Bret Hart vs Roddy Piper (Way of the Blade Art Print)
"Bret The Hitman Hart vs. Rowdy Roddy Piper" - ink & digital illustration
On the way to the upcoming Way of the Blade sequel, here’s another flashback to an illustration & match that I adore from the original (from the great guys at Hybrid Shoot, written by the rad Phil Schneider, illustrated by yours truly!).
All aboard the Bret train once again! This wonderful match took place on April 5th, 1992 at WWF WrestleMania VIII ‘Friendship Torn Apart!’ at the Hoosier Dome in Indianapolis, IA.
Another big-time favourite Mania match of mine & definitely one of Roddy Piper’s best in the World Wrestling Federation I’d say.
So this match rules hard for a few reasons. Firstly I feel that it shows off Roddy’s super underrated in-ring abilities far more than most of his high profile WWF bouts. It’s also a properly masterful example of ‘good-guy’ vs ‘good-guy’ done to perfection. As Phil mentions in the book, the whole ‘emotional conflict’ Pro Wrestling bit has so been done to death these days in NXT & AEW but this may be the best example of it being done well & with conviction that I’ve ever seen. This whole thing also shows exactly why Bret was just so darn special. In hindsight, this match really was a key point in Bret’s ascension to becoming the man of the main event scene of the Fed in the 90s. Piper also has to be commended for his selflessness in passing the torch here (unlike that piece of trash, Hulk Hogan!) Such a bloody great match!
Also one of Bret’s very best sneaky, hidden Blade Jobs that apparently went under the raider of Vince Jr’s ridiculous ‘blade ban’ of this period, while Flair got a nasty fine for his own slightly less subtle one later in the evening!
ENJOY!!
Fancy, high quality art prints of this book illustration are now available to purchase for as little as 25 clams, FREE worldwide postage!
HQ Basic Art Prints: Printed on 189gsm, museum-quality matte paper stock, printed with high-quality multicolour, water-based inkjet printing technique. (Printing & delivery arranged by Printful).
'Premium' Art Prints: Voluptuously extra thick, textured & hand-signed! Printed on 320gsm 'Sihl Masterclass Textured Cotton Rag', French made, Cold Press style textured art paper. 1cm additional border for easy framing unless otherwise requested. High archival rating, printed with 12 colour Canon Lucia EX pigment Inks, expected life over 100 years if displayed correctly. Since I send these out myself, I'll also include a little bonus 'surprise' for you! + ALL PREMIUM PRINT PURCHASES COME WITH CHRIS THINGS ZINE VOL. 1!!
Pre-Framed Art Prints: For those who don't want to worry about the hassles of framing! Pre-framed basic art-prints printed on 189gsm, museum-quality matte paper stock, printed with high-quality multicolour, water-based inkjet printing technique. Ayous wood .75″ (1.9 cm) thick, light-weight wooden frame from renewable forests. (Printing, framing & delivery arranged by Printful).
Please don't hesitate to send me a message if you require a different size - all prints made to order.