Bret Hart’s legacy in wrestling is marked by his profound impact on the industry and his role in paving the way for future stars. He demonstrated that success in wrestling doesn’t rely on having a Hollywood physique but rather on skill and performance in the ring. WWE prioritized showcasing quality matches, and fans appreciated watching Bret evolve his style.
While many recall iconic bouts like WrestleMania 13 against Steve Austin and his memorable match with Owen Hart, Bret consistently delivered strong performances. One of the most underrated matches in his WWE career deserving more recognition was against 123 Kid on Monday Night Raw, which Sean Waltman credits with elevating his career and credibility. Despite few televised WWE title matches and often one-sided storylines, Bret encouraged fans to support the underdog, making this match one of the best free TV WWE title encounters.
Another unforgettable showdown was with the British Bulldog at “In Your House: Season’s Beatings,” following their famed SummerSlam 1992 Intercontinental Championship bout. This intense and bloody fight saw Bret shed the most blood of his career but emerge triumphant, continuing his reign as world champion.
WWE’s 1997 One Night Only PPV in the UK featured Bret Hart defending his WWE Championship against The Undertaker in a thrilling 30-minute rematch of the SummerSlam 1997 main event, though it wasn’t broadcast live in the U.S. Bret’s tag team skills were often overlooked, with his best teamwork happening alongside his brother Owen Hart, particularly in a Wrestle Challenge match against the Steiner Brothers—arguably the best tag team pairing of the 1990s.
Bret’s rivalry with Razor Ramon at the 1993 Royal Rumble highlighted the importance of his title reign, with their bout perfectly blending heroic and villainous roles, exciting fans during Bret’s first PPV title defense. While Hakushi might not be commonly remembered as one of Bret’s top rivals, their match during the first In Your House PPV showcased great chemistry and wrestling talent.
Bret Hart’s rivalry with Shawn Michaels is legendary, particularly their WrestleMania 12 Iron Man match and the shocking 1997 Survivor Series event, but their classic bout at Survivor Series 1992, where Bret won his first WWE Championship, is often overlooked. Bret made a comeback in the 2010s despite health limitations, playing an authority figure in a high-profile WWE match against the Nexus group, sharing the spotlight with stars like John Cena, Edge, and Chris Jericho, showing his enduring influence and passion for wrestling.
Fan Take: Bret Hart’s career highlights the timeless art of wrestling storytelling and technical mastery that continues to inspire both fans and wrestlers. Recognizing his underrated yet exceptional matches enriches the appreciation of wrestling history and underscores the importance of skill and character in WWE’s legacy.
