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| Bret Hart | |
|---|---|
| Name | Bret Hart |
| Caption | Hart in 2007 |
| Birth name | Bret Sergeant Hart |
| Birth date | May 2, 1957 |
| Birth place | Calgary, Alberta, Canada |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in |
| Weight | 235 lb |
| Billed | Calgary, Alberta |
| Trainer | Stu Hart |
| Debut | 1978 |
| Retired | 2010 |
Bret Hart is a Canadian retired professional wrestling performer, trainer, and writer widely regarded as one of the greatest technical wrestlers in professional wrestling history. He achieved prominence in Stampede Wrestling, became a multiple-time world champion in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE), and later worked in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and on the independent circuit. Hart is known for his in-ring psychology, signature moves, and his role in several high-profile events and controversies during the 1980s and 1990s.
Born in Calgary to the prominent Hart family of Canada, Hart was raised in Alberta by parents Helen and promoter/trainer Stu Hart. He grew up in the famed Hart House training facility and competed as an amateur in Olympic-style wrestling and local amateur wrestling tournaments before making a professional debut. Influenced by family members such as brothers Smith Hart, Owen Hart, and stepbrothers from the Hart dynasty, he trained under Stu alongside future stars who would appear in Stampede Wrestling and international promotions.
Hart began his career in Stampede Wrestling in the late 1970s, capturing regional titles and gaining recognition for technical skill against opponents like Dynamite Kid and Tito Santana. He joined the World Wrestling Federation in 1984, initially aligning with talent such as Jim Neidhart as part of the Hart Foundation tag team, feuding with teams like The British Bulldogs and winning the WWF Tag Team Championship. Transitioning to a singles career, Hart captured the WWF Championship multiple times and headlined major events, including main events for WrestleMania and SummerSlam, where he worked with performers such as Shawn Michaels, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and Bret Hart opponents from the era. In 1997, Hart's career was marked by the controversial finish at WrestleMania XIII and the infamous "Montreal Screwjob" at Survivor Series (1997), leading to his departure from WWF and subsequent tenure in World Championship Wrestling (WCW), where he competed against talents including Ric Flair and Sting until returning to sporadic appearances on the independent scene and eventual WWE reconciliations.
Hart's in-ring style emphasized technical mat wrestling, precision holds like the sharpshooter, and methodical psychology, developed in Stampede Wrestling and honed against technicians such as Bryan Danielson-era influences and contemporaries like Ricky Steamboat. He portrayed a principled, no-nonsense persona, often billed as "The Hitman," aligning with national pride for Canada and interacting with audiences in cities such as Toronto and Montreal. His matches prioritized storytelling and realism, influencing booking techniques used in promotions including Ring of Honor and New Japan Pro-Wrestling, while his finishing maneuvers and ring attire became iconic within professional wrestling culture.
Hart's major titles include multiple reigns as WWF Champion, WWE Hall of Fame induction, and tag team championships with Jim Neidhart as part of the Hart Foundation. He also held regional titles in Stampede Wrestling and garnered accolades from publications such as Pro Wrestling Illustrated, which awarded him wrestler of the year honors and high match ratings for encounters with opponents like Shawn Michaels, Bret Hart vs. Owen Hart, and Stone Cold Steve Austin. Hart received lifetime achievement recognitions from organizations including the WWE Hall of Fame (2006) and has been cited in lists compiled by sports media outlets and wrestling historians.
Hart is a member of the prominent Hart family, brother to wrestlers including Owen Hart and Bruce Hart, and father to children who have pursued various careers outside the ring. His personal life includes public feuds and reconciliations with figures such as Vince McMahon and collaborations with family members on projects. Hart has experienced health issues including a 2002 stroke and later heart surgery, leading to reduced in-ring activity and a focus on writing, public speaking, and ambassadorial roles within WWE and the broader wrestling community.
Regarded as one of the most influential performers of the 1980s and 1990s, Hart's technical legacy impacted generations of wrestlers such as Kurt Angle, Chris Benoit, and Daniel Bryan (wrestler). His matches are frequently cited in retrospectives by publications like Pro Wrestling Illustrated and media outlets covering sports entertainment. The Hart Foundation concept has been revived in various forms in promotions worldwide, and Hart's name is associated with training, talent development, and the preservation of the Hart family's wrestling heritage in venues like Calgary's wrestling community.
Outside the ring, Hart authored an autobiography, appeared in documentaries about the wrestling industry and the Hart family, and participated in television projects involving figures such as Vince McMahon and journalists covering sports entertainment. He has been a guest on talk shows, featured in video games produced by WWE, and participated in charitable and promotional events in Canada and internationally. Hart's memoir and interviews have contributed to academic and fan discussions about ethics, performance, and business practices in professional wrestling.
Category:Canadian professional wrestlers Category:Hart family (wrestling)