Bret "Hit Man" Hart will be inducted to the WWE Hall of Fame, by no less than "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, in what probably will be one of the most controversial inductions since the Hall was created. Bret, of course, was one of those unhappy campers who fled the WWE for WCW. He will be inducted along with "Mean" Gene Okerlund, Sensational Sherri and the late great Eddie Guerrero.
It’s been eight years since that infamous incident in Montreal where Hart got screwed by Vince McMahon out of the World Title and consequently out of the company. For those who are not familiar with this career-altering event, it was the time Bret faced Shawn Michaels for the championship in front Hart’s hometown Canadian fans. After a back and forth match, Shawn Michael applied the Sharpshooter on Bret, which prompted the referee to signal for the bell almost immediately, even though Hart didn’t tap out. Bret unjustly lost his title to Michaels, while McMahon stood ringside and watched his plan unfold. Make no mistake; this was drama that didn’t involve storylines. This was real. Bret left the WWE in disdain and went on to finish his career in rival WCW.
For all the controversy surrounding his departure, Bret remains to be one of the most popular superstars of all time. Personally, I rank Bret Hart’s entrance – the pink and black jacket, the shades, the lucky kid who would always get them – the best there ever was. He was the biggest fan favorite of his time. Hart exuded the sort of charisma that movie stars possess, and displayed the kind of athleticism that only world-class athletes could. Although I was more of a Shawn Michaels fan at that time, there was no denying that Bret was the role model. Bret was the hero. Bret was even on The Simpsons.
Bret Hart started out in the WWE with Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, forming the "Hart Foundation." After winning the Tag Team Championship twice, Bret pursued his solo career. He won his first singles title in the WWE by defeating Mr. Perfect for the Intercontinental title. His star ascended quickly, as he also won the honor of being "King of the Ring" twice. After capturing the Intercontinental title twice, Hart climbed up the ranks. He captured his first WWE World Title by defeating Ric Flair on Oct. 12, 1992. Hart also won the Royal Rumble once, sharing the honor with Lex Luger. He would hold the title four more times, with his last title coming from a victory over the Undertaker and Shawn Michaels as the guest referee. This title reign would end in the controversial "Montreal Incident."
He would then go on to WCW, seemingly fallen from grace. He was noticeably bitter and enraged. His talents and charisma though were still driving him to more accolades. He wont the WCW Tag Titles twice, the United States Championship four times and the World Title twice.
His legacy won’t be tainted by that one incident in Montreal. He’s too good. His career is too legendary. His fans are ever faithful. This is why he belongs in the WWE Hall of Fame, despite a messy divorce with Vince McMahon and the WWE. The WWE wouldn’t be what it is now without Bret Hart.
In his generation of wrestlers, Bret stood out as a living legend. There is no doubt that Bret should be honored in the same light as Hulk Hogan, Jimmy Snuka and Roddy Piper. No doubt at all. It can be argued that, even in that select group of legends that comprise the Hall of Fame, Bret is the most technically sound and probably the best technical wrestler. He’s the excellence of execution.
In his own words, Bret Hart is, "the best there is, the best there was and the best that there ever will be." I’m sure even Vince McMahon would agree.