Here’s a rephrased version of the content:
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In December 1999, as the century neared its end, Bret “The Hitman” Hart entered 2000 as the WCW World Heavyweight Champion. To secure this position, he would have to outlast Goldberg in the main event of Starrcade, the last WCW pay-per-view of the year—where Goldberg had previously seen his unbeaten streak come to an end a year prior. Hart managed to hold onto his championship in a no-disqualification match that echoed the controversial Montreal Screwjob from WWE a couple of years earlier. Unfortunately, this match marked the conclusion of Hart’s pay-per-view career in WCW.
During this encounter, Hart sustained a severe concussion from a mule kick by Goldberg, which he didn’t anticipate. This wasn’t Hart’s only head injury as he continued to wrestle on shows like WCW Nitro and Thunder leading up to the holidays, inadvertently exacerbating his condition. In January 2000, he was forced to relinquish the WCW World Heavyweight Championship due to his injuries; despite making several non-wrestling appearances throughout the year, Hart never returned to compete in WCW, ending his contract and retiring later that year.
Having spent over two decades in the ring by then, Hart could have easily continued performing well into the 2000s if not for the lingering effects of post-concussion syndrome. A stroke he suffered in 2002 left him wheelchair-bound, but by 2010, he expressed a willingness to return to the ring under WWE, even casting blame on both Vince McMahon and Shawn Michaels for the events surrounding the 1997 Survivor Series.
Imagining what Hart’s career might have looked like minus that fateful kick from Goldberg opens up a fascinating alternate timeline. We explore this hypothetical scenario to see what “The Hitman” might have achieved had he avoided that concussion in 1999.
### WCW’s Fate Remains Unchanged
Even with Hart in the mix, he likely wouldn’t have been able to rescue WCW from its downward spiral into 2000. The promotion was famously chaotic and poorly executed, struggling to compete with WWE, which was flourishing during its “Attitude Era.” While Hart may not have saved WCW, his title reign could have at least sparked greater interest in the company. Though it’s probable his championship run wouldn’t have lasted long because of prominent figures like Hollywood Hogan and Kevin Nash, substantial changes could have occurred—perhaps preventing David Arquette from winning the title or altering infamous incidents like the Bash at the Beach 2000 debacle. However, with Vince Russo still pulling the strings, Hart’s reign might have still been short-lived, leading to WCW’s demise regardless.
### A Shift in Hart and Goldberg’s Relationship
While it’s unlikely Bret Hart and Bill Goldberg would be sharing a peaceful picnic, their interactions could have been markedly different. Hart’s strong dislike for Goldberg can be traced back to the injury that ended his career, a sentiment rooted deeply in their wrestling lives. Yet, had the concussion not occurred, it’s conceivable their relationship might have stayed amicable. Hart previously noted that Goldberg was prone to causing injuries in the ring, but their dynamic soured significantly post-Starrcade. Before that incident, they even held the WCW World Tag Team Championship together, suggesting they had their moments of camaraderie.
### A Potential WWE Return
Following the fallout from the Montreal incident in 1997, Hart’s relationship with Vince McMahon and WWE was strained at best. If WCW had been acquired by McMahon in 2001, it’s plausible Hart might have had to return to WWE. If so, he could have led a storyline involving WCW’s invasion of WWE as a means of settling scores with McMahon. This narrative would likely have been more engaging than the actual family drama we witnessed. Given Hart’s recovery, he might have taken a break to regroup, setting the stage for a future WrestleMania appearance.
### Exploring Opportunities Beyond WWE
If Hart chose not to return to WWE after recovering, he would likely have looked to other promotions, perhaps reconnecting with New Japan Pro Wrestling. His established history with NJPW and the changing landscape of wrestling could have created a significant opportunity for him there. Alternatively, he could have also explored options in Ring of Honor or TNA, both of which presented unique prospects for high-profile matches and nurturing the next generation of wrestling talent.
### Wrestling Retirement: When Would It Happen?
By the time Hart retired, he had been in the ring for over 20 years, a remarkable achievement given the physical toll of wrestling. Speculating on his future had he not been sidelined by injury invites thoughts of dream matches and continued stardom. If he had avoided the concussion, he might have enjoyed several more years in the ring, potentially leading to a retirement that was more ceremonious and delayed compared to reality.
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### Fan Take
For wrestling fans, the contemplation of what could have been with Bret Hart not suffering a concussion illustrates the fragility of athletic careers and the impact of pivotal moments. Understanding these possibilities not only enhances appreciation for wrestling history but also sheds light on how individual fates can influence the broader landscape of the sport.
