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Bret Hart

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Bret Hart is a retired professional wrestler of Canadian-American nationality.

WWF Champion Bret Hart
WWF Champion Bret Hart

He is a second-generation performer from the famous Hart wrestling family. Born on July 2, 1957, in Calgary, Alberta, he grew up in a large household. He was the eighth child of wrestling patriarch Stu Hart and his wife Helen. His upbringing was deeply connected to the sport from a very young age. He even witnessed his father training wrestlers in a basement known as the Dungeon. This background helped him become a major international draw in the industry.

Before entering professional wrestling, Hart excelled in amateur wrestling.

Bretplaque
Bretplaque

He began training when he was only nine years old. At Ernest Manning High School, he became a standout student in the amateur division. In 1974, he won the city championships in Calgary. He later competed at Mount Royal College while studying filmmaking. Although he was a champion, he found amateur wrestling unrewarding due to injuries. He chose professional wrestling to pursue a career that truly interested him. This path also allowed him to fulfill his father's high expectations.

Hart's professional career began in 1976 with Stampede Wrestling.

Bret & Owen Hart Wrestling
Bret & Owen Hart Wrestling

He started by working as a referee for his father's promotion. In 1978, he made his official in-ring debut as a replacement wrestler. He eventually became a regular contender and teamed with his brother Keith. Together, they won the Stampede International Tag Team Championship four times. He also gained experience wrestling Japanese combatants like Mr. Hito and Mr. Sakurada. These early years built the technical foundation for his future success.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Hart rose to global fame in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF).

Bret Hart in 1995
Bret Hart in 1995

He was a key member of the Hart Foundation stable. This group included his brother-in-law Jim Neidhart and manager Jimmy Hart. Hart was known for his agile and technical style. This earned him the nickname "the Excellence of Execution." He often wore signature sunglasses to hide his nervousness during interviews. His realistic approach helped change how mainstream audiences viewed professional wrestling.

Throughout his career, Hart achieved massive success with numerous championship titles.

WWF Champion Bret Hart in jacket
WWF Champion Bret Hart in jacket

He held 32 championships in total across five different decades. He was a seven-time world champion during his time in the ring. Specifically, he was a five-time WWF Champion and a two-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion. During the 1990s, he held the WWF Championship for a combined 654 days. He was also the first WCW World Heavyweight Champion born outside the United States. His trophy case includes winning the 1994 Royal Rumble and two King of the Ring tournaments.

His career included legendary moments and intense rivalries.

Bret vs HBK Jan 4 2010
Bret vs HBK Jan 4 2010

He co-headlined many pay-per-view events, including WrestleMania 9, 10, and 12. He had an acclaimed rivalry with Stone Cold Steve Austin from 1996 to 1997. In November 1997, a controversial event called the "Montreal Screwjob" led him to join World Championship Wrestling (WCW). He remained with WCW until October 2000. Although a concussion in 1999 ended his regular competition, he returned for sporadic matches in 2010. He even won his final championship during this return period.

Today, Hart's legacy is honored through many prestigious inductions.

Bret Hart signing autographs in 2014 (cropped)
Bret Hart signing autographs in 2014 (cropped)

He is the first wrestler inducted three times into the WWE Hall of Fame. He was inducted individually in 2006 and with the Hart Foundation in 2019. In 2025, his match against Stone Cold Steve Austin was inducted into the Immortal Moments category. Beyond wrestling, he has appeared in films and shows like *The Simpsons*. He also helped found the Calgary Hitmen ice hockey team. Following his retirement, he has focused on charitable work for cancer awareness and stroke recovery.

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🖼️ Images & Media (13)
File:Bret Hart entrance 1995 (cropped).jpg
Bret Hart entrance 1995 (cropped).jpg
File:WWF Champion Bret Hart in jacket.jpg
WWF Champion Bret Hart in jacket.jpg
File:Bret & Owen Hart Wrestling.jpg
Bret & Owen Hart Wrestling.jpg
File:Bret Hart in 1995.jpg
Bret Hart in 1995.jpg
File:WWE - Birmingham 210695 (24).jpeg
WWE - Birmingham 210695 (24).jpeg
File:Bret Canada t-shirt.jpg
Bret Canada t-shirt.jpg
File:WWF Champion Bret Hart.jpg
WWF Champion Bret Hart.jpg
File:Bret Hart in 1994 b.jpg
Bret Hart in 1994 b.jpg
File:Bret vs HBK Jan 4 2010.jpg
Bret vs HBK Jan 4 2010.jpg
File:Picture of Bret Hart in Montreal.jpg
Picture of Bret Hart in Montreal.jpg
File:Bret Hart signing autographs in 2014 (cropped).jpg
Bret Hart signing autographs in 2014 (cropped).jpg
File:Bretplaque.jpg
Bretplaque.jpg

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