Bret "Hitman" Hart: The Life, Career, and Legacy of Wrestling's Pink and Black Legend

Bret "Hitman" Hart: The Life, Career, and Legacy of Wrestling's Pink and Black Legend


Bret "The Hitman" Hart is widely known as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time. Known for his technical mastery and pink-and-black ring gear, Hart became a symbol of resilience, excellence, and heart in the world of sports entertainment.

This article explores Bret Hart’s life story—from his early days in Canada to his rise in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE), the personal and professional challenges he faced, his achievements, and his health struggles in later years.


Early Life and Family Roots

Bret Sergeant Hart was born on July 2, 1957, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, into a wrestling dynasty. He was the eighth of twelve children born to Stu and Helen Hart. His father, Stu Hart, was a legendary wrestling promoter and trainer who ran the famous “Hart Dungeon,” where many great wrestlers were trained.

Growing up in a wrestling-centered household, Bret learned discipline and the art of wrestling at a young age. Wrestling was not just a sport but a family tradition

Career Beginnings and Rise to Fame

Bret began wrestling professionally in the late 1970s, starting with his father's Stampede Wrestling promotion. His talent caught the attention of the WWF, and by the early 1980s, he joined the company that would bring him international fame.

At first, Hart wrestled in tag teams. Alongside his brother-in-law Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart, he formed The Hart Foundation, a powerful and popular tag team known for their balance of speed and strength.

Later, Bret launched a successful solo career, quickly gaining recognition as “The Excellence of Execution.” His matches were praised for storytelling and technical skill, winning him multiple championships, including the WWF World Heavyweight Championship five times.

Signature Style and Fan Following

Bret Hart's in-ring style was clean, calculated, and technical. He relied on pure wrestling talent rather than flashy moves. His finisher, the Sharpshooter, became iconic.

Wearing pink and black outfits, sunglasses, and giving away his glasses to young fans before matches, Hart built a strong connection with audiences. He was respected by fans and fellow wrestlers for his dedication, work ethic, and integrity.


Challenges and Controversies

Despite his success, Bret Hart’s career wasn’t without setbacks. One of the most controversial events in wrestling history involved him directly—the Montreal Screwjob in 1997. Hart was leaving WWF for rival promotion WCW, and during his final match, the planned outcome was changed without his knowledge. He was stripped of the title in real-time, leading to real conflict with Vince McMahon and Shawn Michaels.

This betrayal deeply hurt Hart and is still talked about today as a turning point in wrestling history.


Injuries and Retirement

In 1999, during a match in WCW, Hart suffered a serious concussion due to a botched kick. The injury led to post-concussion syndrome, and in 2000, he announced his retirement from professional wrestling.

Unfortunately, Hart faced more health challenges. In 2002, he suffered a stroke after a bicycle accident. He had to relearn basic functions like walking and talking. With strong willpower and rehabilitation, Hart recovered much of his health.


Legacy and Hall of Fame

Bret Hart was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2006, and again in 2019 as part of The Hart Foundation. He is remembered as one of the greatest technical wrestlers in history and a respected locker room leader.

Even after retirement, Hart has continued to support wrestling and appear at events. His story inspired countless fans and athlete

Is Bret Hart Still Alive?

As of 2025, Bret "Hitman" Hart is still alive. Though he faced several health issues, including cancer and a stroke, he remains active in wrestling events and public life. There were rumors about his death, but they are false.

Conclusion: The Heart of a Champion

Bret Hart’s journey is a story of passion, precision, and perseverance. From the highs of championship glory to the lows of betrayal and injury, Hart proved time and again that he truly was “The Best There Is, The Best There Was, and The Best There Ever Will Be.”

Whether you loved him as a fan or admired his skills as a peer, Bret Hart's legacy is etched forever in the world of professional wrestling.