Guest Dmann2000 Report post Posted April 13, 2003 Bret "The Hitman" Hart vs Mr. Perfect (King of the Ring, 6-13-1993) Length: 18:56 Winner: Bret Hart Rating: ****1/2 Analysis: On 2-10 of this year, I signed online and found out some news that put me in a deep funk. Curt Hennig, Mr. Perfect had been found dead. Hennig was one of my favorites (as my previous sig stated). He was one of the first heels I loved because a) he was talented, b) he was a broad character, but he was more realistic than some cartoon character's in the WWF of the late 80's-early 90's and c) he wore cool looking neon tights. I was even happier when he turned face, because it meant all those who didn't want to cheer he just cause he was a heel now could give him the respect he deserved. And Hennig's character didn't change much. Maybe he didn't cheat as much like he used to but he was still the same egotistical, gum-swating, towel tossing guy I loved. I was a 14 year old 2 months away from high school when I learned that the WWF was having a big event in my hometown of Dayton OH. And it was a brand new PPV. I was fortunate enough to have a mother who's job allowed her access to events that came through the town. So for my 4th live wrestling event, first ever at a TV/PPV taping I found myself 10 rows from the ring on the floor. And wouldn't you know, I got to see one of the best wrestling matches of the 1990's AND the best match I've ever had the pleasure to see live. In the 2nd round of the King of the Ring tournament Mr. Perfect met old rival Bret Hart. Both were big faces this time, but as Hennig remarked in their pre-match confrontation, Hennig owed Hart for his loss as SummerSlam in 1991. Looking at the match today some 10 years later I love it just as much as I did when I was 14. I didn't know what workrate, star ratings, or ring psychology was but I new this was a great match. Being great technical wrestlers, the two started it off trading headlocks and slams, feeling each other out. Hart took the early upperhand with a headlock, but once Hennig took control, the old Mr. Perfect started to creep out. Hennig took a cheapshot at Hart after holding the ropes open for him. He used the ropes to his advantage and got the crowd to rally behind Bret. As Bret would do years later against Steve Austin, Hennig through the course of the match got the crowd to get behind his opponent despite being a face. It's a testement to how good a wrestler is when he can get a crowd fully engrosed in the match. Hennig and Hart could do it in spades. The match isn't flawless. To nitpick, it is slow getting started. But both men had already been through a match about 1/2 hour before. But it is a match that thankfully is getting more recognition in recent years. It did all the things a great match should do, it featured well executed moves, good pacing and told a nice storyline during the match. That's something missing in a lot of wrestling today. As important as the storyline going in to the match can be, perhaps more important is the story being told within the match. The history between Hart and Hennig became the focus of the match as Hennig had two goals during the match, to advance to the KOTR finals and to avenge his loss to Hart. When Hart small packaged Hennig for the three, naturally Mr. Perfect was perfectly pissed. When he stormed back into the ring, it looked like he'd deck Hart. Instead an older an wiser Hennig offered his hand to Hart, and a look in his eyes that seemed to say "if I get another shot it you, I know I can beat you." Sadly he never did. Other highlights: Hart being knocked off the apron into the gaurdrail forshadowed (as mentioned by Scott Keith) him getting knocked into the Spanish announcers table at Survivor Series in 1995. Oddly enough the commentary by Randy Savage actually had some good points in regards to the match. Kudos to both men for taking that suples bump over the ropes to the floor, a highspot before I knew what one was. And finally, perhaps 2nd to Bret Hart's pre-match promo with Roddy Piper, Hart and Hennig's interview de-evovles before our eyes into a schoolyard arguement of "My dad can beat your dad." My thanks to both Bret Hart and Curt Hennig for giving to this fan the best match he's ever experienced live. Curt, I miss you and Bret, I look forward to you getting one last moment in the spotlight before settling down in peace. And thanks to Bob Barron, you're review of this event on the old Smarks site was the first review I ever saw for this show. It was nice to read someone else's reaction, and read someone else's appreciation for Hart/Perfect II. Oh and to any of you with the event, next time you watch look for the goofy, skinny dark haired kid with glasses jumping up in the top left corner of your screen. That's me Until next time... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest theoldxpac Report post Posted April 13, 2003 wow ive always loved this match, more so than their first one great read again Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest nWoScorpion Report post Posted April 14, 2003 Great stuff as always. Little Suggestion: Spread these out a few days, that way you'll have some planned for when the well starts to run dry. Again, pretty good. Focusing on one big match that was really good is a cool thing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Dmann2000 Report post Posted April 14, 2003 Great stuff as always. Little Suggestion: Spread these out a few days, that way you'll have some planned for when the well starts to run dry. Again, pretty good. Focusing on one big match that was really good is a cool thing. Yeah, I guess I was just reacting the the positive buzz I was getting, I don't think I'll do one for another few days, probably by the end of the week. The last thing I want to do is start breezing through matches and shortchanging them the time and thought, especially the great ones, that they deserve. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
