WWE Raw TV Results
May 27, 2013 - Episode #1,043
Live in Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Aired on USA Network
Report by James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor

After Raw went off the air, the "Bret Hart Appreciation Night" post-game show started on WWE's App. Jerry Lawler was shown in the ring welcoming everyone to the post-show festivities. Lawler said today was declared Bret Hart Day in Calgary, then Lawler fed to a video package documenting Hart's wrestling and family story.

Back live in the arena, the crowd was shown applauding. Lawler said that's how you get a day named in your honor, then Lawler welcomed out Bret Hart to a loud hometown ovation. Hart entered the ring and played to the crowd before shaking hands with Lawler, who then read a long proclamation from the City of Calgary. Lawler concluded by announcing May 27, 2013 as Bret Hart Day.

Hart received the proclamation before speaking that this is a huge honor. He said he feels his father, Owen (huge pop), and the Bulldog. Bret paused for the loud Owen pop, which was followed by a loud "Owen, Owen" chant. Bret said this is about as proud of a day as you could have. He said this is a huge honor that goes beyond winning titles; more genuine, because it comes from the people of Calgary. Hart said he can feel the presence of Stu, Owen, and Bulldog right now.

Hart then thanked his kids for putting up with his wrestling schedule over 23 years. Hart got emotional and cleared his throat as WWE showed family members in the crowd. Hart said he was always proud of representing Stampede Wrestling, including Dynamite Kid and Ed Whalen. Hart transitioned to his WWE career. He said when he first started, most Americans didn't know where Calgary is, but ten years later, they knew Calgary.

Hart started talking about the top wrestlers he worked with: Mr. Perfect and Bulldog, then thanked his wife and "Stephanie" for what she's meant to him the last few years. Hart thanked Jerry Lawler, then brought up some of Lawler's joke-book quips about Stu and Helen back in the '90s. Hart said Owen was upset, but Helen was so happy about it. "My mom actually became a wrestling fan," Hart said. Hart said that was a long-shot that she would ever be a fan, then thanked Lawler for being one of the greatest villains he worked with.

Hart continued that over the 14 years he was in WWE, he never had enough matches in Calgary. Hart got emotional again, then Lawler said it goes without saying that Calgary loves Bret Hart.

- Lawler then started the Parade of Guests by introducing Pat Patterson, who walked to the ring waving to the crowd. Pat hit the ring and said he's been in the business for 55 years, he's a Canadian, and he wants to say it: "Bret, you will always be the best wrestling Canadian of all-time." Pat got on his knees to salute Bret, prompting Bret to say he always get scared when Pat gets on his knees. Lawler cleaned up the line by saying Pat didn't take too many bumps.

- Lawler then brought out Chris Jericho to salute Bret. Jericho shook hands with Bret and hugged him before taking the mic. Jericho said it's really cool for him to be out here standing in the ring with Bret. "Finally, for the first time ever," he said. Jericho said he never wrestled Bret, but he played the match in his head for years. Jericho said he always wanted to come to Calgary to be like his two heroes, Owen Hart (big pop) and Bret Hart.

Jericho told a story about a Stu Hart birthday show in the '90s. He said he wasn't booked on the show - because he wasn't good enough yet - and Bret was going to work with Bulldog a few days later. Jericho recalled sheepishly suggesting Bret a finish for the match, then he referenced Sean Waltman being there to demonstrate the move. Then, two days later, Bret used the move. Jericho said he thought it was so classy to see Bret use his suggestion, drawing applause. Jericho said it inspired him to continue going on in the wrestling business. He said he hopes to be half of what Bret Hart was in wrestling.

- Lawler then carefully moved along to Survivor Series '97. He said he hopes Hart has buried the hatchet with these next two men. The first principal, Shawn Michaels, was introduced to a solid babyface reaction. Hart smiled in the ring as Michaels made his way into the ring to dance before shaking hands with Bret. Once HBK's music stopped, Michaels felt out the moment before speaking.

Michaels said he was expecting a lot worse, so thank you for the response. Michaels said every great hero needs an arch-enemy. "I was honored to be your Lex Luthor," HBK said. He shook Hart's hand and congratulated him on a fantastic career. Michaels said it was an honor, then he hugged Hart.

- Next, Lawler set up Vince McMahon's introduction. McMahon was introduced to a mix of boos and cheers. McMahon strutted out on-stage doing his trademark walk as Hart kind of watched the crowd to see how they were going to react.

McMahon, looking aged with light make-up, hit the ring and shook hands with Hart before noting this is where Hart started and this is where he's being honored. McMahon said Stampede was one of the greatest regional promotions ever, then Hart established his own era in WWE. He said Hart brought legitimacy to WWE that was never there before. McMahon said "the promotion" over-looked mat skills, which Hart brought to WWE. "You became WWE champion the old-fashioned way: you earned it," McMahon said to applause.

McMahon said everyone appreciated Hart's technical skills in the ring. Tonight, Hart should be honored as indeed the Best There Is, Was, and Ever Will Be. McMahon said Hart has done so much for Calgary, then asked when he's going to leave this smelly town? "Just ribbing you guys," McMahon said. But, he will be leaving on his private plane in about 30 minutes.

McMahon said this is not just about Calgary because there are fans all over the world watching Hart on the WWE App right now. He said they all want to say Thank You. Hart responded that he wants everyone to know how special this is for him. Hart said he has so many great memories in WWE and worked with so many great wrestlers. He said no one would know who Bret Hart is if it were not for WWE. Hart said he is extremely grateful and he enjoyed being a Calgarian hero.

Hart said he owes everything to Vince and has nothing but the best to say about him. He said it means a lot to him for HBK to come out here, too. Hart thanked Jerry, Chris, and Pat, too. Hart said this job is tough, but these are the great moments that you take with you. Hart thanked everyone for being here for him, then he will continue trying to be the best Old Hero in Calgary. Hart offered some sort of inside-joke, then said he is very proud to be from Calgary and Canada.

Hart's music played, then Lawler asked the crowd to give it up for Bret Hart one more time. As Hart's music played, the locker room came out on-stage to salute Bret Hart. Natalya and a full-headed Tyson Kidd then entered the ring to hug Bret. WWE showed John Cena leading the locker-room applauding Hart from the stage, then WWE showed Hart, Kidd, and Natalya in the ring again.

After another shot of the locker room on-stage, WWE showed Hart standing next to Patterson soaking up the crowd response. WWE then slow-motion-re-played Hart greeting Jericho, HBK, and McMahon. A slow-motion shot of Hart waving to the crowd ended the post-show at 11:39 EST, about 30 minutes after Raw went off the air.

And so concludes Bret Hart, HBK, and Vince McMahon's Redemption Stories, as told by WWE.

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