Hitman Wrestling Legend
Height: 6'0"
Age: 67
Retired? YES (retired from in-ring competition in 2000, officially retired in 2011)
Real Name: Bret Sergeant Hart
Net Worth: $14 million (2023)
Tattoos: Pink and black rose on left bicep
Bret Hart is a retired professional wrestler from Canada, best known for his time in WWE and WCW. Nicknamed "The Hitman," he was a key figure in wrestling during the 1980s and 1990s. Hart is a multiple-time world champion and a member of the WWE Hall of Fame.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Bret Hart in professional wrestling?
Bret Hart, also known as 'The Hitman,' is a legendary Canadian professional wrestler. He is a second-generation wrestler from the famous Hart wrestling family and is widely regarded as one of the greatest technical wrestlers of all time.
What wrestling promotions was Bret Hart part of?
Bret Hart wrestled primarily for WWE (then WWF) and WCW. He is best known for his time in WWE during the 1980s and 1990s, where he became a multiple-time world champion and one of the company's top stars.
How many championships did Bret Hart win?
Bret Hart won numerous championships throughout his career, including 5 WWE World Heavyweight Championships, 2 WCW World Heavyweight Championships, 2 Intercontinental Championships, and multiple tag team titles. He is a two-time WWE Hall of Famer.
What is Bret Hart's connection to the Hart Foundation?
The Hart Foundation was a famous wrestling stable and tag team. Bret Hart first teamed with Jim Neidhart as The Hart Foundation tag team in WWE, and later led a larger Hart Foundation faction in the late 1990s that included other members of the Hart family.
What was the Montreal Screwjob involving Bret Hart?
The Montreal Screwjob was a controversial 1997 incident where Bret Hart was allegedly tricked into losing the WWE Championship to Shawn Michaels in his final WWE match. This real-life event became one of wrestling's most infamous moments and led to Hart's departure from WWE.
Wrestler Connections:
Bret Hart: The Excellence of Execution
Bret Hart, known as "The Hitman" and "The Excellence of Execution," is one of the most technically gifted wrestlers in WWE history. His career is marked by memorable rivalries and alliances with several key figures.
Connections to Other Wrestlers
Bret Hart's most notable rivalry was with Shawn Michaels, culminating in the infamous Montreal Screwjob at Survivor Series 1997. He also had a storied partnership and feud with his brother-in-law, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, as part of The Hart Foundation. His matches against "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, including their classic at WrestleMania 13, are legendary. Additionally, Hart faced The Undertaker in several high-profile encounters and had a significant feud with Diesel (Kevin Nash) over the WWE Championship.
Controversial Moments:
The Montreal Screwjob: Wrestling's Most Infamous Controversy
The Setup
At Survivor Series 1997, Bret Hart faced Shawn Michaels in what would become one of the most controversial moments in wrestling history. Hart, who was set to leave WWE for WCW, refused to lose the WWE Championship to Michaels in Canada due to creative disagreements and personal animosity.
The Execution
Behind Hart's back, Vince McMahon and other officials orchestrated a plan where referee Earl Hebner called for the bell despite Hart not submitting to Michaels' Sharpshooter. The match ended abruptly, with Michaels declared the new champion, leaving Hart humiliated in front of his home crowd.
The Aftermath
The incident shattered Hart's trust in WWE and McMahon. Hart spat on McMahon backstage and later punched him in the face during a 1998 WCW segment. The Screwjob became a defining moment in wrestling's "Attitude Era" and fueled real-life animosity for years.
Bret Hart vs. Shawn Michaels: Real-Life Heat
Backstage Tensions
Hart and Michaels had a well-documented personal rivalry. Hart accused Michaels of politicking behind the scenes, while Michaels mocked Hart's wholesome persona. Their feud escalated into legitimate hostility, culminating in the Screwjob.
Post-Retirement Reconciliation
Years later, after both retired, Hart and Michaels publicly reconciled on WWE programming. Hart acknowledged Michaels' personal growth, and the two shared an emotional embrace, finally putting their feud to rest.
WCW Struggles and Goldberg's Career-Ending Kick
Disappointing Run in WCW
After leaving WWE, Hart's WCW tenure was marred by poor booking and creative differences. Despite his star power, he never reached the same heights as in WWE, leading to frustration.
The Infamous Kick
In 1999, Goldberg delivered a stiff kick to Hart's head during a match, resulting in a severe concussion that effectively ended Hart's in-ring career. Hart later criticized Goldberg for being reckless and untrained, calling the incident "career-ending negligence."
Public Feud With Vince McMahon
Post-Screwjob Hostility
Hart openly criticized McMahon for years, calling him a "liar" and a "coward" in interviews. Their feud was so intense that Hart refused to work with WWE for nearly a decade after the Screwjob.
Eventual Reconciliation
In 2005, Hart and McMahon publicly reconciled on WWE TV, leading to Hart's return as an on-screen personality. Though tensions remained, Hart later inducted McMahon into the WWE Hall of Fame, signaling a partial resolution to their feud.
Criticism of Modern Wrestling
Dislike of "Sports Entertainment"
Hart has frequently criticized modern wrestling for prioritizing spectacle over in-ring skill. He has called out WWE's reliance on scripted promos and high spots, arguing that it diminishes wrestling's legitimacy.
Feud With Triple H
Hart has also taken shots at Triple H, accusing him of politicking and burying talent. Their real-life tension briefly played out on-screen during Hart's 2010 WWE return, where Hart mocked Triple H's "King of Kings" persona.
Entering 2025 Wrestling Season
Bret Hart's Legacy in Wrestling
The Hitman's Impact on the Industry
Bret "The Hitman" Hart is widely regarded as one of the greatest technical wrestlers of all time. A cornerstone of WWE's "New Generation" era and a key figure in WCW, Hart's influence on in-ring storytelling and psychology remains unmatched. By 2025, his legacy continues to inspire new generations of wrestlers.
Bret Hart's Status Entering 2025
Physical Condition and Appearances
After surviving a stroke in 2002 and battling health issues, Hart made sporadic appearances in WWE as a legend ambassador. In 2025, he remained semi-retired, occasionally appearing at major events like WrestleMania or Hall of Fame ceremonies, though his in-ring days were long behind him.
Role in Wrestling Media
Hart maintained a presence through documentaries, podcasts, and interviews, offering sharp critiques of modern wrestling. His outspoken nature kept him relevant, with fans valuing his perspective on the evolution of the industry.
Hart's Influence on Modern Wrestlers
Technical Wrestling Revival
With the rise of technical wrestlers like Bryan Danielson and Gable Steveson, Hart's style saw a resurgence. Many 2025 stars cited him as a primary influence, adopting his precision and storytelling techniques.
Mentorship and Backstage Presence
Though not actively training talent, Hart occasionally offered advice to younger wrestlers. His critiques of WWE and AEW product were often sought after, and his endorsements carried significant weight.
Awards and Honors:
WWF World Heavyweight Championship:
Won 5 times during his tenure with the WWF (now WWE).
WWF Intercontinental Championship:
Held the title twice, solidifying his reputation as a top mid-card performer.
WWF Tag Team Championship:
Won twice with Jim Neidhart as part of The Hart Foundation.
WCW World Heavyweight Championship:
Won twice during his time in WCW.
WCW United States Heavyweight Championship:
Held the title four times, showcasing his dominance in WCW.
WCW World Tag Team Championship:
Won once with Goldberg as his partner.
Stampede Wrestling British Commonwealth Mid-Heavyweight Championship:
Won multiple times in his early career in Stampede Wrestling.
Stampede Wrestling North American Heavyweight Championship:
Held the title three times, continuing his family's legacy in Stampede Wrestling.
WWE Hall of Fame:
Inducted in 2006, recognizing his contributions to professional wrestling.
Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame:
Inducted in 1996, honoring his impact on the wrestling industry.
Pro Wrestling Illustrated Wrestler of the Year:
Awarded in 1993 and 1994, highlighting his excellence in the ring.
Pro Wrestling Illustrated Match of the Year:
Won multiple times for his classic matches, including bouts against Steve Austin and Owen Hart.
Cauliflower Alley Club Lou Thesz Award:
Received in 2010 for his lifetime achievements in wrestling.
Stampede Wrestling Hall of Fame:
Inducted as part of the inaugural class in 1995.
Net Worth:
Bret Hart's Net Worth: An Overview
Bret "The Hitman" Hart, a legendary professional wrestler, has accumulated significant wealth over his decades-long career. As of 2023, estimates place his net worth at approximately $14 million. This wealth stems from his wrestling career, endorsements, and media appearances.
Sources of Bret Hart's Wealth
Hart's net worth is derived from multiple income streams, including:
- Wrestling Contracts: Hart earned substantial salaries during his tenure with WWE (then WWF) and WCW.
- Merchandising: Sales of branded merchandise, including t-shirts and action figures, contributed to his earnings.
- Book Deals: His autobiography, Hitman: My Real Life in the Cartoon World of Wrestling, was a bestseller.
- Acting and TV Appearances: Hart appeared in films and TV shows, further boosting his income.
Major Career Earnings
Hart's peak earning years coincided with his time in WWE and WCW during the 1990s. At his height, he reportedly earned $1 million annually from wrestling contracts alone.
WCW Contract
In 1997, Hart signed a lucrative deal with WCW worth $2.5 million per year, making him one of the highest-paid wrestlers at the time.
WWE Royalties and Legacy Deals
Even after retiring, Hart continues to earn from WWE through royalties from DVD sales, video games, and appearances in documentaries like WWE Legends' House.
Financial Challenges
Despite his success, Hart faced financial difficulties, including a costly divorce and legal battles over unpaid royalties. However, he has since stabilized his finances through smart investments and continued work in the entertainment industry.
Investments and Real Estate
Hart owns multiple properties, including a home in Calgary, Alberta. He has also invested in stocks and other ventures to diversify his income.
Bret Hart's Net Worth Compared to Other Wrestlers
While Hart's net worth is impressive, it is modest compared to contemporaries like The Rock ($800 million) or John Cena ($80 million). However, his influence and legacy in wrestling remain unparalleled.
Watch this video about the wrestler Bret Hart:
Action Figure of Bret Hart
