Shift One

1996 had a couple of big moments which shifted the direction of professional wrestling towards where we are now. 

Hulk Hogan's heel turn, and formation of the New World Order, at WCW Bash at the Beach 1996 will have its thirtieth in a fortnight from now.

First, we must celebrate the moment 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin ascended to his throne as the biggest star in wrestling history.

Kinda.

Thirty years ago tonight,  Austin won the 1996 WWE King of the Ring tournament by beating Jake 'the Snake' Roberts in the finals. Earlier in the evening, he had done away with 'Wildman' Marc Mero.

The bouts were eclipsed by Austin's excellent coronation speech. After mentioning the born-again Roberts' turn to religion, the new King of the Ring uttered words that ended up making him millions.

Talk about your psalms, talk about John 3:16... Austin 3:16 says I just whipped your ass

The promo, as I stated already, was excellent. However, revisionist history would lead you to believe that WWE jumped on the Austin bandwagon immediately afterwards. That's far from the truth.

The company was still being built around Shawn Michaels, who was - at that time - feuding with the British Bulldog. Vader and Sid were queued up after Davey Boy.

King of the Ring winners were prominently giving spotlights on the SummerSlam cards following their wins. 

In 1993, Bret 'Hitman' Hart wrestled Jerry 'The King' Lawler in a grudge match. A year after that, Bret's brother - Owen - winner of the '94 tournament, challenged Bret for the WWF Championship inside a steel cage. SummerSlam 1995 had King Mabel up against the WWF Champ - Diesel.

Who did Austin wrestle at SummerSlam 1996? Yokozuna in a dark match. He wasn't even booked on the main card.

What saved Austin from floundering in WWF's booking was Bret Hart's autumn '96 return. Hart picked Austin as his first opponent following his post-WrestleMania XII hiatus.

That, added to the King of the Ring promo, is what led to Austin's star rising. 

Sure, you can pinpoint thirty years today as being when the business began its shift. However, don't kid yourself into believing it happened overnight.

I shudder to think what could have happened had Bret Hart chose somebody else.