Bret Hart, known as “The Hitman,” is a name synonymous with professional wrestling excellence.

From his meteoric rise in the ring to the shocking betrayal that altered his life forever, Hart’s story is one of triumph, tragedy, and ultimate redemption.

As a child of the legendary Hart wrestling family, Bret was molded in the infamous “Dungeon” of Calgary, where he learned the art of wrestling under the watchful eye of his father, Stu Hart.

This early training instilled in him a work ethic and dedication that would define his career.

Bret Hart made his professional debut in 1978, stepping into the ring with a quiet demeanor and technical prowess that set him apart from the flamboyant stars of the era.

While others relied on charisma, Bret showcased a unique style that combined precision and storytelling.

In the mid-1980s, as the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) expanded globally, Bret’s distinct pink and black attire and relentless focus made him a standout performer.

Teaming up with his brother-in-law, Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart, they formed the Hart Foundation, a tag team that brought discipline and realism to the spectacle of wrestling.

Their success paved the way for Bret’s transition to a singles career, where he would go on to achieve legendary status.

By the early 1990s, Bret Hart had established himself as one of the top wrestlers in the world.

His matches against icons like Mr. Perfect and Roddy Piper were not just contests; they were masterclasses in wrestling.

In 1992, Bret captured the WWF Championship, marking the beginning of his reign as the face of the New Generation era.

As the company’s backbone during turbulent times, Bret’s storytelling ability in the ring captivated audiences worldwide.

He was adored, especially in Canada, where fans treated him like royalty.

However, as the wrestling landscape began to shift, so did Bret’s fortunes.

In 1997, amid a fierce rivalry with WCW, Bret found himself in a precarious position.

His contract was expiring, and with financial strains affecting the WWF, Vince McMahon could no longer afford his $1.5 million salary.

Reluctantly, Bret signed a lucrative deal with WCW, but he agreed to finish his final weeks in the WWF on good terms.

What happened next would change wrestling forever.

On November 9, 1997, during the Survivor Series in Montreal, Bret faced Shawn Michaels in a highly anticipated match.

Tensions were high due to their real-life animosity, fueled by jealousy and national pride.

Bret suggested a simple disqualification finish to protect his legacy, but unbeknownst to him, a betrayal was in the works.

As the match reached its climax, referee Earl Hebner, following Vince’s orders, rang the bell prematurely, declaring Shawn the winner despite Bret never tapping out.

The crowd erupted in confusion and rage, and Bret realized he had been double-crossed.

The Montreal Screwjob was not just a wrestling controversy; it was a seismic event that shattered trust in the industry.

Bret’s anger boiled over as he confronted Vince backstage, leading to a physical altercation that left McMahon unconscious.

The fallout from that night divided the wrestling locker room and transformed Vince into the villainous character that would dominate the Attitude Era.

For Bret, it marked the end of an era and left him feeling erased from the very business he had helped build.

In the years that followed, Bret’s life took a tragic turn.

He suffered a career-ending concussion during a match with Goldberg in WCW, leaving him with long-lasting health issues.

But the most devastating blow came in 1999 when his brother Owen Hart tragically died during a live event due to a rigging malfunction.

This loss deeply affected Bret, who withdrew from the public eye and struggled with grief and guilt.

As he navigated these personal tragedies, his health continued to decline, culminating in a stroke in 2002 that left him wheelchair-bound for months.

Despite the overwhelming odds, Bret Hart refused to give up.

Through relentless therapy, he gradually regained his mobility and returned to the ring in a limited capacity.

In 2010, in a moment that shocked the wrestling world, Bret made a triumphant return to WWE, standing face-to-face with Shawn Michaels.

In a symbolic gesture of forgiveness, Bret extended his hand, marking a new chapter in their tumultuous history.

Later that year, he faced Vince McMahon in a highly anticipated match at WrestleMania, finally getting the closure he had long sought.

Bret Hart’s legacy is one of resilience and survival.

After overcoming numerous personal challenges, he became an advocate for concussion safety and stroke awareness, using his platform to educate others about the risks of the sport.

In recent years, he has embraced his role as a mentor to younger wrestlers, sharing his knowledge and experiences.

As of 2025, Bret Hart continues to live quietly in Calgary, running a bar and restaurant called The Heart and Soul, where fans still flock to meet the legend.

His journey from wrestling superstar to a symbol of perseverance inspires many, proving that true legends are defined not just by their triumphs but by their ability to rise after every fall.

Bret Hart’s story is a testament to the power of redemption and the enduring spirit of a champion.