In the lead-up to their first pay-per-view clash at the 1996 Survivor Series, Bret “Hitman” Hart and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin ignited one of the most intense rivalries of the era.
Their war of words and mind games laid the foundation for a legendary feud that would shape the future of WWE. As seen in the videos featured in this post, the tension was palpable—highlighted by Austin boldly declaring:
Their war of words and mind games laid the foundation for a legendary feud that would shape the future of WWE. As seen in the videos featured in this post, the tension was palpable—highlighted by Austin boldly declaring:
“It’s Austin’s house now!”
A power shift was underway, and the battleground was set.
"Mr. Perfect" Curt Hennig interviews Bret Hart
Monday Night Raw
Aired on August 12, 1996
Long Edit
"Mr. Perfect" Curt Hennig interviews Bret Hart
while aboard the Wrestle Vessel
Filmed July 1996
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin
LIVEWIRE
Austin talks TRASH about Bret Hart, Mr. Perfect, fans, etc.
Aired Live on October 19, 1996
Bret Hart accepts Austin's Survivor Series challenge
WWF MONDAY NIGHT RAW
Aired on October 21, 1996
Brian Pillman interviews his friend "Stone Cold"
WWF SUPERSTARS
Aired on October 27, 1996
Commentary Mr. Perfect and Jim Ross
"Stone Cold" tells Bret Hart,
"I'm the best there is, I'm the best there was, I'm the best there ever will be."
WWF MONDAY NIGHT RAW
Aired on October 28, 1996
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin Vignette
WWF SUPERSTARS
November 1996
