The Excellent Finish of SummerSlam 1997 "Hart & Soul"

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At SummerSlam 1997, Bret Hart faced The Undertaker in the main event for the WWF Championship. If Bret lost the match, he promised to never wrestle again in the United States, so there was already a lot on the line. Soon after Bret made this announcement, Shawn Michaels was revealed as the special guest referee for the Hart vs Undertaker match and, what's more, if Shawn Michaels favored The Undertaker or if Shawn didn't call the match right down the middle, then Shawn also wouldn't allowed to wrestle again in the USA.
With these stipulations in place, the WWF had an incredible amount of creative options they could take. In the end, the finish of the match was one that no one could have predicted. In an incredible twist, the end of SummerSlam Hart and Soul featured Shawn Michaels costing The Undertaker the WWF Championship. This video looks at the match finish and the paths the WWF could've took if the match ended in a different fashion.
00:00 - Heel Bret Hart in 1997
04:01 - The cancelled HBK vs Hart match
08:05 - The finish to SummerSlam Hart & Soul
10:54 - Bret talks about the finish in his book
14:42 - How Hart & Soul altered the WWF's future
#WWF #WWE #WRESTLING

[@WarhawkBeyond2040]

It's pretty amazing how one chair shot changed the course of wrestling history for everyone involved, it ended Undertaker's world title run, it gave Bret Hart his final championship reign in WWF and helped kick off the epic Undertaker and Shawn Michaels feud which culminated in the first ever hell in a cell match but would also put Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels on a collision course at Survivor Series in a match that would forever be known as the infamous Montreal screwjob. Without a doubt, one of the most iconic finishes ever

[@ryankeefe6222]

There’s so much that can traced back to this match the hell in a cell Kane’s debut the Montreal screwjob the birth of DX

[@VickStarkiller]

The booking was delicious as well. It’s only on few occasions that the booking is that good.

[@willigagbob8243]

Um...this is a scripted storyline, it didn't change anything, it's what was supposed to happen. Stone Cold getting dropped on his head earlier in the night is what changed wrestling history.

[@juliusharrell8166]

WWF at the time

[@wildonstokes2770]

I didn’t think about that. It’s crazy this 1 match kicked off a whole bunch of things

[@earlusmcdivett]

1997 was an AMAZING year to be a Bret Hart fan. Man he was at his absolute best.

[@mermaidman1985]

If the cards had been dealt different, I would have turned him face after Survivor Series as he was getting cheered more than HBK when DX were around.

[@davidhanna4666]

I don’t even like wrestling anymore, have not watched in like 10 years....but I am hooked to your content!

[@at_the_speed_of_life8536]

same here

[@fongthao681]

Same 🤷‍♂️

[@johnnyblaze8030]

Same bruh

[@talboner]

Same! It brings back that nostalgia of the good times

[@edgarcia6427]

Me to

[@TheoAndHisPedals]

You know, Wrestling Bios is averaging 3 videos a week and every time one pops into my feed, it's like finding £5 in my pocket.

[@VMpastore]

For real hahaha I forgot it was Tuesday and was stoked to log into KZbin and see this hahaha

[@alexbrookner5331]

I agree with this statement.

[@d1.KT1]

He ain’t wrong

[@StrikeTeam0316]

I agree with the enthusiasm but being from Texas, to me it’s like finding a few extra rounds for my 9mm and I can go target practicing at the range. Oh hell yeah!

[@VMpastore]

If Tuesday at Wrestling Bios is like finding $5 in your pocket, Thursday at Wrestling Bios is like finding $100. Reliving the War baby!

[@nukeboynez3648]

I see Bret Hart I instantly click.

[@canUsaythis]

I see Wrestling Bios I click straight away

[@Thor-Orion]

I love how much Bret content Ryan does. But I disagree about this finish being a “good” one. The execution and story are all amazing, but this finish is the one that sets up the Montreal incident.

[@17thNO]

​@@canUsaythis Same

[@Longlostpuss]

Can you believe that Bret is the only surviving member of that entire Hart Foundation faction? Really sad when you look back at the footage and take that in now.

[@willjohnboy]

Yeah it seems 97 was the beginning of his long string of tragedies, the rest of the hart foundation passing away, his best friends rick rude Roddy piper and curt Henning passing away, his concussions, stroke and cancer, people call him bitter or salty given what he has been through it's a miracle he's even sane plus he speaks his mind which is refreshing, a lot of what he has said has come true like things he said about hulk hogan, Kevin nash and Eric bishoff for example.

[@lexkanyima2195]

@@willjohnboy he has a domino effect

[@spongeboob7913]

@@willjohnboy the fact that bret was able to forgive the person who helped kill his brother is astounding

[@harveymcelroy4371]

Yeah it's very sad

[@Filterite5]

Fk i know 😔

[@constablekennedy7705]

So Bret Hart was involved in something that was excellently executed?!.. 👀

[@willjohnboy]

One of many.

[@kongmengyang1098]

Who knew!

[@williamwolfxrivera2418]

I understood that reference 😏

[@troystaunton254]

It was a privilege to get you to 69.

[@glasseyeofficial5957]

😂😂😂🤣

[@cocainecat2740]

1997 was the best year for WWF creatively in my opinion. Regarding storylines, chances being took, new classic stables, and memorable moments almost nothing comes close to the hell of a year ‘97 was

[@only1icon1801]

Couldn't agree more

[@johnepants]

It’s so funny because 1996 was a better creative year for WCW while 1997 was getting kind of meh, but the fans weren’t ready for the new cool stuff going on with the WWF yet.

[@zacharythomason7359]

Totally agree.

[@Official_Kings_Versus]

Definitely ! 😎😎😎

[@lexkanyima2195]

@@johnepants 😄😄

[@mikeabney2527]

I never stopped liking Bret Hart. He was my favorite wrestler through everything. The only reason why I started watching WCW is because of Bret Hart.

[@ferox965]

Canadian here. We weren't going to boo the Harts. Can confirm.

[@eyeguydojima7131]

It's like that here in Texas with Austin(WM XVII)

[@michaelkeller5927]

Yup. He was a god here, even beyond hockey stars. He crossed all provincial borders

[@ferox965]

@@michaelkeller5927 Absolutely. Cheers from Ottawa.

[@johnytwotimes4072]

American here and there was no way I was ever going to boo Bret or anyone in the Foundation either😂! I agreed with the ideals that Bret said Americans were losing by the way he was right!

[@Al-nt8tn]

I’m from India. Bret was mad over in my country even during his heel turn we cheered for him.

[@johnisanon]

Shawn's face and reaction before making the pin is perfect. Him and Bret eyeing each other for all three counts is a total ::chef's kiss::

[@VickStarkiller]

Amazing how WWE’s best storytelling moments involve Taker, Bret and HBK the most.

[@McDanieI]

I loved it when The Undertaker raised his arms and that loud explosion would happen that he did for a while in his entrance.

[@dominiquejones3805]

Remeber Bret reaction like it gave him chills

[@Kas58223]

@@dominiquejones3805 it was magic Undertaker vs Bret Hart

[@robattewell6087]

I remember me and my dad watched that match live on sky sports about 4 in the morning, long before box office was a thing. I remember my dad being pissed off with HBK for costing Taker the title, I was 15 years old at the time and to this day a massive Bret Hart fan, good times

[@justafanofnerdculture7602]

That's an awesome story, man!

[@c3realK1ll4h]

Me too, i am from the uk and i hated that everything revolved around bret and always rooted for undertaker, even around the height of Austins popularity during the attitude era, hated wwf for not giving him more wwf titles

[@hardiks2685]

The best spit there is The best spit there was The best spit there ever will be

[@michaelkeller5927]

The excellence of expectorant

[@egarciaveasey]

I think the one he gave to Vince after Survivor Series is a close 2nd

[@stevenwillie7667]

1997 was probably the best year in wrestling overall. Both WWF and WCW were great

[@christerry1611]

This was the exact moment imo when things started to turn around for WWE in 97. When you compare the first half of 97 to the last half, it's like night and day.

[@blinkzone1]

Bret Hart is the greatest storytelling wrestler of the 20th century

[@Thor-Orion]

Bret is the best wrestler ever. Only guys that come close are like Kurt Angle, Ric Flair, Randy Savage, Ricky Steamboat (although he couldn’t work as well as a heel, he was such an outstanding babyface it makes up for it) Chris Benoit and a handful of others.

[@helgahodensack3861]

He is the greatest storytelling wrestler of all time !

[@kwrbt2979]

Bret Hart as a heel was a brilliant performer! Incredible stuff.

[@savageandthebeasts8388]

The best finish ever is probably Hart v Austin at Wrestlemania XIII, but this is a close 2nd!

[@azargX]

There's a common denominator there. What a performer Bret really was. Could wrestle a mop and get it and it's bucket manager over whilst having match of the night. Truly we may never see his like again.

[@Poopscipade]

@1-800-Wavy Yeah, because this video definitely didn't end with him asking what OUR favorite finishes are. Stop trying to start drama, man.

[@VegetabIeMan]

Loved the somewhat forced heel mannerisms Bret did during this time. Him flipping the bird to the crowd after becoming 5x WWF champion with Fink announcing is always a treasure.

[@cax1175]

Shawn Michaels vs Bret Hart is the greatest rivalry in WWF/WWE History, in terms of in ring work. Rock and stone cold and stone cold and Mr mcmahon are both great, but Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart were both amazing wrestlers and had legitimate heat.

[@c3realK1ll4h]

The Rock vs Mankind

[@nathanspradlin8570]

According to WWE, this moment was the unofficial start of the Attitude Era.

[@theg.o.a.t1843]

That’s what I used as my starting point for re watching the attitude era thanks to WWE ‘13’s attitude era mode

[@lexkanyima2195]

It was a significant match

[@Dave_ja_vu]

Only because they don't want to talk about booking Pillman's got a gun I guess

[@zlinedavid]

Disagree. Bret/Austin at WM13. Not only was it Austin’s face turn, but that amount of blood was almost unheard of for a WWF PPV. The sign of moving towards edgier content.

[@lexkanyima2195]

@@zlinedavid it was weeks earlier then that.

[@louisvelez40]

Never clicked so fast for this. The match that led to Shawn vs Taker rivalry while still with Bret in between. This match was such a classic. The controversial finish is what made it so good.

[@allenhoward6068]

The Main Event Undertaker vs Bret Hart was incredible main event just excellent. Hbk as the special referee was awesome.

[@alienanxiety]

That image at 3:06 hits HARD. Only Bret is still with us.

[@gst013]

Awesome video as always. That finish, and specifically the execution of the spit, duck, chairshot and Michaels looking right at Bret while counting, was one of the most well done sequences you'll ever see to finish a match. Fantastic 👍

[@Summertimeblues28]

Underrated match & feud. Taker still talks so highly of Bret. Huge respect for both those guys. Another great video. We appreciate the hard work Sir. Keep making em & will keep watching em. Thank you

[@willjohnboy]

Not only is bret the best in ring storyteller and technician but he really was as accurate as a hitman deadly aim with his spit.

[@Andy2481]

WWF in the late 80s to the early 2000's was so f-ing great. Couldn't wait for the next ppv's. today sadly you couldn't pay me to watch WWE.

[@JWS1985]

This has to prove that Bret Hart is Wrestling Bios' favorite. Good taste, 👍

[@guillermosierracuellar9812]

It’s funny how HBK ended 2 reigns of the undertaker and that led to classic matches Hell in a cell 97 Wrestlemania 26

[@cocainecat2740]

I just noticed that!

[@zacharythomason7359]

That is funny come to think of it.😅😅😅😅😅

[@fluworldorder426]

Hell in a cell 97 was top 3 all time

[@sethkaplan]

The setup to undertaker vs Shawn Michaels 😀

[@zlinedavid]

THATS GOTTA BE KANE!!!!

[@Richterdgf]

I will never get tired of saying that this channel has the best damn retrospective wrestling content on KZbin. Second to absolutely none.

[@ironman2326]

I kept the wwe magazine with that photo on the cover for quite a few years. Wish I never got rid of it.

[@TheGoonsies]

I always felt odd being the only Hart fan among the people I knew* during this time lol. He had such a badass theme!

[@princesskatarina351]

Right there with you. Bret was always, and always will be, my favorite wrestler.

[@timothythompson777]

Truly one of the best documentaries you have done love you Brett heart documentaries

[@keithharper1470]

95-97 was Bret's best complete work he really was at his peak

[@lexkanyima2195]

1991-1994 was at his athletic peak

[@michelvanbriemen3459]

I agree with this being one of the best finishes ever produced. It wasn't the first time a wrestler has to referee a match and accidentally or intentionally manipulates the outcome of the match with a tool or a surprise move or something like that, but if you watch a lot of wrestling, you can see it coming every time. With this match, knowing how it ends, I still manage to get swept up every time I watch it because everyone involved really makes me think Shawn Michaels isn't actually going to smack anyone, the tension is just right all the way through.

[@darthvadersmom3147]

It’s a great match as well imo, a masterclass in storytelling and psychology from all 3 guys and an excellent finish. The commentary is superb too. Good times 😃🍾

[@primusvsunicron1]

Vince McMahon’s final time as the lead play by play commentator for one his big 4 WWF PPVs

[@lexkanyima2195]

It's sad to take place

[@wensel888]

With the exception of the 1996 royal rumble this was one of the first times Taker got to work with a smaller guy and show how he could legitimately wrestle well with a smaller guy. As far as match endings go this one is excellently executed.

[@only1icon1801]

Man, Wrestling Bios is like 1997 wrestling storytelling, just unbelievable. Remember watching this live and just popped when HBK hit Taker and Bret getting his 5th reign Still boggles my mind why Vince went sour on Bret when you look at all the matches he was producing in 96/97 and this masterpiece was no exception Great upload as usual my man

[@chamberofprogress5025]

One match worth exploring is the seemingly-forgotten Jailhouse match between Big Boss Man and The Mountie at 1991 Summerslam. To this date, it’s the only match of its kind and while the match itself was decent, it was the footage of Jacque Rugeau/The Mountie throughout the PPV’s interview segments that made it stand out.

[@serialmiller1987]

I remember listening to this match on the scrambly feed on Viewers Choice in 1997 when you still got the audio if you didn't order the PPV. For a legally blind guy like myself, the commentary told the story for me!

[@stanettiels7367]

6:42 Look at his face when he finished that announcement, lol. You can tell he loved being hated. He loved the heat and was in his element.

[@adamhubbard7628]

Now you gotta do a video for the Patriot. I had an action figure of that guy and I grew up thinking it was a weird Japanese knockoff toy.

[@mikeabel7577]

It's crazy how Shawn Michaels was able to maintain that physique he had in 1997 while being pilled out of his mind every single day.

[@timewithoutconsequence4611]

Being young is awesome I guess?

[@TheAaronChand]

He was 32 in 1997 so being young helped dispite all the drugs and alcohol he was doing at the time.

[@wrestlefor5251]

this match in my book was the best wwf title match of the year the finish was superb i loved the buildup to

[@lennyfigula8636]

So glad I was there live for this moment!! Awsome finish to the match!!

[@the_derb_wanderer170]

I just watched this show yesterday day, absolutely masterclass

[@brandonmitchell1697]

I remember watching this with my grandmother on pay per view and thinking, ohh sh!t at the end. Good times!

[@zemox2534]

Back when WWE had great storytelling. One of my favourite match finishes was Mankind beating The Rock for the WWF title. The reaction from the crowd was insane, and watching Mick run around the ring with the belt was a wholesome moment.

[@BEMSmarky]

the ripple effect of the chair shot finisher is a top notch storyline...

[@SteRDLK]

Yesssss! My favourite match of all time! It's a KZbin cliche but I've genuinely never clicked on a video so fast. I made a comment about wanting a video about this match on the recent Hart-Diesel video, so I'm sure it's just coincidence and it was already being made, but thank you very very much, truly excellent stuff. Great performance by Hart, and it's Taker's first classic match. Michaels is perfect as the ref, not getting in the way and getting himself over as you'd think he would at this point in time. The build to the finish is paced perfectly, building and building and building to an explosion. A wrestling orgasm.

[@puertoriconnect4611]

I watched this live when I was 7 with my older brother. I distinctly remember me and him being so confused that the next night everyone hated Shawn. In our eyes it was clearly a mistake and Shawn remained our favorite wrestler throughout his entire heel run.

[@superrobz]

Looking at some of the photos in this video, the “winged eagle” WWF title Bret held was absolutely gorgeous

[@DasNordlicht91]

I will say that "Hart & Soul" was a fantastic tagline for a PPV.

[@49baybridge]

The storylines that came out of this match. Wrestling gold.

[@johnnyblaze8030]

Yoooooooo this is one of your best vids👍👍 On another note I never knew Pillman was part of the Hart foundation!!

[@Jiren261]

1997 is IMO the best year of WWF - Bret Vs America - Bret Vs Austin - Kane - Austin's rise - D-X - ECW invasion - Undertaker Vs HBK - Sid in early 1997 And let's not forget the amazing "Life isn't fair" intro to SS97

[@JLvatron]

These stipulations made WWF seem like a bit of a mess. Great video.

[@spencer9093]

You are a huge Bret Hart mark and I am too admittedly... videos are so dope every time keep it up 👍 ☝

[@ekerson]

97 best wwe year ever

[@m.aurice913]

Note how unerring Brets spitting skills in '97 were xD

[@iBMcFly]

This was my favorite PPV of all time, I kept the WWE magazine results of it and everything. HELL IN A CELL was okay for sure, but this was It for me.

[@bobby.m136]

Ya know, I forgot just how long they spent to build the Kane angle up. Honestly, he's probably the best new character break out/gimmick I remember being fortunate enough to see unfold❤

[@ManofGold24]

The more I learn about Bret, the more I’m convinced he got screwed. I can’t wait for the Montreal Screwjob episode.

[@49baybridge]

I really believe that hbk, triple h, Jr and the king all knew about it

[@ManofGold24]

@@49baybridge definitely. And that's what makes Vince's betrayal even worse. He screwed him using the wrestler he disliked the most.

[@49baybridge]

@@ManofGold24 hell yea. But just think on what if he didn't happen. All the possibilities. Maybe a roc and bret Hart match or 2

[@JobberBud]

WB, you're spoiling us with so many great videos in such a short time!

[@Yono84]

My favorite match, my favorite year ever.

[@WitsEnds]

1997 was one of the best years in wrestling history

[@thisisnotachannel]

Wow... the hits just keep coming! Thanks again!

[@kraymermcvey1701]

It's really hard to work alongside somebody that you have real animosity with I done it for years so yeah bret n Shawn done well through the years!

[@ant0586]

Everything about this match was perfection. The tension between Bret and Shawn and THAT ending. Perfectly done by all three guys. "If life were fair.."

[@brianlarsen9952]

Woooooo One of my all time favorite Bret moments.

[@rickymurray]

This is what wrestling looks like when the wrestlers are truly invested in their characters.

[@jonathanmora8900]

Fav KZbin channel. Always delivers! Took me back to watching Taker vs Bret as an 8 year old. Nothing better

[@Drsm2603]

I love the beginnings of your videos these remixes always get me hyped for the entire video xD

[@codycooper5768]

Awesome videos, quickly becoming one of my favorite wrestling channels on all of youtube! Always top notch, in depth, quality stuff... ✌️✌️✌️

[@TheFourZebras]

Really great story telling! You're bringing back some of my fondest memories, but in ways that go well beyond just rewatching a single match. I thoroughly enjoy your Monday Night Wars retrospective and stories like this as well. Keep it up!

[@gammasmash1924]

That dynamic, with Hart a villain in the US and still a fan favorite everywhere else was something I'd never seen in wrestling, before or since. And it was done so well. I always thought it was crazy of WCW to not continue that dynamic. They even had the Bulldog and Neidhart on the roster. They could have added Benoit to the group as well. Such a missed opportunity.

[@georgestewart7658]

I love watching wrestling bios as a wrestling fan I love it I Watch them all the time thank-you 👍

[@TheOriginalSupreme]

I recently found your channel and I swear I've binged a bunch of your vids. You do such great work!

[@StageRight123]

Check out his Monday Night Wars series. It's outstanding! You can find them in order under his playlists.

[@MM-ug5ec]

These bios are better than watching modern day WWE!

[@HabsMike25]

Bret vs Undertaker at SummerSlam 1997 is so criminally underrated. The build & aftermath was so very well done . It set the tone for 3 of the best months for Raw overall & storyline wise

[@andrewcrouch2362]

Great video upload wrestling bios cheers

[@Willpudjiit]

Damn, how did I miss the upload. These videos are better than any type of reality tv there is ....

[@JayCord00]

Thank you sir for all those awesome videos your making, living my childhood again 🙏🙏🙂🙂

[@wrestlingmasti9501]

i admit this is the best wrestling channel ever.

[@garrettspillane4599]

This is priceless background to Montreal, I really enjoy your videos.

[@rayrawket]

It’s nice to have some content to flash back to the raw is war days man i miss it so much

[@lm4585]

Keep up the great work. I love your videos.

[@powerhavengaming2854]

Awesome video as always!!

[@dominiquejones3805]

I'll never 4get that reaction 2 Takers intro that Bret made. Like it gave him chills

[@ninjafudge2721]

Thank you for making bret hart videos, He is my favorite of all time ❤

[@shawnys0129]

three favs ALL TIME!! thank you

[@dansharr8125]

I personally consider this match to be the start of the Attitude Era.

[@evolvedcopper2205]

The music intro on this one is sexy. The vid was well made all round too. This was a solid masterpiece sir 🤙🏼

[@darkmuzition]

Another great vid. They way you have Shawn rockin to Brets music is dope af too!!!

[@exquisitelemonade3039]

Really perfect idea for a video. Like Austin - Hart at Mania, 1997 wwe could really come up with a finish that splintered alot of new opportunities into the atmosphere. Rocks heel turn at SSeries 98 is another shout.

[@lexkanyima2195]

The Rock's heel turn was very shocking.

[@therattlesnake1614]

Another great wrestling Bio 👍