Challenges Faced by Bret Hart: Obstacles and Turning Points

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 19, 2025

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Bret Hart. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Bret Hart, a Canadian-American retired professional wrestler from the Hart wrestling family, is celebrated as one of the greatest of all time. Known as "The Hitman," he popularized technical wrestling in North America during the early 1990s. His background includes amateur wrestling, and he became a major international draw, significantly impacting the perception of mainstream professional wrestling. Hart's legacy emphasizes his exceptional skill and contributions to the sport.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

April 8, 1989: Singles Match Against André the Giant

On April 8, 1989, Bret Hart had a singles match against André the Giant in Milan, broadcast live on Tele+2. Hart lost the match but considered André's praise and encouragement afterward to be very important to his singles career.

August 1989: Loss at SummerSlam

At SummerSlam in August 1989, The Hart Foundation faced The Brain Busters in a non-title match and were defeated.

November 6, 1989: Loss to Mr. Perfect

On November 6, 1989, Bret Hart lost to Mr. Perfect on Prime Time Wrestling. Perfect pulled Hart's tights during a roll-up to secure the victory.

January 17, 1992: Loss of Intercontinental Championship

On January 17, 1992, Bret Hart lost the Intercontinental Championship to The Mountie.

August 1992: Intercontinental Championship Loss at SummerSlam

In August 1992, Bret Hart lost the Intercontinental Championship to Davey Boy Smith at SummerSlam in a match later voted "Match of the Year" by Pro Wrestling Illustrated readers.

1994: WWF Championship Loss to Bob Backlund

In 1994, Bret Hart lost his WWF Championship to Bob Backlund at Survivor Series in a submission match.

1994: Family Feud with Owen Hart

In 1994, Bret Hart's disagreements with his brother Owen escalated into a family feud.

1997: Financial Position and Contract Negotiations

In late 1997, due to the WWF's rough financial position, Vince McMahon encouraged Bret Hart to approach WCW about a contract, despite Hart's willingness to renegotiate with the WWF.

February 8, 1999: Losing the United States Heavyweight Championship

On February 8, 1999, on Nitro, Bret Hart lost the United States Heavyweight Championship to Roddy Piper.

May 23, 1999: Owen Hart's Death and Hiatus

On May 23, 1999, the night before his scheduled appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Bret Hart's brother, Owen Hart, tragically died in an accident during a WWF pay-per-view. Bret subsequently took four months off from WCW to be with his family.

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December 1999: Concussion

In December 1999, Bret Hart suffered a concussion, leading to inactivity in in-ring competition.

January 2000: In-Ring Inactivity

Due to a concussion he got in December of 1999, Bret Hart had been inactive from in-ring competition since January 2000.

October 20, 2000: WCW contract termination

On October 20, 2000, WCW terminated Bret Hart's contract via FedEx letter due to his ongoing incapacity.

2002: Hart's Stroke

In 2002, Bret Hart suffered a stroke, which delayed the completion of his autobiography.

2010: Feud with Vince McMahon and WrestleMania XXVI match

In 2010, Bret Hart engaged in a feud with Vince McMahon that mirrored the Montreal Screwjob, culminating in a No Holds Barred match at WrestleMania XXVI where Hart defeated McMahon, following a double-cross by the Hart family.