Bret Hart vs. Mr. Perfect at SummerSlam 1991: A Match of Greatness, But Not Without Flaws
In the world of professional wrestling, matches are often remembered for their storytelling, athleticism, and the passion they evoke. One such match, Bret Hart vs. Mr. Perfect at SummerSlam 1991, has been hailed as an all-time classic by many fans and pundits. However, as someone who witnessed this match live and has followed the careers of both Bret Hart and Curt Hennig (Mr. Perfect), I find myself in a unique position to offer a nuanced perspective. While I acknowledge the match's greatness, I also see it through a different lens, one that is shaped by the context of the time and the personal experiences of a fan.
The match itself was a showcase of two of the era's top wrestlers. Bret Hart, the Intercontinental Champion, defended his title against Curt Hennig, the No. 1 contender. The build-up to the match was intense, with Hennig's manager, Bobby Heenan, and Hart's manager, Jimmy Hart, engaging in verbal sparring that added to the drama. The match itself was a display of technical prowess and storytelling, with both wrestlers delivering performances that captivated the audience.
What makes this match particularly fascinating is the context in which it took place. At the time, Curt Hennig was dealing with a back injury that ultimately sidelined him for over a year following the match. Bret Hart, aware of this, wanted to give Hennig a fitting send-off. This adds a layer of respect and admiration to the match, as Hart's actions demonstrate his sportsmanship and understanding of the situation.
However, what ultimately soured me on the match was the finish. Bret Hart won with a Sharpshooter, but before he could fully lock it in, referee Earl Hebner called for the bell. Meanwhile, Perfect, who was selling the effects of the hold, continued shaking his head no. As a viewer, I was confused. Why did the ref call the match while Perfect was clearly saying 'No'?
Years later, I understand that the early stoppage was likely to protect Hennig's back. I can appreciate that. Still, in the moment, it took me out of everything I had just seen. And what I saw was a solid match that held the attention of the fans inside Madison Square Garden. But solid wasn't good enough when the bar for Intercontinental title matches had been set four years earlier at WrestleMania III with Ricky Steamboat and Randy Savage.
One thing that immediately stands out is the contrast between this match and the match that won Match of the Year at WrestleMania III. While Bret Hart vs. Mr. Perfect was good, it was nowhere near as good as the match between Steamboat and Savage. The latter had a passionate storyline that fueled the match, while the former lacked a similar narrative drive. Additionally, the outcome of the match helped put Hart on the map, but his WrestleMania VIII victory over Roddy Piper for the same title arguably did more for his career.
In my opinion, the match at SummerSlam 1991 was a solid effort, but it didn't quite reach the heights of other matches from that year. The absence of Bobby Heenan as Perfect's manager and the ho-hum storyline didn't help matters. And the sudden stoppage while Perfect was clearly selling the hold took me out of the match. Despite the incoming flak I expect to get from readers, I stand by what I said: No Heenan, a ho-hum storyline, and a sudden stoppage while Perfect holds on earns a 'just alright' with me.
In conclusion, Bret Hart vs. Mr. Perfect at SummerSlam 1991 was a match of greatness, but not without flaws. While it was a solid effort, it didn't quite reach the heights of other matches from that year. The absence of Bobby Heenan and the ho-hum storyline didn't help matters, and the sudden stoppage took me out of the match. Despite this, I acknowledge the match's greatness and the passion it evoked in the audience. It's a match that will always be remembered, but one that also serves as a reminder of the importance of context and personal experiences in shaping our perceptions of wrestling matches.
