The Complete History of the WWE Championship - Part 6

Bret "Hitman" Hart (August 3, 1997 - November 9, 1997)

Special Referee, Shawn Michaels has words with Bret Hart in the SummerSlam 1997 headliner

The onscreen and offscreen battle between Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels was in full force by the summer of 1997.

Adding to the enmity was the fact that Michaels, post-SummerSlam, turned heel. Hart reluctantly allowed Vince McMahon to turn him heel at WrestleMania 13, on the understanding that he would be cast as the premier bad guy in the company for the foreseeable future. Now, he was sharing the spotlight with HBK.

What made matters worse for Hart is his belief that WWE could not now simply switch him back to being a good guy. Hart's heel turn had seen him vociferously slate the American WWE fans, who made up the majority of the company's audience.

He now worried that the American fans would not accept him as a babyface. Adding to Hart's discomfort was the direction of the company as a whole.

McMahon had been persuaded by his advisors that he needed to drastically change course. WCW was already streets ahead in the Monday Night War due to fresh concepts and a wide array of international talent to supplement the big stars such as Hulk Hogan, Macho Man Randy Savage and others. The dawn of "Attitude" with the foul language and increased violence dismayed family man Hart.

The worse was yet to come. McMahon had also been persuaded that Hart, the man he had signed to an unprecedented 20 year, $1.5 million contract less than 12 months ago was surplus to requirements.

Hart was informed in September by McMahon that WWE could no longer afford to pay him according to the terms of his deal. McMahon encouraged Hart to seek employment with WCW. The "Hitman" was devastated that his 13 year association with the company was due to end this way.

However, it wasn't entirely surprising to him. He had sensed that his role was reduced. Despite being champion, he did not main-event the next two pay per views and feuded with opening card act The Patriot Del Wilkes over the WWE Championship.

In contrast, his rival, Michaels fought The Undertaker in consecutive main events at In Your House 17 and 18; the latter inside Hell in a Cell; the company's first ever bout inside that structure.

Michaels win inside the cell afforded him the opportunity to face Hart at Survivor Series with the WWE Championship at stake. That match would become the most famous bout in wrestling history.