BANKIE'S HOT TAKE #111 - The WWE Hall of Fame "Immortal Moment" Gets an Incredible Bust
- Bankie Bruce
- 1 hour ago
- 2 min read
On April 18, 2025, for the first time in the thirty-one year history of the WWE Hall of Fame, a new category was added for induction: the Immortal Moment. This award is dedicated to historical matches that have shaped the landscape of the entire wrestling industry.
The first one inducted was the legendary “I Quit” match at WrestleMania 13 between Bret “Hit Man” Hart and Stone Cold Steve Austin.
This match told, in my opinion, one of the greatest stories in wrestling history. The Hit Man, who was tired of being “screwed” over since his return to the company at Survivor Series 1996, was looking for revenge against an arrogant, cocky, South Texas trash-talker Stone Cold Steve Austin. Austin, who won the 1996 King of the Ring and the 1997 Royal Rumble, was looking to break away from the pack and become the superstar he needed to be.
At the Rosemont Horizon in Chicago, IL on March 23, 1997, this fight was uber-intense. With Ken Shamrock as special guest referee, both Hart and Austin beat the Hell out of each other. Austin got busted wide open after hitting the guardrail on a Hit Man Irish whip. It was “cady by the door” as chairs, electric wires, and the ring bell were used as implements of destruction.
Finally, the Hit Man locked in the Sharpshooter in the middle of the ring, and Austin, bloodied and writhing in pain, looked up to the perfect camera shot. To me, it is one of the greatest pictures ever caught on lens. Moments later, Austin passed out from the pain. However, Hart tried to continue the attack. Thankfully, “the World’s Most Dangerous Man” stopped Bret from doing any more damage.
Not only was the Hit Man officially a rule-breaker, but Stone Cold began his road as a beloved anti-hero, which coincidentally also unofficially kick-started the Attitude Era.
There was no match more deserving than that one to get nominated.
So when CM Punk gave his speech and introduced both men to the stage, it was to the fans and legends surprise to see a special bronze bust of both men’s faces unveiled.
With the “WWE Immortal Moment” logo on the top of the base, the center plate had the “WWE Hall of Fame” in front and both “Hit Man” and "Stone Cold” sideplates.
As both men looked at the bust, you could see both men admire the attention to detail on both faces. It obviously brought a nostalgic feeling to everyone in attendance and watching at one.
This bust is very reminiscent of what is at the National Football Hall of Fame in Canton, OH. I ranked this as quite possibly the most beautiful award ever made. That’s how strongly I felt about it on initial reaction and the day after writing this.
The only thing that would make this even more special is if we had a physical WWE Hall of Fame to see it in. But that is another conversation for another day.
Congratulations to Bret Hart and Steve Austin for their “Immortal Moment” on March 23, 1997. Truly art remembered and immortalized with an incredible piece of art.
Bankie Bruce
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