the coveted N.W.A. World Heavyweight Title, proudly held by Pat O’Connor, was on the line. Contested under the traditional best two-out-of-three falls rules, the bout blended O’Connor’s technical mastery with Rogers’ flair for theatrics. When Rogers emerged victorious, it marked far more than a title change. It was a symbolic passing of the torch from the disciplined, grappling-focused style of the past to a new era where charisma, showmanship, and performance stood alongside athletic skill as the cornerstones of professional wrestling. At the conclusion of the match, Rogers twisted the knife with trademark arrogance and flair, declaring, "To a nicer guy, it couldn't happen."

N.W.A. World Heavyweight Championship Match

Champion vs Champion

World Heavyweight Champion Pat O'Connor

versus

US Heavyweight Champion Buddy Rogers

WRESTLERS' SOUND-OFF

with

Manager Red Berry

and

The Fabulous Kangaroos (Al Costello & Roy Heffernan)

Second Fall

Third and Final Fall

🔍✨ A RARE "Macho King" Randy Savage vs Ultimate Warrior Dark Match in 1990 [Videos]

THE DARK MATCH

WWF Intercontinental Championship Match

Not televised; available via WWE Vault and YouTube

Fort Myers, Florida

January 23, 1990

🎉 Half a Million Strong – Thank You, Pro Wrestling Fans!

Pro Wrestling Resource has officially crossed 500,000 views – and it’s all thanks to you, the fans who keep the spirit of pro wrestling history alive!

This blog started as a passion project in graduate school to spotlight classic matches, iconic moments, and the legends that made pro wrestling unforgettable. From time to time, I spotlight current happenings, like John Cena turning Heel, or the return of The Rock. I have enjoyed creating cartoon-style WrestleMania posters to sharing Squash Match Spotlights, and you’ve been with us every step of the way.

Half a Million Strong is more than a milestone – it’s proof that the love for wrestling’s golden era, and classic pro wrestling content still runs wild in the hearts of the fans!

Thank you for reading, sharing, and supporting Pro Wrestling Resource. The road to one million starts now!

🔗 Want to help us get there?

• Share your favorite post with a friend.

• Follow us on Instagram @ProWrestlingResource.

• Drop a comment below and tell us your favorite post or memory from PWR.

Here’s to the next chapter… one million views and beyond!

✨ Dusty Rhodes returns to the World Wrestling Federation in 1989 [Videos]

After nearly six years away from the World Wrestling Federation, Dusty Rhodes returns to the WWF in style by attacking the Big Boss Man, appearing on the Brother Love Show, and cutting a classic promo.

Big Boss Man with Slick vs Jim McPherson

WWF Superstars of Wrestling

Filmed on June 28, 1989

Aired on July 30, 1989 

Rochester, New York

Commentary: Vince McMahon & Jesse "The Body" Ventura

Dusty Rhodes on

The Brother Love Show

WWF Superstars of Wrestling

Classic Dusty Rhodes Promo

🎤 Hulk Hogan thanks the Hulkamanics in July 1990 [Videos]

Hulk Hogan Thanks Hulkamaniacs

WWF Saturday Night's Main Event

Aired July 28, 1990

Hulk Hogan's Six-Minute Promo

WWF SUPERSTARS OF WRESTLING

Aired on July 14, 1990

📺 The World Wrestling Federation's New Generation Television Spots [Videos]

The “New Generation” campaign marked a pivotal shift in WWF’s identity during the mid-1990s. These television spots weren’t just flashy promos—they reflected a deeper effort to move beyond the aging '80s icons and position newer, more athletic talent like Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, Diesel, Lex Luger, and Razor Ramon as the future of the company.

These ads captured the changing tone of the WWF. In hindsight, they represent the groundwork that led to the Attitude Era and beyond.

"BRET!" Television Promotion

Shawn Michaels Police TV Spot

Razor Ramon TV Spot

Holiday Line Up TV Spot

Monday Night Raw TV Spot

The Old vs The New Generation TV Spot

Diesel TV Spot

As a fan watching this unfold in real time, it felt like WWF was handing the torch to a new breed of superstar—quieter confidence, flashier athleticism, and a sense that the company was entering unfamiliar but exciting territory. Whether you loved Bret’s grit, Razor’s cool, or HBK’s swagger, these promos set the tone for what was to come.

And that’s exactly what Pro Wrestling Resource is here for—spotlighting the turning points that shaped an entire generation of fans.

🥇 Squash Match Spotlight: Mr. Perfect vs. Dwayne Gill [Video]

 

Mr. Perfect vs Dwayne Gill

WWF SUPERSTARS

Aired April 3, 1993

Commentary: Bobby Heenan and Gorilla Monsoon

More Mr. Perfect Squash Matches at 🥇 Squash Match Spotlight: Mr. Perfect vs. Mark Thomas (Double Feature) Same victim. Same result. Twice the perfection. [Videos]

📺 The Forgotten Days of Buddy “The Heart-Throb” Hart in Maple Leaf Wrestling [Videos]

🔥"The Heart-Throb"

Before Bret Hart became the Excellence of Execution, he made early waves under a different name—Buddy “The Heart-Throb” Hart. While this persona didn’t last long, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the foundation of one of wrestling’s greatest technicians. This is the story of Bret Hart's brief, often-forgotten run in Maple Leaf Wrestling.

📺 EARLY DAYS IN MAPLE LEAF

• Bret debuted in Maple Leaf Wrestling in December 1983.

• Wrestled as Buddy “The Heart-Throb” Hart, an early ring name used as he worked Ontario's circuit under the promotion's WWF-affiliated banner.

• His look? No pink. No leather jacket. Just blue trunks, curly hair, and raw skill.

Buddy Hart vs Ludger Proulx

Maple Leaf Wrestling

April 30, 1984

Tony Schiavone

Maple Leaf Wrestling

April 1984

🛑 SHORT RUN, BIG IMPACT

• Bret quietly dropped the "Buddy Hart" name later in 1984 as he transitioned into the WWF full-time.

• Within a year, he’d be in The Hart Foundation, teaming with Jim Neidhart and beginning his rise to legend status.

🎤 HOT TAG NOTES 

“Seeing Buddy Hart wrestle is like discovering a sketch of the Mona Lisa — raw, fascinating, and full of hints of what’s to come.”

🎤 The Two Dusty Rhodes Promos of June 25, 1988 [Videos] 🎤

🎤 The Two Dusty Rhodes Promos of June 25, 1988 🎤

Aired the same day. Two very different vibes. Same Dusty Rhodes message.

🧠 PWR Insight:

This double-promo drop which aired on the same day, gives us a rare peek at Dusty's versatility as a performer. One promo is for the people in the building—loud and charismatic. The other is for the folks watching quietly at home—raw and grounded. Both are brilliant and classic promos from one of the greatest on the microphone. 

Dusty Rhodes with Crowd Reaction

Aired June 25, 1988

Dusty Rhodes with Jim Ross

Aired on June 25, 1988

🔊 Which do you prefer? Sound Off in the Comments Section.

“Which Dusty speaks louder to you—the cowboy commanding cheers, or the red-cap storyteller talking straight to the camera?”

Audio Samples:

🎧 Dusty Rhodes Promo – Cowboy Hat (With Crowd)

View on Vocaroo >>

🎧 Dusty Rhodes Promo – Red Cap (Studio, No Crowd)

View on Vocaroo >>

 

🎤 Want to watch more Dusty Rhodes PROMOS:

Search for Dusty Rhodes on the main page search bar or visit the following: HARD TIMES PROMO, Vince McMahon speaks with "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes in 1978, Being the Badest of the Bad, The Bull of the Woods PROMO, Guest on The Brother Love Show.