WWE legend Jim Ross names his favorite WrestleMania match ever
Jim Ross worked for WWE in various on-screen and off-screen roles between 1993 and 2019. In a recent podcast episode, the legendary commentator reminisced about a memorable match between Bret Hart and Steve Austin.
In 1997, Hart defeated Austin at WrestleMania 13 in a contest widely regarded as the best of the night. During the 22-minute bout, The Hitman turned heel while Austin switched from a bad guy to a babyface.
Asked to name his favorite WrestleMania match ever, Ross said on his Grilling JR podcast that Hart's win over Austin was difficult to beat:
"Man, I have a hard time moving away from WrestleMania 13 and Austin and Bret because of all they accomplished in the match. Turning the most beloved babyface heel, turning the most hated heel babyface was a tremendous accomplishment. Austin's blood, right amount, right time. Some of the visuals on TV were so memorable." [1:21:24 – 1:21:51]
Austin vs. Hart was refereed by MMA legend Ken Shamrock and had a No Disqualification Submission stipulation. Hart secured the win after a bloodied Austin passed out to the Sharpshooter.
Jim Ross' other favorite WWE matches
The current AEW announcer named Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker at WrestleMania 25 as another one of his favorite WrestleMania bouts. He also gave an honorable mention to the 56-minute match between Michaels and John Cena on the April 23, 2007, episode of RAW in London, England.
After further consideration, Jim Ross reiterated that Bret Hart vs. Steve Austin is always likely to be his favorite match at WWE's biggest show of the year:
"When I name some, and obviously you're gonna leave some out, and don't take that as a sign I didn't like that match, but Austin and Bret always pop into my mind when that question is asked of me because of what they accomplished." [1:23:38 – 1:23:59]
Elaborating on Hart's WWE career, Ross explained why The Hitman's exit in 1997 "alienated half of the locker room."
What is your favorite WrestleMania match? Hit the discuss button and let us know.
Please credit Grilling JR and give an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription if you use Jim Ross' quotes from this article.