The Bret Hart vs. Mr. Perfect match at SummerSlam 1991 is often hailed as an all-time classic, but I argue that it's overrated. While it was a solid match, it didn't quite reach the heights of other Intercontinental title matches from that era.
As a fan who watched it live, I appreciated the effort and performance of both Bret Hart and Curt Hennig (Mr. Perfect). However, a few factors soured my view. Firstly, the replacement of Bobby Heenan, Perfect's manager, with John "The Golden Greek" Tolos, lacked the chemistry and impact that Heenan brought. This change affected Hennig's presentation and overall match quality.
The finish of the match, where Hart won with a Sharpshooter, was also problematic. The sudden stoppage by referee Earl Hebner while Perfect was clearly selling the hold and shaking his head 'no' took me out of the match. It felt like a disruption to the flow, and I couldn't help but question the timing. In hindsight, I understand the need to protect Hennig's back, but the execution could have been better.
Comparatively, the match pales in comparison to other iconic Intercontinental title matches like Ricky Steamboat and Randy Savage's at WrestleMania III. The storyline between Hart and Perfect lacked the passion and intrigue that fueled the Savage-Steamboat rivalry. Additionally, Hart's WrestleMania VIII victory over Roddy Piper, which focused on their Canadian history, was more impactful for his career.
While I was happy with the outcome of Hart's win, I wasn't as invested in the end of Perfect's reign as I had been with previous champions. The match's placement in the Pro Wrestling Illustrated's Match of the Year list, just behind the Steiner Brothers vs. Lex Luger and Sting, seems high given the other matches that year. I believe there were better matches that year that deserved the top spot.
In conclusion, despite the praise and nostalgia, the Bret Hart vs. Mr. Perfect match at SummerSlam 1991 falls short of being a true classic. It was a good match, but not great, and it's overrated due to the influence of Bobby Heenan and the sudden finish. As an expert commentator, I stand by my opinion, acknowledging the match's flaws and its place in the context of other matches from that era.
