A look back at the wonderful match between Bret and Owen Hart that opened (and stole) the show at WrestleMania X, 1994. Below you should see all the tweets embedded from this Deep Dive gif thread. Catch Wrestling U Patrons have access to the entire gif archive downloadable here.
Calgary's own Bret Hart makes his WrestleMania X entrance to great applause. #CanadaDay pic.twitter.com/EUU3DQE39E
— Catch Wrestling U – #BlackLivesMatter #SpeakingOut (@CatchWrestling) July 1, 2019
Fireman's carry from Owen Hart, Head Scissors counter by Bret that Owen manages to kip out of. Silky smooth technique. #CanadaDay pic.twitter.com/cGOzzhltBG
— Catch Wrestling U – #BlackLivesMatter #SpeakingOut (@CatchWrestling) July 1, 2019
Owen Hart in particular as a heel was always so great at filling time between spots and drops in action without it feeling tedious or disjointed. #CanadaDay pic.twitter.com/cySRGhiQ9P
— Catch Wrestling U – #BlackLivesMatter #SpeakingOut (@CatchWrestling) July 1, 2019
Wonderful physical story telling between Bret & Owen Hart, proving you don't have to go a million miles an hour the whole time to keep the audience invested. #CanadaDay pic.twitter.com/cw0w0uuBV4
— Catch Wrestling U – #BlackLivesMatter #SpeakingOut (@CatchWrestling) July 1, 2019
Bret with a Hammerlock escape from Owen Hart's headlock, and dropping a knee for good measure – a little sizzle to the steak. #CanadaDay pic.twitter.com/xihdRW3U9t
— Catch Wrestling U – #BlackLivesMatter #SpeakingOut (@CatchWrestling) July 1, 2019
Both Bret and Owen Hart knew when to sprint and when to rest. It also allowed the audience to breathe it in and not be overwhelmed by constant action. #CanadaDay pic.twitter.com/B9G7ajoELv
— Catch Wrestling U – #BlackLivesMatter #SpeakingOut (@CatchWrestling) July 1, 2019
A 90's rope run spot ends with Owen Hart's signature spinning wheel kick. Owen mockingly mimics his brother to rile the pro-Bret crowd further. #CanadaDay pic.twitter.com/VKRklvCkSo
— Catch Wrestling U – #BlackLivesMatter #SpeakingOut (@CatchWrestling) July 1, 2019
We're now at the point in the story where heel Owen Hart wants to win by any means necessary, because deep down he knows he's not good enough to beat babyface Bret in a pure wrestling contest, despite claiming otherwise.
Yes – heels are often hypocrites! #CanadaDay pic.twitter.com/S2Ohpb6cWN
— Catch Wrestling U – #BlackLivesMatter #SpeakingOut (@CatchWrestling) July 1, 2019
Owen Hart is targeting the back of Bret which is key to their Sharpshooter finisher.
From a character standpoint, if Owen can make Bret submit to a 'lesser' move like the Camel Clutch, he would have more to crow about & it would boost his ego even further. #CanadaDay pic.twitter.com/lwJllBxoeV
— Catch Wrestling U – #BlackLivesMatter #SpeakingOut (@CatchWrestling) July 1, 2019
Nice crossbody reversal spot between Bret and Owen Hart. I like how Owen immediately goes back on the offensive as he's the less damaged aggressor. #CanadaDay pic.twitter.com/iexz9VNv8c
— Catch Wrestling U – #BlackLivesMatter #SpeakingOut (@CatchWrestling) July 1, 2019
Because Bret Hart has taken so much damage from his brother Owen, he is looking to finish the match by technical pins such as this inside cradle – moves that don't require a feat of strength or athleticism. #CanadaDay pic.twitter.com/bev9RRqvSP
— Catch Wrestling U – #BlackLivesMatter #SpeakingOut (@CatchWrestling) July 1, 2019
A missed top rope dive from Owen Hart is the much needed momentum change Bret needs to turn this match around.
Referee Earl Hebner begins a Double 10-count. #CanadaDay pic.twitter.com/KvPVfLXxAp
— Catch Wrestling U – #BlackLivesMatter #SpeakingOut (@CatchWrestling) July 1, 2019
Bret Hart is turning the match around in his favour. A right hand to Owen's breadbasket doubles him over, setting him up for the Russian Leg Sweep. #CanadaDay pic.twitter.com/V8WtmjbBOz
— Catch Wrestling U – #BlackLivesMatter #SpeakingOut (@CatchWrestling) July 1, 2019
Enziguri and Sharpshooter attempt by Owen Hart, Reversed into Bret's own attempt but not before he's rolled through by Owen. #CanadaDay pic.twitter.com/tMXPt95V5C
— Catch Wrestling U – #BlackLivesMatter #SpeakingOut (@CatchWrestling) July 1, 2019
OTT Crossbody from Bret Hart to Owen. Bret sells his knee with commentary putting over a possible collision with the ground. #CanadaDay pic.twitter.com/4TLJb69tEq
— Catch Wrestling U – #BlackLivesMatter #SpeakingOut (@CatchWrestling) July 1, 2019
Fight Owen Fight ? #CanadaDay pic.twitter.com/7xAAVRuEcZ
— Catch Wrestling U – #BlackLivesMatter #SpeakingOut (@CatchWrestling) July 1, 2019
Bret uses's Owen's hooked leg as a lever to help turn him over and 'reverse the pressure' according to wrasslin' logic. Owen rolls the position again until both are in the ropes forcing the break.
Classic Figure 4 spot. #CanadaDay pic.twitter.com/WZIu1Gqab6
— Catch Wrestling U – #BlackLivesMatter #SpeakingOut (@CatchWrestling) July 1, 2019
The spots and the selling of both Bret and Owen Hart are so good. Just a masterclass to witness. #CanadaDay pic.twitter.com/2MmSWIYn4E
— Catch Wrestling U – #BlackLivesMatter #SpeakingOut (@CatchWrestling) July 1, 2019
Top Rope Superplex and as perfect a near fall as you'll ever see. #CanadaDay pic.twitter.com/Bc3MnVI9fk
— Catch Wrestling U – #BlackLivesMatter #SpeakingOut (@CatchWrestling) July 1, 2019
Owen puts brother Bret in arguably the best version of the Hart family Sharpshooter. The straight back and wide horse-stance is what does it imo. #CanadaDay pic.twitter.com/V2FCpEBkft
— Catch Wrestling U – #BlackLivesMatter #SpeakingOut (@CatchWrestling) July 1, 2019
Bret reverse's Owen's Sharpshooter but a rope break collapses the Hart family hold. #CanadaDay pic.twitter.com/wOAECAgzwM
— Catch Wrestling U – #BlackLivesMatter #SpeakingOut (@CatchWrestling) July 1, 2019
The post match reactions are great, with Owen Hart not realising he's won, and Bret not believing he just lost.
A 5 star near perfect match, told in 20 minutes in-ring time, and the opening bout of WrestleMania X. #CanadaDay pic.twitter.com/2P6lmBgkvs
— Catch Wrestling U – #BlackLivesMatter #SpeakingOut (@CatchWrestling) July 1, 2019
An amazing match that can be studied and learned from by anyone working in the Pro Wrestling industry. Thank you for reading!