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Medium close-up of Stone Cold Steve Austin in front of a blue background

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A few years back, Wrestling Inc. came to a consensus agreement on the best WWE matches of all time, and the classic between Bret Hart and Steve Austin at WrestleMania 13 ranked at the top of our list. Taking place during the ascent of Austin’s “Stone Cold” persona in early 1997, the match is best remembered for featuring a double-turn, with Hart turning heel while Austin became a fan-favorite.

Though the agreed-upon moment of the double-turn took place after the match, Hart’s change in attitude was already well underway. At the same time, it was clear that fans were ready to cheer for Austin despite his own surly attitude, ensuring that the timing was right for one of the most memorable matches in modern pro wrestling history.

The match was booked for the middle of the card, with The Undertaker and Sycho Sid headlining in the main event. UFC star-turned-pro wrestler Ken Shamrock was also involved, serving as the special guest referee for Austin vs. Hart. Technically a submission match, the stipulation didn’t prevent either man from getting violent, and Hart immediately began raining punches down on Austin when the bell rang.

They quickly moved from the ring out into the crowd, with momentum swinging back and forth before they eventually made their way between the ropes once again. The already-violent match escalated near its end when “Stone Cold” began bleeding from his forehead. With blood pouring down his face, Austin passed out during a Sharpshooter from Hart, but the Canadian hero didn’t stop when the match ended, continuing to assault Austin and marking a turning point in both men’s careers.

In addition to the match itself, the aftermath was just as exciting, with Austin’s anti-authority rise continuing while Hart adopted an anti-American gimmick that fired up crowds on both the U.S. and Canadian sides of the border. Nearly 30 years removed from when the match took place, it still ranks at or near the top of many lists of favorite matches.

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AJ Styles gives an emotional farewell address to the WWE Universe in Australia.

The Phenomenal One has made it clear that 2026 will be his final year as an active professional wrestler. He explained his decision to retire during the Crown Jewel kickoff show in Perth last week.

Styles got another opportunity to address the WWE Universe during a live event in Melbourne earlier today. The former WWE Champion thanked fans for their support before announcing that this might be his final appearance in the city as a professional wrestler.

“I just want to thank you guys for cheering to be some of the best fans in the world,†Styles said. “To tell you the truth, Iâ€m probably not going to see you again in a singlet like this anymore. So I just wanted you to know from the bottom of my heart, thank you very much.†[H/T: Fightful]

TNA star wants a match with AJ Styles before retirement

AJ Styles may be firm in his decision to retire from wrestling in 2026, but a TNA star still believes thereâ€s a good chance he could face the Phenomenal One someday.

TNA X-Division Champion Leon Slater told WhatCulture Wrestling before Bound For Glory that AJ Styles was one of his two dream opponents — the other being WWE NXT superstar Jeâ€Von Evans.

“Iâ€ve been saying recently, I think the two dream matches that people were excited for me to have were Jeâ€von, which is happening on Sunday, and AJ Styles, which is happening, I donâ€t know when,†Slater said.

Slater and Evans went on to tear the house down in their Bound For Glory match. Fans can catch up on everything that happened at TNAâ€s biggest show of the year here.

READ MORE: WWE Hall Of Famer Believes Itâ€s Time For AJ Styles To ‘Wrap It Up†And Call It A Career

What do you make of AJ Styles†comments? Let us know your thoughts by sounding off in the comments section below!

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