WWF Champion Bret 'Hitman' Hart battles Hunter Hearst Helmsley

Shawn Michaels watches as Hart defeats Helmsley in a non-title match

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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On the March 4, 1996 episode of WWF Monday Night Raw, WWF Champion Bret 'Hitman' Hart faced off against Hunter Hearst Helmsley in a non-title match, with Shawn Michaels watching from ringside. Hart defeated Helmsley by submission with the Sharpshooter. Earlier in the night, Shawn Michaels defeated the 1-2-3 Kid, and newcomer Justin 'Hawk' Bradshaw made his WWF debut by defeating Hakushi.

Why it matters

The match between Hart and Helmsley was part of the build-up to the WrestleMania XII main event, an Iron Man match between Hart and Michaels for the WWF Championship. Michaels' presence at ringside added intrigue to the match, as he is Hart's opponent at WrestleMania. Additionally, the debut of Bradshaw, who would later find great success in the company as JBL, was a notable moment.

The details

In the main event, Hart and Helmsley had a back-and-forth match, with Helmsley using underhanded tactics to try to gain an advantage. However, Hart was able to apply the Sharpshooter submission hold to pick up the victory. Michaels watched the match closely from ringside, hinting at the tension between the two WrestleMania opponents. Earlier in the night, Michaels defeated the 1-2-3 Kid, while newcomer Bradshaw made an impactful debut by defeating Hakushi.

  • On March 4, 1996, the episode of WWF Monday Night Raw was taped in Cincinnati, Ohio.
  • The WrestleMania XII main event between Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels was scheduled for April 1996.

The players

Bret 'Hitman' Hart

The reigning WWF Champion, known for his technical wrestling ability and the Sharpshooter submission hold.

Hunter Hearst Helmsley

A rising star in the WWF, known for his arrogant 'Blueblood' persona and underhanded tactics.

Shawn Michaels

The top contender for the WWF Championship, set to face Hart in the WrestleMania XII main event.

Justin 'Hawk' Bradshaw

A newcomer to the WWF, who would later find great success as 'The Wrestling God' John 'Bradshaw' Layfield/JBL.

Hakushi

A talented wrestler known for his unique Japanese-inspired gimmick, who made his final WWF appearance on this episode.

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What they’re saying

“I'm impressed, but a lot of the things HBK is getting away with, he wouldn't get away with them on Hart.”

— Bret 'Hitman' Hart, WWF Champion

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.