Bret Hart's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Bret Hart.

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

1974: Calgary City Championships Win

In 1974, Bret Hart won the city championships in Calgary in amateur wrestling.

February 7, 1987: WWF Tag Team Championship Win

On February 7, 1987, The Hart Foundation won their first WWF Tag Team Championship by defeating The British Bulldogs on Superstars of Wrestling.

January 1989: Royal Rumble Victory

In January 1989, at the Royal Rumble, The Hart Foundation teamed with Jim Duggan to achieve a victory against The Rougeaus and Dino Bravo.

September 7, 1991: King of the Ring Tournament Win

On September 7, 1991, Bret Hart won the 1991 King of the Ring tournament at the Providence Civic Center in Providence, Rhode Island.

1991: King of the Ring Winner

In 1991, Bret Hart won the King of the Ring tournament.

July 21, 1992: First WWF Ladder Match

On July 21, 1992, Bret Hart defeated Shawn Michaels in the WWF's first ever ladder match at a Wrestling Challenge taping, with the Intercontinental Championship belt suspended above the ring.

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.

1993: Feud with Jerry Lawler

In 1993, Bret Hart engaged in a feud with Jerry "The King" Lawler, which was named "Feud of the Year" by Wrestling Observer Newsletter and Pro Wrestling Illustrated readers.

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: First King of the Ring PPV Winner

In 1993, Bret Hart won the first King of the Ring pay-per-view event.

1993: PWI Awards

In 1993, Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) readers voted Bret Hart the greatest wrestler of the year in the "PWI 500", and he was also voted "WWF Superstar of the Year" by fans.

July 1994: WWF Championship Bout

In July 1994, Sean Waltman said that Bret Hart gave him the best singles match of his career, and one of the best matches that has ever been on Monday Night Raw.

1994: Royal Rumble Co-Win and WWF Championship Victory

In 1994, Bret Hart co-won the Royal Rumble with Lex Luger and later defeated Yokozuna to win his second WWF Championship.

1994: Royal Rumble Winner

In 1994, Bret Hart was a Royal Rumble match winner along with Lex Luger.

1994: PWI Awards

In 1994, Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) readers voted Bret Hart the greatest wrestler of the year in the "PWI 500", as well as the "Most Inspirational Wrestler of the Year".

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.

February 16, 2006: WWE Hall of Fame Announcement

On February 16, 2006, it was announced on Raw that Bret Hart would be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2006.

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.

July 15, 2006: Induction into George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame

On July 15, 2006, Bret Hart was inducted into the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame at the International Wrestling Institute and Museum in Newton, Iowa.

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.

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.

2010: Return to WWE

In 2010, Bret Hart returned to sporadic in-ring competition with WWE, where he won his final championship and headlined the SummerSlam event.

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.

March 2, 2016: Report of beating prostate cancer

On March 2, 2016, Jim Ross claimed that Bret Hart had beaten prostate cancer following surgery.

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.

2018: Honorary Degree from Mount Royal University

In 2018, at the age of 60, Bret Hart received an honorary degree — a Bachelor of Health and Physical Education/Physical Literacy from Mount Royal University.

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: Induction into Canada's Walk of Fame

In 2021, Bret Hart was inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame by Chris Jericho and The Rock.

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.