MONDAY NITRO: Preview

A few weeks back, with the help of Elizabeth, The Total Package gave memorial to his former moniker, Lex Luger. The former football player and World Champion was reborn and – considering the reaction of the fans – his new, shredded physique was more impressive than ever.

But The Total Package isn't the only superstar who has spent the last few months reevaluating his career and the impact he wishes to make on the wrestling world.

Last week in Kemper Arena, Bret Hart managed to lend some closure to the family tragedy that has plagued him since this past May. For more than 20 minutes, The Hitman battled fellow Canadian and Hart Dungeon alumnus Chris Benoit in a match that has already been touted the year's most breathtaking contest. The match was a tribute to Owen Hart, a close friend of the Crippler's, a brother to Bret and a man who loved the art of wrestling nearly as much as he did his loyal family.

It had been quite some time since Bret had presented such a draining and classic example of why he's truly the Excellence of Execution. The Canadian Superstar has been involved in tag contests with the company's top names these past few weeks – but wrestling a pure athlete like Benoit served to remind Bret about why he ever stepped into his father's basement: Bret Hart wanted to be the greatest wrestler of all time.

Yes, the Hitman is thankful for the attention the mainstream media has placed upon him. He enjoys working on movies and television shows, and understands that his charisma and ability have worth far beyond the confines of a ring. But, when Bret must consider all things equally, there is no place he'd rather be than on the mat, drenched in sweat, and showing a fellow competitor why the Hart name has commanded fear and respect for over three decades.

For the first time in many years, Bret Hart remembers why he has suffered the tragedies and indignation that this sport can pile upon a person like quarry gravel. Bret Hart knows now, more than ever, that he is and always will be the quintessential professional wrestler.

The match taught Bret another lesson, too. Among all the superstars in WCW, no other athlete embodies the Hart tradition of determination, perfectionism and courage like Benoit. Last week, he fought against the Crippler for all the right reasons.

On Monday, October 11th, Bret will fight alongside Benoit to further champion the ideals that have made the Hitman a leader and role model in this oft-dishonest business.

And, what better opponent than the man who so savagely tried to end Bret's career with the unforgiving force of a black bat? The Total Package's unsavory actions represent everything Bret has grown to hate about professional wrestling: The sneak attacks, the illegal weapons, the importance of appearance over ability. The Package's partner, Rick Steiner, has also become one of the promotion's biggest proponent for outside interference and common thuggery. Despite his classic amateur background, one can't remember the last Nitro where the DFG didn't help Sid Vicious score a questionable victory, attack a wrestler backstage or lay out a referee or commentator.

Now the Total Package and Steiner must face Bret on a playing ground that the Hitman controls like a savvy field General with and unlimited arsenal of weapons – including the indomitable Chris Benoit. It's a contest that promises to pit wrestling's most sacred traditions against the sport's recent history of villainy and glorified shortcuts.

Bring all your tricks, boys – Hart and Benoit don't want to hear excuses when the final bell rings...

Feedback

What would you like to see on Monday Nitro? Email us at nitro_feedback@wcw.com. Please include your name and the state you live in as we will be posting some of the feedback. No email addresses will be disclosed. And no vulgarity will be posted, so keep it clean. Take a look at what other viewer's are saying.