Author: Today in Pro Wrestling History: On March 23rd, 1997, at the Rosemont Horizon, a defining moment in WWF history unfolded at WrestleMania 13. Bret Hart triumphed over Steve Austin in a submission match, but not through a tap-out.
Austin, displaying unparalleled resilience, never submitted but lost consciousness due to blood loss, leading to a referee stoppage.
Today in Pro Wrestling History: March 23rd – Austin Won’t Give Up
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The match was marked by a ‘double turn’; Hart, who was booed vehemently, became the heel, while Austin emerged as a fan favorite.
This shift in allegiances was solidified when Hart continued his assault on Austin after the match. In a display of defiance and tenacity, Austin refused medical help and left the ring under his own power, to roaring approval from the crowd.
This moment marked the unofficial start of the Austin Era, a pivotal chapter in wrestling history.
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"Evan Ginzburg’s stories are a love letter to wrestling, filled with heart, humor, and history. A must-read for any true fan." — Keith Elliot Greenberg
Wrestling Rings, Blackboards, and Movie Sets is the latest book from Pro Wrestling Stories Senior Editor Evan Ginzburg. 100 unforgettable stories—from sharing a flight on 9/11 with a WWE Hall of Famer to untold moments in wrestling history. A page-turner for fans of the ring and beyond. Grab your copy today! For signed editions, click here.
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