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
Quick Tip for Facebook Readers
Many of our readers connect with our content through our Facebook page. However, Meta's built-in browser (which opens by default on mobile) occasionally freezes mid-article- a known issue unrelated to our site. To enjoy uninterrupted reading: Tap the three dots in the top right corner → Select 'Open in external browser.' This will resolve the glitch. Thanks for your support. We want your wrestling stories to stay as smooth as a top-rope hurricanrana!
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.
These stories may also interest you:
- Steve Austin and Rikishi: I Did It For The Rock!
- 13 Nostalgic Christmas Wrestling Moments Fans Can’t Forget!
- Ric Flair, Triple H, and the Greatest One-Night WWE Storyline
https://youtu.be/jxowP-K1t4M
Can’t get enough pro wrestling history in your life? Sign up to unlock ten pro wrestling stories curated uniquely for YOU, plus subscriber-exclusive content. A special gift from us awaits after signing up!
Want More? Choose another story!
Be sure to follow us on Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram, Threads, YouTube, TikTok, and Flipboard!
"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.
"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.
Pro Wrestling Stories is committed to accurate, unbiased wrestling content rigorously fact-checked and verified by our team of researchers and editors. Any inaccuracies are quickly corrected, with updates timestamped in the article's byline header.
Got a correction, tip, or story idea for Pro Wrestling Stories? Contact us! Learn about our editorial standards here. Ever wanted to learn more about the people behind Pro Wrestling Stories? Meet our team of authors!
ProWrestlingStories.com participates in affiliate marketing programs. This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we may earn commissions at no extra cost to our readers. This supports our mission to deliver free content for you to enjoy!
