How Bret Hart Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

A closer look at the lasting mark left by Bret Hart—a timeline of influence.

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

1984: Derived from the film, "The Natural"

As Bret Hart's WWF career progressed, he increasingly described himself as "The best there is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be" which he derived from the 1984 film "The Natural".

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1992: WWE Championship Win

In 1992, Bret Hart beat Ric Flair for the WWE Championship, which changed the wrestling industry and reshaped the notions of what a great wrestling match should be.

1992: SummerSlam 1992

In 1992, Wade Barrett named the Bret Hart vs. The British Bulldog match at SummerSlam as his all-time favorite match.

1993: WWF Superstar of the Year

In 1993, Bret Hart was voted "WWF Superstar of the Year" by fans and greatest wrestler of the year by Pro Wrestling Illustrated readers.

1993: King of the Ring 1993

In 1993, Scott Dawson stated that Bret Hart's work at King of the Ring made him want to become a professional wrestler.

1994: Match against Sean Waltman

In 1994, CM Punk's first match in All Elite Wrestling against Darby Allin included several sequences that mirrored Bret Hart's 1994 match against Sean Waltman.

1996: Induction into Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame

In 1996, Bret Hart was inducted into the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame while still an active performer.

1998: Continued Presence in WWF Media

In 1998, Bret Hart's likeness continued to be featured in WWF media, including the title video of Raw, action figure for Slammers Series 1 and the WWF War Zone video game.

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2003: PWI Ranking

In 2003, PWI ranked Bret Hart No. 4 of the top 500 singles wrestlers of the "PWI Years".

2004: WrestleMania Match Voted Greatest

In 2004, WWE fans voted the WrestleMania match between Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels as the greatest in the history of WrestleMania.

April 1, 2006: WWE Hall of Fame induction

On April 1, 2006, Bret Hart was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2006 by Stone Cold Steve Austin.

2006: WWE Hall of Fame Induction

In 2006, Bret Hart was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame individually.

June 2008: Induction of Stu Hart

In June 2008, Bret Hart returned to the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame ceremony to induct his father Stu Hart.

April 6, 2010: Release of Hart & Soul: The Hart Family Anthology

On April 6, 2010, WWE released Hart & Soul: The Hart Family Anthology, a 3 DVD set featuring a documentary on the Hart wrestling family, 12 matches, previously unseen home movies, and interviews from family members.

May 27, 2013: "Bret Hart Appreciation Night" in Calgary

On May 27, 2013, Bret Hart was honored by the city of Calgary and WWE with a "Bret Hart Appreciation Night", celebrating his career achievements.

August 23, 2018: Niitsitapi Naming Ceremony

On August 23, 2018, Bret Hart was honoured with a traditional Niitsitapi naming ceremony and named 'Courageous Chief' by Siksika Elder Miiksika'am (Clarence Wolfleg) in recognition of his and Stu Hart's cultural relationship building contributions.

April 6, 2019: Two-time WWE Hall of Famer

On April 6, 2019, Bret Hart became a two-time WWE Hall of Famer as a member of The Hart Foundation, during Hart's speech, an audience member attacked him and Natalya, but was quickly apprehended. Hart continued and finished his speech.

2019: WWE Hall of Fame Induction as a Member of The Hart Foundation

In 2019, Bret Hart was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as a member of The Hart Foundation.

2021: Dwayne Johnson praises Bret Hart

In 2021, Dwayne Johnson praised Bret Hart for his kindness and professionalism when Johnson was a rookie in WWE.

2025: WWE Hall of Fame Immortal Moment Induction

In 2025, Bret Hart's Submission match with Stone Cold Steve Austin at WrestleMania 13 was inducted as the inaugural entry into the Immortal Moments category of the WWE Hall of Fame.