Bret "Hitman" Hart: The Excellence of Execution

Bret “Hitman” Hart is widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers in history. Known for his technical mastery, storytelling ability, and iconic persona, Hart earned the moniker “The Excellence of Execution” for his near-flawless performances in the ring. With a career spanning decades, Hart left an indelible mark on the wrestling world, becoming a global icon and a symbol of the golden age of wrestling.

This article delves into Bret Hart’s journey, his legendary matches, his influence on wrestling, and the legacy he continues to inspire.

1. Early Life and Wrestling Roots

Bret Hart was born on July 2, 1957, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, into the renowned Hart wrestling family. His father, Stu Hart, was a wrestling legend and the founder of Stampede Wrestling, a promotion based in Western Canada. Stu also operated the infamous “Hart Dungeon”, a training facility in the family’s basement, where countless wrestlers, including Bret, honed their craft.

Growing up in a household steeped in wrestling, Bret initially aspired to be a filmmaker. However, his natural talent for the sport and his father’s influence led him to pursue a career in professional wrestling.

2. The Rise of the “Hitman”

Bret began his professional career in Stampede Wrestling, where he gained valuable experience and developed his technical style. In 1984, Stampede Wrestling was sold to the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE), and Bret, along with other members of the Hart family, joined the promotion.

Initially, Hart struggled to find his footing, but he gained popularity as a member of The Hart Foundation, a tag team he formed with his brother-in-law, Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart. Managed by Jimmy Hart (no relation), the duo became fan favorites, winning multiple WWF Tag Team Championships with their blend of power (Neidhart) and technical skill (Bret).

3. Singles Stardom

By the early 1990s, Bret transitioned into singles competition, and his rise to superstardom began:

Intercontinental Champion: Bret Hart won the Intercontinental Championship by defeating Mr. Perfect at SummerSlam 1991 in a match widely regarded as one of the greatest of its time. This victory cemented his status as a top-tier wrestler.
First WWF Championship: At WrestleMania VIII, Bret defeated Ric Flair to capture his first WWF World Heavyweight Championship. This win marked the beginning of Bret’s reign as one of the promotion’s main stars during the New Generation Era.

4. The “Excellence of Execution”

Bret Hart’s wrestling style earned him universal acclaim. Known for his technical precision and ability to elevate his opponents, he delivered classic matches against legends such as:

“Stone Cold” Steve Austin: The submission match at WrestleMania 13 is one of the most celebrated bouts in wrestling history. The double turn, where Bret became a villain and Austin a hero, is a storytelling masterpiece.
Owen Hart: Bret’s rivalry with his younger brother Owen produced unforgettable matches, including their clash at WrestleMania X, often cited as one of the greatest opening matches ever.
Shawn Michaels: The rivalry between Bret and Shawn Michaels culminated in the iconic 60-minute Iron Man match at WrestleMania XII.

Bret’s finishing move, the Sharpshooter, became one of the most recognizable submission holds in wrestling, often leaving his opponents with no choice but to tap out.

5. The Montreal Screwjob

One of the most controversial moments in wrestling history, the Montreal Screwjob, occurred at Survivor Series 1997. Bret Hart, then WWF Champion, was set to leave the company for WCW but refused to lose the title to Shawn Michaels in his home country of Canada.

During the match, Vince McMahon orchestrated a plan to end the match prematurely, awarding the victory and title to Michaels despite Bret not submitting. The incident left Bret betrayed and marked a turning point in professional wrestling, blurring the lines between reality and scripted storylines.

6. WCW and Career Challenges

Bret’s move to WCW was marred by poor creative direction and lackluster booking, preventing him from achieving the same success he had in WWF.

Tragedy struck in 1999 when Bret’s career was cut short due to a severe concussion sustained in a match against Goldberg. Compounded by the death of his brother Owen in a tragic accident at a WWF event, Bret faced immense personal and professional struggles.

7. Post-Retirement and Legacy

Despite his retirement from in-ring competition, Bret Hart has remained a revered figure in the wrestling world:

Hall of Fame Induction: Bret Hart was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2006, honoring his incredible contributions to the sport.
Return to WWE: In 2010, Bret made amends with Vince McMahon and Shawn Michaels, returning to WWE in a series of emotional appearances that provided closure to long-standing feuds.
Author: His autobiography, Hitman: My Real Life in the Cartoon World of Wrestling, is a candid and critically acclaimed account of his life and career.

8. The Hart Legacy

Bret Hart’s influence extends to future generations of wrestlers who idolize his technical prowess and storytelling abilities. The Hart family legacy continues through wrestlers like Natalya and others trained by the Hart Dungeon.

9. The Excellence of Execution

Bret “Hitman” Hart remains a symbol of wrestling excellence, embodying professionalism, dedication, and artistry. His commitment to perfecting his craft and delivering unforgettable performances earned him the respect of fans and peers alike.

As he often said:
“I’m the best there is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be.”

For fans of wrestling, Bret Hart’s legacy lives on as a benchmark of greatness in the squared circle.