Picture a Canadian wrestling icon who redefined the squared circle with technical brilliance and a heart of gold—meet Bret 'The Hitman' Hart! Born into the legendary Hart wrestling dynasty, Bret rose from Calgary’s gritty rings to global fame, captivating millions with his 'Excellence of Execution' persona. Beyond the mat, he’s a storyteller, actor, and humanitarian whose resilience shines through a career-ending injury and a triumphant comeback as a bestselling author.
With his signature pink and black tights and Sharpshooter submission hold, Bret didn’t just wrestle—he crafted stories in the ring that felt real. His journey from the Hart family’s basement 'Dungeon' to WWE stardom and a second act as a writer makes him a true legend. Let’s dive into the life of the man who’s the best there is, was, and ever will be!
The Making of Bret Hart
Bret Sergeant Hart was born on July 2, 1957, in Calgary, Alberta, the eighth of twelve children in the Hart wrestling family. His father, Stu Hart, a revered wrestler and promoter, ran Stampede Wrestling and trained stars in the family’s basement, known as the Dungeon. Bret grew up handing out fliers for shows and selling programs, but wrestling wasn’t his first love. A talented amateur wrestler, he won Calgary’s city championship in 1974, yet saw a future as a filmmaker. When college grades faltered, Bret joined Stampede Wrestling in 1976, refereeing matches before stepping into the ring in 1978, mentored by his father and Japanese trainers Mr. Hito and Mr. Sakurada.
Bret Hart’s Unforgettable Stories
Bret’s wrestling career was a masterclass in technical precision and storytelling. Joining the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) in 1984, he formed The Hart Foundation with Jim Neidhart, winning two WWF Tag Team Championships. As a solo star, Bret’s Intercontinental Championship win over Mr. Perfect in 1991 showcased his smooth, calculated style. His first WWF World Heavyweight Championship in 1992 against Ric Flair cemented his status, leading to five title reigns. Matches like the WrestleMania 13 submission bout with Steve Austin and the Iron Man match against Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania 12 are considered classics for their intensity and realism.
After the infamous 1997 Montreal Screwjob, where Bret was controversially stripped of the WWF title, he joined World Championship Wrestling (WCW). Though injuries cut his in-ring career short, Bret reinvented himself with his 2007 autobiography, Hitman: My Real Life in the Cartoon World of Wrestling. The book, a raw, emotional account of his life, became a bestseller in the US, UK, and Canada. Bret also acted in shows like Lonesome Dove: The Outlaw Years and voiced himself in The Simpsons, blending his charisma with new creative ventures.
His wrestling style—methodical, safe, and believable—set a standard. Bret prided himself on never injuring opponents, a rarity in a brutal industry. His pink and black attire and sunglasses giveaway to kids made him a fan favorite, while his humanitarian work, visiting sick children, reflected his compassionate spirit.
Why Bret Hart Matters
Bret Hart redefined professional wrestling by prioritizing skill over spectacle, inspiring wrestlers like Chris Benoit and Drew McIntyre. His technical prowess earned praise from peers, with WWE’s Vince McMahon calling him the greatest technical wrestler ever. Beyond wrestling, Bret’s autobiography and motivational speaking have touched fans, showing resilience after a 1999 concussion and 2002 stroke. His 2006 WWE Hall of Fame induction and 2021 Canada’s Walk of Fame honor reflect a legacy that transcends sport, embodying authenticity and perseverance.
- Born: July 2, 1957, Calgary, Alberta
- Key Works: Hitman: My Real Life in the Cartoon World of Wrestling, WWF/WCW Championships
- Awards: WWE Hall of Fame (2006), Canada’s Walk of Fame (2021)
Ready to step into Bret’s world? Grab Hitman: My Real Life in the Cartoon World of Wrestling and experience the heart and soul of a true legend!