Bret Hart is still fuming about a missed opportunity that could have earned him a major payday in the WWE. Speaking to Inside The Ropes, the wrestling legend revisited a pivotal moment in his career – the infamous 1993 WrestleMania 9 main event where he lost the WWF Championship to Yokozuna, only to have Hulk Hogan emerge and win the title moments later.
Background on the Main Event
WrestleMania 9 took place on April 4, 1993, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada. The event was one of the most memorable in the WWF’s history, featuring a highly anticipated match for the WWF Championship between Bret Hart and Yokozuna. Hart, one of the top stars in the WWF at the time, had been on a roll, winning the championship from Mr. Perfect just a few months prior.
Yokozuna, a dominant force in the WWF’s heavyweight division, had been on a tear as well. The giant Samoan had just defeated Hulk Hogan for the WWF Championship at the 1993 Royal Rumble, and many expected him to retain the title against Hart.
However, in a shocking turn of events, Yokozuna defeated Hart to win the WWF Championship. But the drama was far from over. As Hart was celebrating the end of the match and accepting his defeat, Hulk Hogan emerged from the crowd, claiming that he was the “real” WWF Champion and that Yokozuna’s reign was illegitimate.
In a stunning move, Hogan challenged Yokozuna to a match on the spot, which he won, capturing the WWF Championship in a matter of minutes. The crowd was left stunned, and Hart was left seething.
The Fallout
The aftermath of WrestleMania 9 saw Hart express his frustration and disappointment with Hogan’s actions. Speaking to Inside The Ropes, Hart revisited the incident, stating that he felt Hogan’s actions had cost him a major payday.
“Bret was in line to face Hogan for the WWF Championship, but thanks to Hogan’s actions at WrestleMania 9, that match never happened,” said Dave Meltzer, a renowned wrestling journalist and author of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. “Hart had built up a lot of momentum going into that match, and his loss to Yokozuna only added to the disappointment.”
Fan Reaction
The fans were left stunned and confused by the events of WrestleMania 9. Many felt that Hogan’s actions were a betrayal of Hart, and that he had hijacked the main event. Others saw Hogan’s actions as a desperate attempt to regain the top spot in the WWF.
“The fans were split on the issue, with some seeing Hogan as a hero and others as a villain,” said John Pollock, a wrestling analyst and podcaster. “It was a classic case of the ‘good guy’ vs. the ‘bad guy’ storyline, with Hogan’s actions creating a new dynamic in the WWF.”
Future WWE Implications
The fallout from WrestleMania 9 had significant implications for the WWF. Hogan’s actions created a rift between him and the Hart family, and ultimately led to the formation of the nWo in 1996. The nWo, a villainous stable led by Hogan and Scott Hall, would go on to dominate the WWF for several years, causing a significant shift in the company’s creative direction.
Conclusion
Bret Hart’s comments on the infamous WrestleMania 9 main event serve as a reminder of the drama and intrigue that has always defined the world of professional wrestling. The missed opportunity that could have earned Hart a major payday is a testament to the unpredictable nature of the sport, where one wrong move can have far-reaching consequences.
As the WWE continues to evolve and grow, it’s clear that the legacy of WrestleMania 9 will endure. The event remains one of the most memorable in the company’s history, and a reminder of the power of professional wrestling to captivate and inspire audiences around the world.
FAQ
Q: What was the main event of WrestleMania 9?
A: The main event of WrestleMania 9 was a match for the WWF Championship between Bret Hart and Yokozuna.
Q: Who won the WWF Championship at WrestleMania 9?
A: Yokozuna won the WWF Championship at WrestleMania 9, defeating Bret Hart.
Q: What happened after Yokozuna won the title?
A: After Yokozuna won the title, Hulk Hogan emerged from the crowd and challenged Yokozuna to a match, which he won, capturing the WWF Championship.
Q: What was the result of Hogan’s actions at WrestleMania 9?
A: Hogan’s actions at WrestleMania 9 created a rift between him and the Hart family, and ultimately led to the formation of the nWo in 1996.
Q: What is the current status of Bret Hart and Hulk Hogan in the WWE?
A: Both Bret Hart and Hulk Hogan are currently retired from active competition in the WWE, although they remain involved in the company in various capacities.
Q: What is the significance of WrestleMania 9 in the WWE’s history?
A: WrestleMania 9 is one of the most memorable events in the WWE’s history, featuring a highly anticipated match for the WWF Championship between Bret Hart and Yokozuna, and a shocking twist involving Hulk Hogan.