WWE WrestleMania 13: The beginning of the Attitude Era

The Deadman makes it 6-0 The thirteenth annual WrestleMania produced by the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), WrestleMania 13 was held on March 23, 1997, at the Rosemont Horizon in the Chicago suburb of Rosemont, Illinois.As a map has 4 directions, the 4 pillars of WWF; The Rock, Stone Cold, Triple H and The Undertaker all took part in this event and this marked the beginning of their presence in the company and the further Manias trace their journey to glory.1997 is a year of great significance as this year marks the advent of the most successful era in WWE history, the ‘Attitude Era’. With all this said, let us glance through some of the big highlights from this event-

#5 Triple H vs. Goldust

The ‘Chyna’ factor into the picture

This was a fairly long match, to be honest. It lasted for around 14 minutes and both men put on a decent fight. Triple H was accompanied by his friend, Chyna, whereas Goldust came to the ring along with his wife Marlena.

The momentum shifted throughout the course of the match with both men exchanging blows, kicks and breaking each other’s submission holds. The ladies got involved at the end and that brought an end to the match. Chyna attacked Marlena and this made Goldust take his eyes off Triple H. The ‘Game’ capitalized on the distraction and quickly hit a Pedigree for the win.

#4 The Rock vs. Sulthan

The Great One’s WrestleMania debut

The Rock, who was referred to as Rocky Maivia back then, took on Sulthan for the WWF Intercontinental Championship. Sulthan, the challenger, dominated the first half of the match by using his size to full advantage and attacking Rock with his trademark punches and slams.

After taking a beating for a long time, the defending Champion powered into the match by delivering a Belly to Belly Suplex, a Maivia Hurricane and a Flying Cross Body all in sequence and put the big man down. He capitalized and pinned Sulthan for the win and a successful title defence.

#3 Owen Hart/Bulldog vs. Mankind/Vader

A messy brawl

This match was a mess, to be honest. Owen Hart and Bulldog defended their WWF Tag Team Championship against Mankind and Vader. Vader was accompanied by Paul Bearer. Mankind and Vader dominated the entire match with their strength and tact.

The only bright spot for the champs in the match was a Sleeper Hold from Bulldog on Mankind. Later, the urn came into the picture followed by a lot of action outside the ring. The referee was distracted and the match ended in a draw with Hart and Bulldog retaining the titles. Add to this, Mankind made his WrestleMania debut alongside his best buddy The Rock, on the same night.

#2 Stone Cold vs. Bret Hart

The longest match of the night

This match was a ‘No Disqualification Submission Match’ that stole the show that night. Austin and Hart put everything they had on the line and gave the fans an absolutely brilliant match.

Ken Shamrock, the UFC legend, was the special guest referee in this match. Austin’s leg was attacked repeatedly by Hart and the match also witnessed the use of several foreign objects - Steel Chair, Television Cable, Steel Post and Table were a few to name.

Hart went for the Sharpshooter and Austin didn’t tap out. He was soaked in blood by then already and passed out. The referee had to end the match and declared Hart as the winner. This match was placed #1 on IGN's list of ‘Top 20 Matches in WrestleMania History’, and described as a match that "launched an era."

#1 Undertaker vs. Sycho Sid

A virtual 2-on-1 match

The main event of WrestleMania 13 was a ‘No Disqualification Match’ between The Undertaker and Sycho Sid (c) for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship. The match was a virtual 2-on-1 match as Bret Hart interrupted the proceedings repeatedly and attacked Sid.

The first time Hart came out, Sid attacked him and delivered him a Powerbomb. During the closing moments of the match, Sid sunk in a Camel Clutch on Taker and just when it looked like he is going to steal one, Hart once again returned and attacked Sid with a Steel Chair.

He recovered and lined up Undertaker for a Powerbomb but Hart returned again and distracted Sid which allowed Undertaker to hit Sid with the Tombstone, eventually winning the WWF title and the match.