Bret "The Hitman" Hart has made a bold claim about one of the most significant signings in WWE history, revealing he was directly responsible for bringing Stone Cold Steve Austin to the company.
During a live episode of the Johnny I Pro Show from Montreal, Hart detailed how he personally intervened to prevent Austin from signing with ECW and convinced Vince McMahon to bring him to WWE instead.
I think I had a lot to do with Steve going to WWF in the first place because I remember when I was always talking to Vince about getting guys to come in," Hart explained. "And I had just heard from somebody that Steve Austin had been let go or had just resigned, I think, with ECW. And I told Vince, I said, 'Why would you let ECW sign Steve Austin and you're looking for guys to bring in?'
The intervention proved remarkably effective. According to Hart, the turnaround was almost immediate.
Less than three, four, five days later, Steve Austin was sitting in the dressing room in WWE and they got him out of his deal and signed him. So, I had a lot to do with Steve coming to WWF in the first place," Hart stated.
Austin's arrival at WWE would ultimately prove to be one of the most important signings in professional wrestling history, with "Stone Cold" becoming the face of the Attitude Era and helping WWE win the Monday Night Wars against WCW.
Hart's eye for talent proved prescient, though his motivations were likely both altruistic and strategic. As a master technician, Hart recognized the money-making potential in working with Austin. The Texas Rattlesnake has publicly credited the Hit Man for helping him "get over" in WWE, and their legendary feud helped usher in what would become the Attitude Era, the most profitable period in company history. Austin recently disclosed the most memorable moment of his career, highlighting his time with The Rock and the McMahon feud.
Their WrestleMania 13 bout remains an all-time classic and became the first match inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame earlier this year.