The Reformation of the Hart Foundation: A Legacy of Canadian Pride and American Rivalry

The Hart Foundation

The In 1997, the legendary wrestling stable known as the Hart Foundation re-emerged with a fresh and politically charged identity. This new incarnation took shape following the events of WrestleMania 13, where Bret Hart faced his rival, Stone Cold Steve Austin, in a dramatic submission match that would redefine their careers. As Austin evolved into a fan favorite, Hart transitioned into a villainous role, setting the stage for what would become a fierce rivalry between the two.

The reformed Hart Foundation consisted of Bret Hart, Jim Neidhart, Owen Hart, The British Bulldog (Davey Boy Smith), and Brian Pillman. This group proudly portrayed a pro-Canadian and British stance, often criticizing the United States and its values while expressing admiration for Canada and the United Kingdom, where they enjoyed significant popularity. They made a statement both inside and outside the ring, donning motorcycle jackets emblazoned with the Hart Foundation logo and frequently bringing Canadian and British flags to their matches.

The new stable's storyline was built on the backdrop of national pride, with their promos highlighting their disdain for American culture. This led to heated reactions from fans; while the Hart Foundation garnered immense support in Canada, they became increasingly unpopular in the United States. Their primary antagonists were Austin and Shawn Michaels, who drew cheers in America and boos in Canada, underscoring the cultural divide the Hart Foundation capitalized on.

A pivotal moment for the new Hart Foundation occurred during Canadian Stampede, where they participated in a memorable 10-man tag team match. The Hart Foundation squared off against Austin's team, comprising the Legion of Doom, Ken Shamrock, and Goldust. The match concluded with Owen Hart pinning Austin, leading to an emotional celebration in the ring that included the entire Hart family.

However, the foundation's success began to wane on May 26, 1997, when Stone Cold Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels defeated Owen Hart and Davey Boy Smith for the WWF Tag Team Championship. This loss marked the first significant crack in the group's dominance. Despite this setback, the Hart Foundation was remarkably successful during its tenure, capturing every championship available at the time, including the WWF Championship, Intercontinental Championship, European Championship, and Tag Team Championship.

Tragedy struck on October 5, 1997, when Brian Pillman was found dead due to an undetected heart condition, which shocked the wrestling community. The situation worsened at the Survivor Series a month later, when Bret Hart lost the WWF Championship to Shawn Michaels in what would go down in history as the infamous "Montreal Screwjob." This incident led to the disbandment of the Hart Foundation. Following the fallout, both Neidhart and Smith left the WWF to join Bret in World Championship Wrestling (WCW), while Owen Hart opted to stay with the WWF, concerned about potential legal repercussions if he departed.

The legacy of the Hart Foundation remains influential in professional wrestling history, symbolizing the intersection of sports entertainment and national identity, and leaving an indelible mark on the industry.