Bret Hart

Dive into the life and career of Bret “The Hitman” Hart — Canadian wrestling legend, technical master, icon of integrity in sports entertainment. Explore his early life, rise in WWF/WWE, signature style and quotes, challenges, and lasting legacy.

Introduction

Bret Sergeant Hart (born July 2, 1957) is widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers in history. A second-generation wrestler from Calgary, Alberta, Canada, he combined technical mastery, storytelling, and passionate fan connection to leave a lasting impact on the wrestling world. Known as “The Hitman” and famed for the slogan “The Best There Is, The Best There Was, and The Best There Ever Will Be,” Hart’s career spanned decades, marked by triumphs, trials, and reinvention.

In this article, we’ll walk through his early foundations, in-ring career, signature philosophy, major controversies and comebacks, and the lessons and influence he continues to offer.

Early Life and Family

Bret Hart was born in Calgary, Alberta on July 2, 1957.

From childhood he was exposed to wrestling, training, discipline, and the expectations that come with being part of a wrestling dynasty. His early wrestling training and amateur background would later serve as the bedrock of his professional style.

Amateur Foundations & Training

Before turning fully professional, Bret Hart had a strong foundation in amateur wrestling. At Ernest Manning High School, he competed in amateur tournaments and distinguished himself in local wrestling circuits. Mount Royal College, where he continued to hone his craft.

His training was rigorous and multifaceted. In the Hart family’s famed “Dungeon” (Stu Hart’s training facility), Bret and his siblings were pushed hard—learning technical skills, grit, psychology, and ring discipline under demanding conditions.

This grounding in true wrestling technique, combined with a sense of storytelling and character, would differentiate Bret Hart from more flamboyant but less technical wrestlers.

Professional Career & Achievements

Early Career in Stampede Wrestling

Bret’s early professional steps came in Stampede Wrestling, the promotion run by his father in Calgary. He began working as a referee and gradually transitioned to active wrestler, stepping in when regular performers were unavailable.

Stampede Wrestling served as his proving ground—testing his stamina, ring craft, and ability to connect with a live, local crowd before stepping onto the grander WWF stage.

Rise in WWF / WWE

Bret Hart’s entry into the WWF (now WWE) marked a turning point. His televised singles debut came in 1984.

He and Jim Neidhart formed the original Hart Foundation, a notable tag team that leveraged family legacy, in-ring skill, and character work. “The Pink and Black Attack.”

As Bret transitioned to singles competition, he became a multiple-time Intercontinental Champion and then ascended to WWF’s top title runs. Sharpshooter submission hold, which he often used to finish matches.

He is also known for a match structure often called the “Five Moves of Doom” (a sequence of predetermined moves leading into the finish) that he used to tell compelling narratives within matches.

Signature Style & Philosophy

What distinguished Bret Hart was his commitment to in-ring realism, psychology, and consistency. He strived to minimize botches and maximize believability.

His slogan, “The Best There Is, the Best There Was, and the Best There Ever Will Be,” captured his confidence and legacy mindset.

Hart was also known for rarely missing shows (reportedly missing just one event in his WWF career beyond travel issues) and taking great pride in professionalism.

Controversies & Setbacks

The Montreal Screwjob (1997)

One of the most infamous episodes in modern wrestling occurred at Survivor Series 1997 in Montreal, known as the Montreal Screwjob. Bret Hart had creative control over the finish of his televised match and was set to leave WWF for WCW. But in a shocking turn, Vince McMahon and company changed the ending without his knowledge, having the referee call for the bell while Hart was in the Sharpshooter, awarding the match to Shawn Michaels. This effectively betrayed Hart’s trust and became a major flashpoint in wrestling history.

This event soured Hart’s relationship with WWF for many years and overshadowed parts of his legacy. Many debates persist about the ethics, responsibility, and consequences of that moment in wrestling lore.

WCW & Career-Ending Injury

After leaving WWF/WWE, Hart moved to WCW. Unfortunately, his WCW tenure was marred by injuries and backstage politics. In 1999, he suffered a severe concussion (from a botched kick by Goldberg) which prematurely ended his in-ring career.

Various sources suggest the injury not only ended his active wrestling career but cost him financially, emotionally, and in terms of legacy potential.

Health Challenges

In 2002, Bret had a serious stroke following a bicycle accident, further complicating his post-wrestling life.

Despite these, he remained visible in wrestling circles—through media, appearances, interviews, and reconciling with parts of his past.

Later Years, Recognition & Return

Although officially retired in 2000, Bret Hart made selective returns for low-impact matches between 2010 and 2011.

He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame multiple times: first as an individual (2006), then as part of the Hart Foundation (2019). Immortal Moments category.

Outside the ring, Hart engaged in writing (his autobiography Hitman: My Real Life in the Cartoon World of Wrestling), film & TV cameos, commentary, and charitable work related to stroke recovery and cancer awareness. Calgary Hitmen junior hockey team, lending his name and influence to Canadian sports beyond wrestling.

Legacy & Influence

Bret Hart’s influence in professional wrestling and beyond is profound:

• Technical archetype: Many modern wrestlers cite Hart as inspiration for blending athleticism, psychology, and storytelling.

• Authenticity & respect: Hart’s reputation for discipline, consistency, and respect for the craft set a benchmark for professionalism.

• Cultural icon: In Canada, he remains a national wrestling hero. His story symbolizes pride, resilience, and artistry.

• Wrestling history & mythology: The Montreal Screwjob, his matches with Shawn Michaels, and his pathway from dynasty roots to world champion are narrative cornerstones in wrestling lore.

• Health & comeback narrative: His public battle with health issues, his voice after retirement, and his reconciliations with WWE show that legacy isn’t just about wins but impact and integrity.

He is often ranked among the top wrestlers ever. WWE, critics, peers, and fan polls regularly place him in the top tier of all-time greats.

Personality, Values & Voice

Through interviews, writing, and his public persona, certain traits and principles stand out:

• Integrity and pride: Hart often spoke of being true to himself, to his principles, and to the legacy he carried.

• Work ethic: He emphasized that his relationship with fans was based on “work and work ethic.”

• Realism and control: His approach was to make wrestling believable and safe—avoiding reckless moves, botches, or needless injury.

• Frustration with politics: He has not shied away from criticizing management, booking decisions, or wrestling politics when he believes they betray the art form.

• Reflection & honesty: In his later years, Hart has been introspective—acknowledging mistakes, regrets, and wrestling’s shades of gray.

Overall, Bret Hart embodies a blend of athleticism, artistry, and moral seriousness rarely seen in the full spectacle of professional wrestling.

Selected Quotes & Insights

Here are some of his more memorable reflections:

“My relationship with fans is based off the love of my work and my work ethic.”

“I think I had a really hard-working and authentic wrestling style, so people liked the way I was — that I was a ‘no-quit’ kind of wrestler — and I was very realistic and credible in my style.”

“It’s always nice to see one of your old mates, especially the ones who I knew from further back.”

“You will be excellently executed.”

“No matter how old he is, or what kind of shape he’s in, Hogan believes in his heart that he is the star of the show…” (on Hulk Hogan)

Though Bret was never known as a mic worker in the same way as some peers, his statements often convey directness, pride, and a clear code of self-respect.

Lessons from Bret Hart

From his life and journey, we can glean several lessons:

1. Craft is king
   Excellence in execution, control, consistency, and respect for the medium can outlast flashiness or superficial appeal.

2. Legacy is built in detail
   Every match, every script, every error—even unseen ones—contribute to how one is remembered.

3. Stand for your principles—but choose battles wisely
   Hart’s career was mired by politics and conflict. Standing up can carry cost; strategic navigation is key.

4. Resilience beyond the ring
   Injuries, health crises, betrayals—Hart’s life after active wrestling shows that one’s voice and convictions matter beyond physical capability.

5. Reconciliation and reflection matter
   Hart’s reconnecting with aspects of his past (e.g. reconciliations with WWE) shows that legacies evolve and relationships shift.

6. Your public story can be your platform
   His autobiography, commentary, and public presence shaped how new generations understand wrestling history and values.

Conclusion

Bret Hart’s journey from Calgary to global wrestling icon is a story of talent, principle, conflict, and redemption. He transcended spectacle by insisting on realism, discipline, and narrative weight in every match. His greatness wasn’t just in wins and belts, but in how he carried himself, how he treated the craft, and how he engaged with fans and history.