One of the most legendary matches in WWE history just got the ultimate honor—it’s been inducted into the 2025 WWE Hall of Fame as an “Immortal Moment.” The no-disqualification submission match between Stone Cold Steve Austin and Bret “The Hitman” Hart at WrestleMania 13 wasn’t just a fight—it was a game-changer. With its brutal action, incredible storytelling, and a career-defining twist, this match is still talked about as one of the best ever.
The Backstory: Old School vs. New School
Bret Hart was the ultimate pro wrestler—technical, respected, and all about tradition. Stone Cold, on the other hand, was a loudmouth rebel who didn’t care about rules or respect. Their feud started when Austin mocked Bret’s legacy, even attacking his family. By the time they met at WrestleMania 13, the hatred was real, and the match had no rules—just pure, unfiltered violence.
The Match: A Bloody War
This wasn’t your typical wrestling match. There were no count-outs, no pinfalls—the only way to win was by making the other guy quit. UFC legend Ken Shamrock was the special referee, keeping things as fair as possible in a match that was anything but.
The fight spilled everywhere, with chairs, ring bells, and even the steel post coming into play. The most unforgettable moment came when Bret twisted Austin’s legs around the ring post in a figure-four, busting him open the hard way. Austin’s face was covered in blood, but he kept fighting.
The ending was pure drama. Bret locked in the Sharpshooter, and Austin, bleeding badly, refused to tap out. He screamed in pain until he finally passed out, forcing Shamrock to stop the match. Bret won, but the real story was just beginning.
Immortal Moment – The Double Turn: Heroes and Villains Swap Places
What made this match legendary wasn’t just the violence—it was the way it flipped the script on both men.
- Austin, even in defeat, became a hero. Fans loved his toughness and refusal to quit, turning him into WWE’s biggest star overnight.
- Bret, meanwhile, snapped after the match, attacking Austin even after he’d won. His angry outburst turned him into a villain, showing a darker side fans had never seen before.
Why It Still Matters
This match didn’t just steal the show—it changed wrestling. Austin’s rise from this moment kicked off the Attitude Era, leading to some of WWE’s most iconic rivalries. The image of Austin, bloodied but defiant, trapped in the Sharpshooter, is still one of the most powerful visuals in wrestling history.
Now, as it takes its place in the Hall of Fame, WrestleMania 13’s classic battle gets the recognition it deserves. It wasn’t just a match—it was a moment that defined an era.
