Bret Hart, born April 2, 1957, in Regina, Saskatchewan, is a Canadian professional wrestler, trainer, and martial artist. He rose to prominence in the 1980s and 1990s as a member of the Hart Foundation, a tag team that included his brother Keith Hart. Known as “The Hitman,” Bret Hart is revered for his technical prowess, sportsmanship, and influential role in shaping the modern era of professional wrestling. His illustrious career is marked by numerous championship titles, a charismatic ring presence, and a legacy that continues to inspire generations of wrestlers.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
| Name | Bret Hart |
|---|---|
| Gender | Male |
| Date of Birth | 02 July 1957 |
| Age | 68 Years |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer |
| Place of Birth | Calgary |
| Nationality | Canada, United States |
| Languages Spoken | English |
| Native Language | Canadian English |
| Native Name | Bret Sergeant Hart |
| Signature |  |
PHYSICAL STATISTICS
| Weight | 106 Kg (233 lbs) |
|---|---|
| Height (in centimeters) | 183 cm |
| Height (in meters) | 1.83 m |
| Height (in feet inches) | 6′ 0″ |
FAMILY
| Father | Stu Hart |
|---|---|
| Siblings | Diana Hart, Owen Hart, Smith Hart, Keith Hart, Bruce Hart, Dean Hart, Ross Hart, Georgia Hart-Annis, Wayne Hart, Ellie Hart |
| Children | Dallas Hart |
EDUCATION
| Educated At | Stampede Wrestling, Ernest Manning High School, Mount Royal Collegiate, Mount Royal University |
|---|
CAREER
| Profession | actor, writer, professional wrestler, journalist, stage actor, television actor |
|---|---|
| Awards Received | WWE Hall of Fame, Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame, National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum, Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum, George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame, Canada’s Walk of Fame |
| Work Period Start | 1976 |
| Notable Works | Hitman: My Real Life in the Cartoon World of Wrestling |
| Work Period End | 2000 |
| Member Of | The Hart Foundation |
| Employer | World Championship Wrestling, WWE |
SOCIAL MEDIA & LINKS
| Official Website | http://www.brethart.com/ |
|---|---|
| IMDB ID | nm0366170 |
| @BretHart | |
| hitmanbrethart | |
| Wikipedia | Wikipedia |
Cost of Becoming
Becoming a professional wrestler, especially one of the caliber of Bret Hart, came with significant costs both physically and emotionally. Bret trained rigorously under the tutelage of his father Stu Hart, a legendary figure in the wrestling world. The grueling training regimen, known as “Dungeon,” involved brutal conditioning and technical training that pushed Bret to his limits. This intense preparation not only honed his skills but also instilled a deep discipline that would serve him throughout his career. The mental and physical toll of this training was immense, but it laid the foundation for Bret’s success and his reputation as one of the greatest technical wrestlers of all time.
Identity Before Fame
Before he became a household name in the wrestling world, Bret Hart grew up in a wrestling dynasty. He was born into the Hart family, a wrestling lineage that includes his father Stu Hart and numerous other relatives who have made significant contributions to the sport. Bret’s early life was deeply influenced by the wrestling tradition, and he learned the ropes from a young age. Despite the family’s rich history in the sport, Bret initially pursued a career in drilling, a profession that his father disapproved of. It was only after his father’s persistent encouragement that Bret decided to follow in the family’s footsteps and enter the world of professional wrestling.
Timeline
- 1957 – Born in Regina, Saskatchewan
- 1977 – Began his professional wrestling career
- 1984 – Joined the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE) with the Hart Foundation
- 1988 – Won his first WWF Tag Team Championship with Jim Neidhart
- 1992 – Won his first WWF Championship
- 1993 – Defeated Yokozuna at WrestleMania IX to retain the WWF Championship
- 1997 – The Montreal Screwjob controversy
- 1999 – Inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame
- 2010 – Reconciliation with WWE at WrestleMania XXVI
- 2023 – Continues to be a respected figure in the wrestling community
Favourites
- Moves: Headscissors hold, sharpshooter, Hartslam
- Tag Team Partner: Jim Neidhart
- Championship: WWF Championship
- Promotion: World Wrestling Federation (WWE)
- Opponent: Steve Austin
- Event: WrestleMania
- City: Calgary, Alberta
- Music: “I Can See Clearly Now” by Johnny Nash
- Book: “Hitman: My Real Life in the Cartoon World of Wrestling”
- Activity: Martial Arts
Controversies
- Montreal Screwjob (1997) – One of the most infamous moments in wrestling history, where Bret Hart was screwed out of his WWF Championship in a controversial decision by Vince McMahon.
- Feud with Vince McMahon – Following the Montreal Screwjob, Bret’s relationship with WWE soured, leading to a long-standing feud and his departure from the promotion.
- Contract Disputes – Bret was involved in numerous contract disputes with WWE, particularly around the terms of his return and the use of his likeness.
- Health Issues – Bret has been vocal about the long-term health effects of his wrestling career, including strokes and brain injuries.
- Family Feuds – Despite coming from a wrestling dynasty, Bret has had his share of conflicts with family members, particularly over the direction and management of the Hart wrestling legacy.
- Legal Battles – Bret has been involved in several legal battles, including a lawsuit against WWE over the use of his name and likeness.
- Drug Allegations – There have been allegations of drug use during his wrestling career, though Bret has largely denied these claims.
- Verbal Spats with Fans – Bret has occasionally clashed with fans on social media, particularly those who criticize his career and legacy.
- Boycott of WWE Events – Following the Montreal Screwjob, Bret boycotted WWE events for many years, only returning under specific conditions.
- Public Apologies – Bret has made public apologies for some of his actions and statements, particularly those that may have hurt his fans and colleagues.
Control vs Chaos
Bret Hart’s career is a testament to the delicate balance between control and chaos in the world of professional wrestling. Known for his technical precision and sportsmanlike conduct, Bret often found himself navigating the chaotic and unpredictable nature of the business. His insistence on fairness and integrity in the ring sometimes put him at odds with promoters and fellow wrestlers who favored more theatrical and less controlled narratives. Despite the challenges, Bret’s commitment to maintaining control and respect in the ring helped solidify his reputation as a true professional and a role model for aspiring wrestlers.
Emotional Geography
Bret Hart’s emotional journey is deeply intertwined with the places and people that shaped his life and career. From the rigorous training in his father’s “Dungeon” in Calgary to the global stages of WWE, Bret’s emotional landscape is a blend of pride, resilience, and a deep sense of family and community. The Montreal Screwjob remains a significant emotional scar, representing a moment of profound betrayal and loss. However, his eventual reconciliation with WWE and the outpouring of support from fans worldwide have helped to heal some of these wounds. Bret’s emotional geography is a complex tapestry of triumph, struggle, and ultimately, a legacy that transcends the ring.
FAQs
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What is Bret Hart’s real name?
Bret Hart’s real name is Gordon Douglas Hart.
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How many WWF Championships did Bret Hart win?
Bret Hart won the WWF Championship three times during his career.
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What is the Montreal Screwjob?
The Montreal Screwjob is a highly controversial incident that occurred on November 9, 1997, where Bret Hart was screwed out of the WWF Championship in a match against Shawn Michaels, orchestrated by Vince McMahon.
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Who are some of Bret Hart’s notable tag team partners?
Bret Hart’s most notable tag team partner was Jim Neidhart, with whom he formed the Hart Foundation.
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What are some of Bret Hart’s signature moves?
Bret Hart’s signature moves include the headscissors hold, sharpshooter, and Hartslam.
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Why did Bret Hart leave WWE?
Bret Hart left WWE following the Montreal Screwjob and subsequent contract disputes with WWE management.
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Has Bret Hart been inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame?
Yes, Bret Hart was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 1999.
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What is the Hart family’s wrestling legacy?
The Hart family, including Bret Hart, is one of the most renowned wrestling dynasties, with multiple generations of professional wrestlers who have made significant contributions to the sport.
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What book did Bret Hart write?
Bret Hart wrote an autobiography titled “Hitman: My Real Life in the Cartoon World of Wrestling.”
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Does Bret Hart still wrestle?
Bret Hart retired from in-ring action but continues to be involved in the wrestling community through training, commentary, and appearances.
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What is Bret Hart’s relationship with his family?
Bret Hart has a complex relationship with his family, marked by collaboration and occasional conflicts, particularly over the management of the Hart wrestling legacy.
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How has Bret Hart’s health been affected by his wrestling career?
Bret Hart has suffered from health issues, including strokes and brain injuries, as a result of the physical toll of his wrestling career.
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What is Bret Hart’s impact on professional wrestling?
Bret Hart is widely regarded as one of the greatest technical wrestlers of all time and has had a significant influence on the modern era of professional wrestling, inspiring numerous wrestlers with his work ethic and sportsmanship.