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

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!
Our wrestling history is gold, and so are readers like you!
If this story added to your collection of wrestling knowledge, you can say thanks:
Tip jar (PayPal)
Browse our merch at our brand-new shop (launched February 2026)!
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 authors! Want to write for us? Learn how to join the team.
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!
If you love movies and pro wrestling, don’t sleep on this one.
Grindhouse, Arthouse, and Wrestling Flicks by Pro Wrestling Stories Senior Editor Evan Ginzburg dives into the fascinating world where cinema and wrestling collide. Packed with hundreds of reviews, hidden gems, and fascinating turns from wrestlers on the big screen, it covers everyone from André the Giant and Roddy Piper to CM Punk, DDP, Chris Jericho, Pat Roach, and The Rock. Smart, passionate, and endlessly browsable, it’s the kind of book fans will keep returning to. Grab your copy today!
