Personal info
Known for

Ultimate Talent

Gender

Male

Birthday

07 February

Location

Alberta, Canada

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Bret Hart

Biography

Bret Sergeant Hart, popularly known as The Hitman, was born on July 2, 1957, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, to wrestling promoter Stu Hart and Helen Hart. Bret is one of eight sons in the legendary Hart family, known for their deep roots in professional wrestling. Raised in a household that revolved around the wrestling business, Bret grew up alongside seven brothers and four sisters, many of whom also ventured into wrestling.

 

Bret Hart's upbringing was marked by the rigorous discipline instilled by his father, who owned and operated the famous "Hart Dungeon," a training ground for wrestlers. This environment shaped Bret into one of the most technically sound and disciplined professional wrestlers in history.

Early Life and Education

Bret attended Ernest Manning High School in Calgary, where he demonstrated early athleticism through amateur wrestling. Hart won city and provincial championships, laying the foundation for his career in the squared circle. Following high school, Bret briefly attended Mount Royal College, studying filmmaking. However, his passion for wrestling ultimately took precedence.

 

Wrestling Career

Stampede Wrestling (1976–1984)

Bret began his career in Stampede Wrestling, his father's promotion, where he quickly made a name for himself as a technically gifted wrestler. His matches showcased his crisp technique and storytelling abilities, qualities that would later become his trademarks. Bret captured multiple championships during this period, including the Stampede British Commonwealth Mid-Heavyweight Title.

 

World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment (1984–1997)

Bret joined the WWF (now WWE) in 1984, initially as part of the tag team The Hart Foundation with his brother-in-law Jim Neidhart. Managed by Jimmy Hart, the duo became one of the most popular and successful tag teams of the 1980s, winning the WWF Tag Team Championship twice.

 

In the early 1990s, Bret transitioned to singles competition, capturing the Intercontinental Championship after a classic match against Mr. Perfect at SummerSlam 1991. Bret's career skyrocketed when he won the WWF Championship in 1992 by defeating Ric Flair. He became a five-time WWF Champion, engaging in memorable feuds with legends like Shawn Michaels, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and The Undertaker.

 

One of Bret's defining moments came at WrestleMania XIII, where he wrestled Stone Cold Steve Austin in a submission match. The match is widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time, showcasing Bret's mastery of in-ring psychology.

 

The Montreal Screwjob (1997)

Bret’s WWF tenure ended controversially at Survivor Series 1997 in what is now infamously known as the Montreal Screwjob. Bret, who was the reigning WWF Champion, was allegedly double-crossed by Vince McMahon and Shawn Michaels at the finish of the match, leading to his abrupt exit from the company. This incident became one of the most talked-about moments in wrestling history.

 

World Championship Wrestling (1997–2000)

After leaving WWF, Bret joined WCW, where he became a two-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion and a four-time United States Champion. Despite these accolades, Bret's WCW run is often criticized for underutilizing his talents.

 

Bret's wrestling career came to an untimely end in 2000 due to a severe concussion sustained during a match with Goldberg at Starrcade 1999.

 

Acting and Writing Career

Bret Hart explored acting and appeared in television shows like Lonesome Dove: The Outlaw Years and The Simpsons. He also released an autobiography, Hitman: My Real Life in the Cartoon World of Wrestling, in 2007, which received critical acclaim for its candid and detailed storytelling.

 

Hall of Fame and Legacy

In 2006, Bret Hart was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, solidifying his legacy as one of wrestling's all-time greats. Known as "The Best There Is, The Best There Was, and The Best There Ever Will Be," Bret is celebrated for his technical prowess, dedication to storytelling, and unmatched contributions to professional wrestling.

 

Personal Life

Bret Hart has been married three times and has four children. Despite his intense professional career, Bret remains a family man and an advocate for stroke awareness following his recovery from a stroke in 2002.

 

Achievements

  • WWF/WWE Championships:
    • 5-time WWF World Heavyweight Champion
    • 2-time WWF Intercontinental Champion
    • 2-time WWF Tag Team Champion
    • 1991 and 1993 King of the Ring winner
    •  
  • WCW Championships:
    • 2-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion
    • 4-time WCW United States Champion
    •  
  • Awards:
    • WWE Hall of Fame (Class of 2006)
    • Pro Wrestling Illustrated’s Wrestler of the Year (1993, 1994)