Matches That Time Forgot #16

I created this column for the sole purpose of showcasing matches like this. What we have here is Bret "The Hitman" Hart squaring off against Rocky Maivia. Most people probably don't realize that these two living legends faced each other in early 1997. Rocky was transitioning from "bubbly babyface" to "stoic heel." He didn't have much of a personality at this point, but he was competent enough between the ropes to carry a match. Of course, you don't need to carry a guy like Bret.

This is an Intercontinental Championship match. It was the main event of Raw, and while it was a solid contest on its own, the various run-ins afterward make it a must-see segment. Austin, Bulldog, Owen, The Legion of fucking Doom...an epic melee, to be sure.