50 Facts About Bret Hart

Early Life and Family

Bret Hart's journey to wrestling stardom began in a family deeply rooted in the sport. His upbringing and early experiences shaped his future career.

1. Bret Hart was the eighth of 12 children born to Stu Hart, a renowned wrestling promoter and former CFL football player, and Helen Hart.
2. The Hart family home, known as the "Dungeon," was a training ground for many professional wrestlers.
3. Bret and his siblings spent countless hours training in the Dungeon, where their father Stu taught them the art of wrestling.
4. Bret Hart began his wrestling career at the age of nine, competing in amateur wrestling matches.
5. He won the Calgary city championship in 1974 while still in high school.

Education and Early Career

Bret's education and early career choices set the stage for his future success in professional wrestling.

6. Bret Hart attended Ernest Manning High School, where he excelled in wrestling.
7. He later studied filmmaking at Mount Royal College (now Mount Royal University) but did not complete his degree to pursue a career in professional wrestling.
8. Bret Hart's early career was deeply rooted in Stampede Wrestling, a promotion founded by his father Stu.
9. The promotion was broadcast in 50 countries between 1957 and 1989 and produced many notable wrestlers, including the Hart family members.
10. While Stu Hart is often credited with training many wrestlers, Bret Hart noted that his real training came from Mr. Hito and Kazu Sakurada.

Rise to Fame in WWF

Bret's transition to the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) marked the beginning of his rise to global stardom.

11. Bret Hart joined the WWF in 1984 and quickly gained popularity.
12. He once complained to road agent Chief Jay Strongbow that if he got the same push as Hulk Hogan, fans would be chanting his name next week.
13. Bret Hart is known for his technical skills and signature moves, including the Sharpshooter submission hold.
14. He earned the nickname "The Hitman" for his precision and accuracy in the ring.
15. Bret Hart was instrumental in the formation of the Hart Foundation stable, which included notable wrestlers such as Jim Neidhart, Owen Hart, and Brian Pillman.

Iconic Moments and Achievements

Bret's career is filled with iconic moments and significant achievements that solidified his legacy in wrestling history.

16. Bret Hart held the prestigious WWE Championship a total of five times.
17. He won the 1994 King of the Ring tournament, solidifying his status as a top competitor in WWE.
18. One of the most infamous incidents in wrestling history is the Montreal Screwjob, where Bret Hart was screwed out of his WWF Championship by Vince McMahon during the 1997 Survivor Series.
19. Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels had a storied rivalry that captivated wrestling fans in the 1990s.
20. Bret Hart made a successful transition into acting, appearing in projects such as “Lonesome Dove: The Series” and “The Simpsons.”

Personal Struggles and Triumphs

Bret faced numerous personal struggles and triumphs throughout his life, showcasing his resilience and determination.

21. In 1999, Bret Hart suffered a severe concussion during a match against Bill Goldberg, which led to his retirement from professional wrestling.
22. In 2002, Bret Hart was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He successfully battled the disease and became an advocate for cancer awareness and prevention.
23. In June 2002, Bret Hart suffered a stroke while riding his bicycle. After months of physical therapy, he managed a successful recovery.
24. Bret Hart became a spokesperson for the March of Dimes’ Stroke Recovery Canada program (now known as the After Stroke program).
25. Bret Hart authored his autobiography, “Hitman: My Real Life in the Cartoon World of Wrestling,” which became a best-seller.

Legacy and Influence

Bret's legacy and influence extend far beyond his own career, impacting the wrestling industry and inspiring future generations.

26. Bret Hart was inducted into both the WWE Hall of Fame and the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2006.
27. Bret Hart and his father, Stu, were part of the inaugural class of the Canadian Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame.
28. Bret Hart was ranked No. 39 by public voting in CBC TV’s “The Greatest Canadian” (2004).
29. Bret Hart’s iconic finisher, the Sharpshooter submission hold, was taught to him by Konnan, a Mexican wrestling fixture.
30. Bret Hart’s Sharpshooter was inspired by his victory over a Mega Man robot master.

Controversies and Family Dynamics

Bret's life and career were not without controversies and complex family dynamics that added layers to his story.

31. Vince McMahon encouraged Bret Hart to sign a new contract with the WWF in late 1996, which brought his free agency to an end.
32. Bret Hart’s contract negotiations with the WWF soured in the mid-1990s.
33. By September 1997, as World Championship Wrestling (WCW) continued to eclipse the WWF in television ratings, McMahon reportedly asked Hart to take a pay cut.
34. Bret Hart’s brother Bruce Hart has been involved in various controversies, including a scandal involving a 16-year-old student.
35. Despite Stu Hart’s wishes, Bruce Hart became involved in a local upstart wrestling company in Calgary.

Tragic Losses and Resilience

The Hart family faced several tragic losses, but Bret's resilience and determination helped him overcome these challenges.

36. Bruce Hart denied any involvement in talks to get a license to run wrestling shows in Calgary when questioned by Stu and Bret Hart in December 1984.
37. Bret Hart’s brother Dean was a charismatic and good-looking individual who focused more on concert promoting and other schemes.
38. Dean’s kidneys were damaged when he was hit by a bus in 1978, leading to his eventual death from kidney failure in 1990.
39. Bret Hart’s brother Owen died tragically during a pay-per-view event in 1999.
40. Owen fell from the rafters during a match, suffering fatal injuries.

Career Highlights and Pop Culture Impact

Bret's career highlights and impact on pop culture have made him a beloved figure in and out of the wrestling world.

41. Bret Hart’s career was marked by numerous highlights, including winning the King of the Ring tournament and holding the WWE Championship five times.
42. Bret Hart’s charisma and presence extended beyond professional wrestling.
43. Bret Hart’s autobiography, “Hitman: My Real Life in the Cartoon World of Wrestling,” offers an intimate look into his life and career.
44. Bret Hart believed in the importance of technical skill and crowd control in professional wrestling.
45. Bret Hart is widely regarded as one of Canada’s greatest athletes.

Philanthropy and Advocacy

Bret's commitment to philanthropy and advocacy work has made a significant impact on public health initiatives and awareness.

46. Bret Hart became a spokesperson for the March of Dimes’ Stroke Recovery Canada program (now known as the After Stroke program) after his own stroke in 2002.
47. Bret Hart’s diagnosis with prostate cancer in 2002 led him to become an advocate for cancer awareness and prevention.
48. Bret Hart has been involved in various philanthropic initiatives, including supporting organizations that help stroke survivors and cancer patients.
49. Bret Hart has been a frequent public speaker, sharing his experiences and insights with audiences around the world.
50. Bret Hart has appeared in numerous media outlets, including documentaries, podcasts, and interviews.

Bret Hart's Lasting Impact

Bret Hart's journey through professional wrestling is nothing short of legendary. From his early days in Stampede Wrestling to becoming a five-time WWE Champion, his technical skills and storytelling captivated fans worldwide. The infamous Montreal Screwjob and his rivalry with Shawn Michaels are etched in wrestling history. Beyond the ring, Bret's resilience shone through his recovery from a stroke and battle with cancer. His advocacy for stroke recovery and cancer awareness has inspired many. Bret's autobiography, acting career, and public speaking engagements further solidify his status as a cultural icon. Despite personal and family challenges, Bret Hart's legacy in wrestling and philanthropy remains strong. His influence on modern wrestling and dedication to excellence continue to inspire new generations. Bret Hart isn't just a wrestling icon; he's a testament to perseverance and passion.