Bret Hart biography explores the Canadian wrestling icon’s journey from Calgary’s Hart Dungeon to WWE Hall of Fame. Read about his marriages, children, net worth, and legendary wrestling career.
Who is Bret “The Hitman” Hart?
When discussions arise about wrestling’s all-time greats, one name consistently surfaces near the top: Bret “The Hitman” Hart. This Canadian wrestling icon didn’t just participate in professional wrestling’s evolution during the 1980s and 1990s—he fundamentally reshaped how audiences perceived the sport itself, elevating technical prowess to an art form that commanded respect alongside the theatrical bombast that defined the era.
Hart’s journey transcends typical sports biography. His story encompasses triumph and tragedy, loyalty and betrayal, championship gold and devastating injuries. From winning his first WWF Championship in 1992 to suffering a career-ending concussion in 1999, from surviving a debilitating stroke in 2002 to battling prostate cancer in 2016, Bret’s resilience has defined him as much as his in-ring excellence.
Today, at 67 years old, Hart stands as a three-time WWE Hall of Famer (individually in 2006, as part of The Hart Foundation in 2019, and with his WrestleMania 13 match inducted into the Immortal Moments category in 2025), a distinction that underscores his unparalleled impact on professional wrestling. His estimated net worth of $7 million reflects not just financial success but decades of dedication to a profession that gave him everything—and took much away.
Essential Facts About Bret Hart
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Bret Sergeant Hart |
| Ring Name | “The Hitman” |
| Date of Birth | July 2, 1957 |
| Current Age | 67 years old (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Calgary, Alberta, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian-American |
| Height | 6 feet 0 inches (183 cm) |
| Weight | 235 lbs (107 kg) during career |
| Father | Stu Hart (legendary wrestler/promoter) |
| Mother | Helen Hart |
| Siblings | 11 (7 brothers, 4 sisters) |
| Current Wife | Stephanie Washington (m. 2010) |
| Previous Wives | Julie Smadu (m. 1982-2002), Cinzia Rota (m. 2004-2007) |
| Children | Four (Jade, Dallas, Alexandra, Blade) |
| Grandchildren | Five (Kyra Beans, Grayson, Bo, Vylet, others) |
| Career Span | 1976-2011 (35 years) |
| Championships | 32 across five decades |
| Net Worth (2025) | Approximately $7 million |
| Signature Move | The Sharpshooter |
| Famous Quote | “The best there is, the best there was, the best there ever will be” |
From Calgary Roots: The Making of a Wrestling Legend
Life Inside the Hart Family Mansion
Imagine growing up in a household where a trained bear named Terrible Ted once lived chained beneath the floorboards—teeth removed, yes, but still a bear that young Bret would allow to lick ice cream from his toes as an unconventional cleaning method. This bizarre detail, though seemingly trivial, perfectly captures the extraordinary environment that shaped Bret Hart’s childhood.
The Hart mansion wasn’t merely a family residence; it functioned as wrestling’s most notorious training ground. While most children worried about homework and bedtime, the Hart siblings engaged in legitimate wrestling matches with each other, supervised by a father whose training methods were legendarily severe. Stu Hart’s “Dungeon” in the basement produced wrestling talent through a combination of traditional wrestling technique and pain tolerance testing that would make modern personal trainers blanch.
Bret spent these formative years watching legends-in-the-making like Superstar Billy Graham endure Stu’s stretching sessions, learning that professional wrestling demanded more than theatrical flair—it required genuine athletic ability and pain threshold that separated pretenders from true performers. This early education in wrestling’s fundamentals would later distinguish Bret’s technical style from the cartoon-character personas dominating 1980s wrestling.
Educational Background and Amateur Wrestling Success
Before professional glory beckoned, young Bret excelled in legitimate amateur wrestling. At Ernest Manning High School in Calgary, he dominated his competition, capturing the Calgary city championship in 1974—a triumph that demonstrated his natural athletic gifts extended beyond professional wrestling’s predetermined outcomes.
His academic journey continued at Mount Royal College (now Mount Royal University), where he initially pursued filmmaking studies. This artistic inclination would later manifest in his approach to professional wrestling, where he viewed matches as narratives requiring careful construction, character development, and satisfying resolutions. However, the siren call of the family business proved irresistible, and Bret’s collegiate wrestling championships confirmed his path lay in the squared circle rather than behind a camera.
Interestingly, in 2018, at age 60, Hart received an honorary Bachelor of Health and Physical Education degree from Mount Royal University, bringing his academic journey full circle and recognizing his contributions to athletics and education.
Family Dynamics: Brothers, Sisters, and Wrestling Destiny
Being the eighth of twelve children in the Hart family meant constant jockeying for position both at home and eventually in the ring. Bret’s seven brothers—Smith, Bruce, Keith, Wayne, Dean, Ross, and the late Owen—all pursued professional wrestling careers with varying degrees of success. His four sisters—Alison, Diana, Ellie, and Georgia—each married wrestlers, further expanding wrestling’s first family.
This family dynamic created both opportunity and challenge. Growing up, Bret frequently fought with his older sisters Ellie and Georgia, developing the competitive spirit that would later define his professional persona. The camaraderie and rivalry among the Hart siblings created a built-in support system and measuring stick for success, pushing each member to exceed the others’ accomplishments.
Tragically, Bret’s younger brother Owen died in May 1999 during a botched stunt at a WWE event, a loss that devastated Bret and created lasting tension between the Hart family and WWE. This personal tragedy, occurring while Bret competed for WCW, added another layer of complexity to his already complicated relationship with professional wrestling’s power structure.
Professional Wrestling Journey: Excellence Personified
Stampede Wrestling Beginnings (1976-1984)
Bret’s professional wrestling career commenced in 1976 when, at age 19, he joined his father’s Stampede Wrestling promotion as a referee. This humble beginning taught him ring psychology from the official’s perspective, understanding how matches flowed and how referees facilitated storytelling.
Two years later, in 1978, Hart made his in-ring debut as a competitor. Throughout the early 1980s, he honed his craft in Stampede Wrestling’s territory, capturing multiple championships including the Stampede North American Heavyweight Championship six times and the Stampede British Commonwealth Mid-Heavyweight Championship thrice. These regional successes built his reputation as a technically proficient wrestler who could carry matches with anyone.
During this period, Bret developed his signature “Excellence of Execution” style—a methodical, technically sound approach emphasizing realistic holds, smooth transitions, and selling that made every move appear genuinely painful. This approach stood in stark contrast to the power-based, brawling style dominating much of 1980s wrestling, positioning him as something special.
WWF/WWE Glory Days (1984-1997)
The Hart Foundation Tag Team Era
In 1984, Vince McMahon purchased Stampede Wrestling for $750,000 (though Stu Hart claimed he never received payment), bringing several Stampede performers into the World Wrestling Federation, including Bret. Initially, WWF attempted to repackage him as “Cowboy” Bret Hart, a gimmick he wisely refused, recognizing that authenticity would serve him better than manufactured personas.
Instead, Bret teamed with his brother-in-law Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart to form The Hart Foundation, managed by the unrelated Jimmy Hart. The team’s pink and black attire became iconic, and their combination of technical wrestling (Bret) and powerhouse brawling (Neidhart) captured the WWF Tag Team Championships twice (1987 and 1990). The nickname “Pink and Black Attack” stuck with Bret throughout his career, symbolizing his unique brand among wrestling’s colorful characters.
During this tag team run, Bret developed his pre-match ritual of gifting his signature mirrored sunglasses to a child in the audience, a gesture that endeared him to fans and established him as wrestling’s working-class hero who hadn’t forgotten his connection to everyday people.
Singles Stardom and Championship Reigns
The Hart Foundation’s 1991 breakup launched Bret’s singles career to stratospheric heights. In August 1991, he defeated Mr. Perfect at SummerSlam to capture his first WWF Intercontinental Championship, beginning a run that would cement his status as wrestling’s premier technical wrestler. He regained the title at WrestleMania VIII in April 1992 by defeating “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, becoming the first wrestler to pin Piper’s shoulders to the mat—a significant accomplishment given Piper’s protected status.
That summer, on July 21, 1992, Hart participated in WWF’s first-ever ladder match, defeating Shawn Michaels in a revolutionary bout that established the ladder match template future wrestlers would follow for decades. Though Hart lost the Intercontinental Championship to his brother-in-law Davey Boy Smith (the British Bulldog) at SummerSlam before over 80,000 fans at Wembley Stadium, the match was voted “Match of the Year” by Pro Wrestling Illustrated readers and later named the greatest match in SummerSlam history.
In October 1992, Hart captured his first WWF Championship by defeating Ric Flair in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan—appropriately, his father’s hometown. During this match, Hart dislocated a finger on his left hand and popped it back into place mid-match, continuing without interruption—a testament to his toughness and professional dedication.
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His famous catchphrase, “The best there is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be” (borrowed from the 1984 film “The Natural”), perfectly captured his supreme confidence and backed it with performance. Hart justified this bold claim through three distinctions: he never injured an opponent through any fault of his own, missed only one show in his entire career (due to flight difficulties), and refused to lose only once—his final WWF match, which precipitated wrestling’s most controversial moment.
The Stone Cold Steve Austin Rivalry
Perhaps Hart’s greatest in-ring storytelling achievement came through his rivalry with Stone Cold Steve Austin. Their submission match at WrestleMania 13 is widely considered one of wrestling’s greatest performances, featuring a rare “double turn” where both competitors’ characters reversed—Austin became the beloved anti-hero despite tapping out, while Hart transformed into a heel (villain) despite winning.
The iconic image of Austin, bloodied and screaming in pain while refusing to submit to Hart’s Sharpshooter, became one of wrestling’s defining moments. Hart won the match, but Austin won the crowd, launching the “Stone Cold” phenomenon that would carry WWF through its most successful period.
The Montreal Screwjob: Wrestling’s Most Infamous Night
Background and Rising Tensions
By 1997, tensions between Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels had escalated from professional rivalry to genuine animosity. The two had engaged in a physical altercation backstage in Hartford in June 1997, cementing their mutual hatred. Meanwhile, WWF owner Vince McMahon, feeling financial pressure from guaranteed contracts and the Monday Night Wars with WCW, informed Hart in September that he could no longer afford Hart’s 20-year contract and encouraged him to negotiate with World Championship Wrestling.
Hart, then WWF Champion, agreed to leave for WCW, where Eric Bischoff had offered a three-year contract worth $2.5 million annually (a $1 million increase over his WWF deal) with creative control and a lighter schedule. The problem: McMahon needed Hart to lose the championship before departing, preferably to Shawn Michaels at Survivor Series 1997 in Montreal.
Hart refused to lose to Michaels in Canada, viewing it as personally and professionally humiliating given their feud and the nationalist anti-American character Hart had been portraying. According to Hart, when he approached Michaels about dropping the title, Michaels responded that he wouldn’t reciprocate if roles were reversed—a violation of wrestling’s professional courtesy that hardened Hart’s resolve.
The Night of Betrayal: November 9, 1997
What transpired at Montreal’s Molson Centre became wrestling’s equivalent of the Zapruder film—endlessly analyzed, debated, and discussed. The plan, as Hart understood it, involved him retaining the title through a disqualification or non-finish, then relinquishing the belt on Monday Night Raw the following night.
Instead, in a conspiracy involving McMahon, Michaels, referee Earl Hebner, and several WWF officials, the match ended when Hebner called for the bell while Michaels had Hart in the Sharpshooter—Hart’s own finishing move—despite Hart never submitting. The moment, captured by independent documentary crew filming “Hitman Hart: Wrestling with Shadows,” showed Hart’s genuine shock and rage.
Hart spat in McMahon’s face at ringside, wrote “WCW” in the air with his finger, and smashed ringside equipment. Backstage, he confronted McMahon in the locker room and, according to multiple accounts, punched the WWF owner, blackening his eye—a punch McMahon later acknowledged he deserved.
Aftermath and Legacy
The Montreal Screwjob fundamentally altered professional wrestling. It birthed McMahon’s “Mr. McMahon” heel character, launched the “Attitude Era” that would make WWF immensely profitable, and created a real-life drama that blurred worked and shoot (real) events in ways that persist today.
For Hart, it represented the ultimate betrayal—not just by McMahon and Michaels, but by referee Earl Hebner, who had promised Hart the day before that he would never participate in such a scheme. The documentary footage showing McMahon, Michaels, and others fleeing Montreal while Hart destroyed the locker room captured genuine emotion rarely seen in worked wrestling programming.
The incident split wrestling fans into perpetual camps: Team Bret versus Team Shawn, with moral arguments continuing decades later about who was right. Did Hart’s creative control clause give him the right to refuse a loss? Did McMahon’s ownership rights supersede individual contracts? Did Michaels deserve blame for participating in deception?
These questions remain debated, but the consequences were undeniable: Hart left for WCW carrying deep emotional wounds that would never fully heal, while WWF rocketed to unprecedented success built partially on the Montreal Screwjob’s notoriety.
WCW Years and Career-Ending Injury (1997-2000)
Hart debuted in World Championship Wrestling in December 1997, expected to become WCW’s top star and counterbalance WWF’s surge. Instead, his three-year WCW tenure proved frustrating and ultimately tragic. WCW’s creative team, led by Eric Bischoff, never effectively utilized Hart, booking him inconsistently and failing to capitalize on his technical wrestling style in a promotion dominated by the New World Order’s chaos.
Hart won the WCW World Heavyweight Championship twice and the United States Championship four times, but these accomplishments felt hollow compared to his WWF glory. He has openly stated that while excited to join WCW post-Screwjob, Bischoff “fumbled” his run, while Bischoff counters that Hart’s emotional state after Montreal prevented him from fully engaging.
On December 19, 1999, at Starrcade, Hart’s career effectively ended when Goldberg kicked him in the head during their match, causing a severe concussion. The kick, delivered with Goldberg’s notoriously stiff wrestling style, left Hart with symptoms that would never fully resolve. He attempted to continue wrestling but officially retired in October 2000, his final match occurring in January of that year.
The concussion’s long-term effects included memory problems, mood changes, and persistent headaches—injuries that robbed wrestling of one of its greatest performers while still in his physical prime at age 42.
Life-Altering Health Crises
The 2002 Stroke: Near-Death Experience
On June 24, 2002—the same day his divorce from first wife Julie Smadu was finalized—Hart suffered a massive stroke. The stroke occurred after a bicycle (not motorcycle, as sometimes reported) accident where he hit his head after hitting a pothole, sending him over the handlebars.
The stroke paralyzed Hart’s entire left side, leaving him with what wrestling observer Dave Meltzer described as “very limited control” over half his body. While he suffered no mental impairment or brain damage affecting cognition, the stroke damaged the brain region controlling left-side movement.
Hart faced months of intensive physiotherapy, learning to walk and function again—a humbling experience for someone whose physical prowess had defined him. His recovery, though incomplete, demonstrated the same resilience that characterized his wrestling career. He gradually regained significant functionality, though some left-side limitations persisted.
The stroke sidelined Hart from a planned role as WWA (World Wrestling All-Stars) commissioner and forced him to use a wheelchair temporarily. His first major public appearance post-stroke came in May 2003 at a WWA event in Auckland, New Zealand, where fans gave him an emotional standing ovation.
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His cancer battle sparked renewed charitable focus. In 2019, Hart and the Calgary Hitmen (the junior hockey team he co-founded) donated $16,300 to the Calgary Prostate Cancer Centre. His advocacy work has emphasized men’s health awareness, particularly targeting his generation’s traditional reluctance to discuss health issues or seek medical care.
Hart’s openness about his stroke recovery and cancer battle transformed him from retired wrestler to health advocate, spending considerable time on charitable efforts supporting stroke recovery programs and cancer awareness initiatives—causes deeply personal given his experiences.
The Three Marriages of Bret Hart
First Marriage: Julie Smadu (1982-2002)
Bret married Julie Smadu on July 8, 1982, beginning a 20-year marriage that produced four children and weathered professional wrestling’s demanding lifestyle. Julie stood by Bret through his rise from regional wrestler to global superstar, managing the challenges of constant travel, physical risk, and public attention.
Their children—Jade Michelle (born March 31, 1983), Dallas Jeffery (born August 11, 1984), Alexandra Sabina “Beans” (born May 17, 1988), and Blade Colton (born June 5, 1990)—became so central to Hart’s identity that he incorporated four hearts into his ring tights’ design and added four dots following his signature to represent them.
However, the marriage couldn’t withstand cumulative pressures. Bret and Julie separated in May 1998, around the time of the Montreal Screwjob’s aftermath, though they experienced several brief reunions over the next four years. Their divorce finalized on June 24, 2002—tragically, the same day Hart suffered his stroke, adding emotional trauma to physical crisis.
Julie’s sister Michelle had married Tom “Dynamite Kid” Billington from 1982 to 1991, creating additional family connections to wrestling’s demanding world.
Second Marriage: Cinzia Rota (2004-2007)
On September 15, 2004, Hart married Italian woman Cinzia Rota, seeking a fresh start after his stroke recovery and divorce. This marriage, however, lasted only three years, ending in divorce in 2007. According to reports, the couple couldn’t agree on where to live—a fundamental incompatibility that doomed the relationship despite mutual affection.
The brief marriage occurred during Hart’s gradual re-engagement with public life and WWE reconciliation negotiations, suggesting Hart was still processing the previous decade’s traumas while trying to build new relationships.
Third Marriage: Stephanie Washington (2010-Present)
On July 24, 2010, Hart married Stephanie Washington, significantly younger than him, beginning what appears to be his most stable relationship. Stephanie has supported Hart through his gradual WWE reconciliation, public appearances, and continued health advocacy work.
Though decades separate them in age, Stephanie and Bret have maintained their marriage for over 14 years as of 2025, suggesting they’ve found compatibility that eluded his previous relationships. Stephanie has largely stayed out of the public spotlight, supporting Hart’s endeavors while maintaining her privacy.
Children and Grandchildren: Hart Family Legacy Continues
The Next Generation
Through his four children with Julie Smadu, Hart has become a grandfather five times, watching the Hart family legacy extend into new generations:
- Jade Michelle Hart: Bret’s eldest daughter gave him granddaughter Kyra Beans (born June 2010)
- Dallas Jeffery Hart: His eldest son welcomed daughter Vylet Louise Hart in 2019
- Alexandra Sabina “Beans” Hart: Provided two grandsons, Grayson Knight Cassidy (born June 20, 2015) and Bo (born April 2016)
- Blade Colton Hart: Details about Blade’s family remain more private
These grandchildren represent wrestling royalty’s continuation, though none have yet pursued professional wrestling careers, perhaps wisely choosing less physically destructive paths than their grandfather and great-uncles.
Major Professional Achievements Timeline
| Year | Achievement | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1974 | Calgary City Amateur Wrestling Champion | First major competitive victory |
| 1976 | Joined Stampede Wrestling as referee | Professional wrestling career begins |
| 1978 | In-ring debut as competitor | Transition from official to wrestler |
| 1984 | Signed with WWF | Major league breakthrough |
| 1987 | First WWF Tag Team Championship (with Neidhart) | Tag team success established |
| 1991 | WWF Intercontinental Championship (defeated Mr. Perfect) | Singles stardom achieved |
| 1992 | First WWF ladder match (vs. Shawn Michaels) | Innovator of match type |
| 1992 | Lost to British Bulldog at Wembley (80,000+ fans) | “Match of the Year” performance |
| 1992 | First WWF Championship (defeated Ric Flair) | Main event status confirmed |
| 1993 | King of the Ring tournament winner | Royal honors and push |
| 1994 | Royal Rumble co-winner (with Lex Luger) | Shared spotlight moment |
| 1994 | WrestleMania X WWE Champion (defeated Yokozuna) | WrestleMania main event success |
| 1996 | Iron Man Match at WrestleMania XII (vs. Michaels) | 60-minute wrestling clinic |
| 1997 | WrestleMania 13 Submission Match (vs. Austin) | Greatest match consideration |
| 1997 | Montreal Screwjob at Survivor Series | Wrestling’s most infamous moment |
| 1997-2000 | WCW run (2x World Champion, 4x US Champion) | Second major promotion success |
| 1999 | Career-ending concussion (Goldberg kick) | Forced retirement tragedy |
| 2002 | Stroke and recovery | Life-threatening health crisis |
| 2006 | WWE Hall of Fame induction (individual) | Legacy recognition |
| 2010 | WWE return and WrestleMania XXVI match | Reconciliation with WWE/McMahon |
| 2016 | Prostate cancer diagnosis and recovery | Health advocacy platform |
| 2019 | WWE Hall of Fame (Hart Foundation) | Second induction |
| 2025 | WWE Hall of Fame (WrestleMania 13 match) | Historic third induction |
Financial Profile: Net Worth and Earnings
Career Earnings and Current Net Worth
As of 2025, Bret Hart’s estimated net worth stands at approximately $7 million according to Celebrity Net Worth and multiple financial tracking sources. While modest compared to wrestling’s top contemporary earners, this figure reflects three decades of professional wrestling income, minus significant health expenses, divorce settlements, and the industry’s less lucrative pay structure during his peak years.
During his WWF prime, Hart earned substantially less than modern WWE superstars, though he commanded top-tier money for his era. His 1997 WCW contract guaranteed $2.5 million annually for three years—significant money representing a $1 million annual increase over his WWF deal, though the promised earnings were cut short by his forced retirement.
Reports indicate Hart currently earns over $1.2 million annually through various income streams including WWE legends contract, public appearances, autograph signings, merchandise royalties, and his involvement with the Calgary Hitmen junior hockey team, which he co-founded and partially owns.
Sources of Income
Wrestling Contracts: Hart’s active wrestling career from 1976-2011 provided his primary income, with peak earnings occurring during his 1990s WWF and WCW runs.
WWE Legends Contract: Post-retirement, Hart maintains a relationship with WWE providing ongoing compensation for appearances, documentaries, video game likeness rights, and merchandise.
Calgary Hitmen: As co-founder and partial owner of this Western Hockey League team, Hart enjoys both investment returns and ongoing involvement with Calgary’s sports community.
Appearances and Signings: Wrestling conventions, autograph sessions, and corporate appearances generate steady income. His legendary status commands premium appearance fees.
Media and Entertainment: Hart has appeared in numerous documentaries, television shows (including The Simpsons, Lonesome Dove: The Series, and various wrestling productions), and video games, each generating residual income.
Writing: His 2007 autobiography “Hitman: My Real Life in the Cartoon World of Wrestling” became a bestseller in the US, UK, and Canada. He also wrote a weekly column for the Calgary Sun for over a decade.
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Beyond Wrestling: Other Ventures and Recognition
Literary Accomplishments
Hart devoted seven years to writing his autobiography, “Hitman: My Real Life in the Cartoon World of Wrestling,” published in 2007. The book, co-written with Marcy Engelstein and based on audio diaries Hart maintained throughout his career, received critical acclaim for its honest, detailed account of wrestling’s inner workings and personal cost.
The writing process extended far beyond normal timelines due to Hart’s 2002 stroke and multiple family tragedies, including his brother Owen’s death. The resulting book became essential reading for wrestling fans, offering insider perspectives on the Montreal Screwjob, backstage politics, and wrestling’s evolution from territory system to global entertainment conglomerate.
Hart has also written forewords for several wrestling autobiographies including Roddy Piper’s “In the Pit with Piper,” Harley Race’s “King of the Ring,” and Dave Meltzer’s “Tributes II: Remembering More of the Worlds Greatest Wrestlers,” lending his credibility and perspective to colleagues’ stories.
Documentary Subject
The 1998 documentary “Hitman Hart: Wrestling with Shadows” accidentally captured the Montreal Screwjob as it happened, making it essential historical documentation. Filmmaker Paul Jay had been granted unprecedented access to film Hart’s final WWF year, expecting to document a wrestling champion’s farewell tour. Instead, he captured wrestling’s most controversial moment, including backstage confrontations and Hart’s genuine emotional devastation.
In 2010, “Bret Hart: Survival of the Hitman” documented his stroke recovery, cancer battle, and WWE reconciliation, showing Hart’s resilience beyond wrestling.
Canadian Cultural Icon
In 2004, Hart was voted one of the Top 50 Canadians of all time on CBC TV’s “The Greatest Canadian” program, ranking #39 among citizens who shaped Canada’s identity. This recognition extended beyond wrestling fandom to acknowledge his cultural impact.
In 2021, Hart became the first professional wrestler inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame, cementing his status as Canadian icon transcending his sport. This honor recognizes contributions to Canadian culture, joining musicians, actors, scientists, and public figures who’ve shaped national identity.
Both Hart and his father Stu were inaugural inductees into the Canadian Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame, with Bret later inducted into the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame (2006) and the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum (2008).
Academic Recognition
In 2018, at age 60, Hart received an honorary Bachelor of Health and Physical Education/Physical Literacy degree from Mount Royal University, his former school. This recognition acknowledged his athletic achievements and contributions to health and fitness awareness, particularly his advocacy following health crises.
Charitable Work and Advocacy
Cancer and Stroke Awareness
Since his 2002 stroke and 2016 cancer diagnosis, Hart has devoted considerable time to health advocacy, using his celebrity platform to promote awareness, early detection, and research funding.
His 2019 donation of $16,300 (with the Calgary Hitmen) to the Calgary Prostate Cancer Centre exemplifies his commitment. He regularly speaks about men’s health issues, encouraging his generation to overcome traditional reluctance about medical screening and health discussions.
His stroke recovery advocacy has similarly inspired survivors, demonstrating that even severe neurological events don’t necessarily end productive, meaningful life.
Canadian Indigenous Causes
In his 2021 Canada’s Walk of Fame induction, Hart received $10,000 which he split between the Siksika Nation’s SN7 youth program and Water First Foundation, focusing on providing clean water access to Indigenous peoples in Canada.
This charitable choice reflects Hart’s connection to Alberta’s Indigenous communities and his awareness of ongoing water crises affecting Canadian First Nations.
American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)
Hart maintains affiliation with AACR, the world’s first and largest cancer research organization, lending his name and fundraising support to cancer research initiatives.
Disaster Relief
Hart has conducted social media campaigns raising donations for Alberta wildfire victims and other disaster relief efforts, leveraging his platform for immediate crisis response.
Fascinating Details About The Hitman
Bear Story: Young Bret would let Terrible Ted, a de-toothed bear his father housed under their mansion, lick ice cream from his toes as an unusual hygiene practice.
Perfect Safety Record: Hart claims he never injured an opponent through any fault of his own throughout his entire career—an extraordinary achievement given wrestling’s physical nature and his thousands of matches.
Near-Perfect Attendance: He missed only one show in his entire career due to flight difficulties, demonstrating legendary professional reliability.
Match Statistics: According to Cagematch.net, Hart competed in 2,947 matches since 1978, with 1,880 wins, 762 losses, and 305 draws (63.8% win percentage).
First Ladder Match: Hart and Shawn Michaels created the template for future ladder matches in their July 1992 encounter, establishing conventions countless wrestlers would later follow.
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Film Influence: His “best there is, the best there was, the best there ever will be” catchphrase derives from Robert Redford’s “The Natural” (1984).
Technical Master: Peers including Kurt Angle, Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Undertaker, Curt Hennig, and even rival Shawn Michaels have ranked Hart among wrestling’s all-time best in-ring performers.
IGN Ranking: IGN ranked him the 5th greatest wrestler ever, while Sports Illustrated placed him 16th, and Pro Wrestling Illustrated ranked him #1 in their PWI 500 in both 1993 and 1994.
Triple Induction: His three separate WWE Hall of Fame inductions (2006 individual, 2019 Hart Foundation, 2025 WrestleMania 13 match) represent unprecedented recognition.
Current Life and Legacy (2025)
Present Day Activities
At 67, Bret Hart remains active in wrestling’s peripheral spaces. He makes occasional WWE appearances, participates in wrestling conventions, signs autographs for devoted fans, and conducts interviews reflecting on his career and wrestling’s evolution.
He’s become a respected elder statesman whose opinions on modern wrestling carry significant weight. Hart hasn’t hesitated to criticize contemporary wrestling when he believes it deviates from proper technique or storytelling, sometimes generating controversy with comments about current performers.
Recently, he made headlines with explosive allegations about Vince McMahon and Shawn Michaels’ relationship during their 1990s rivalry, suggesting their bond exceeded professional preference—claims both parties have denied.
Relationship with WWE and Reconciliation
Hart’s 2010 WWE return marked a turning point in healing wounds that had festered for 13 years post-Montreal Screwjob. On January 4, 2010, he made his first WWE appearance since 1997, confronting Shawn Michaels and Vince McMahon on Monday Night Raw.
In an emotional segment, Hart and Michaels publicly reconciled, shaking hands and hugging—a truce both men have confirmed was genuine rather than scripted storyline. This reconciliation allowed Hart closure on one of wrestling’s most bitter feuds.
His WrestleMania XXVI match against Vince McMahon in a No Holds Barred Match, where Hart defeated the WWE chairman with assistance from Hart family members, provided cathartic payback for the Montreal betrayal, though executed as professional wrestling entertainment rather than legitimate violence.
Since then, Hart has maintained cordial WWE relations, appearing in documentaries, anniversary shows, and Hall of Fame ceremonies. This reconciliation has allowed modern fans who weren’t watching during his prime to appreciate his legacy through archival footage and retrospective programming.
Enduring Impact on Professional Wrestling
Technical Wrestling Revolution
Hart’s greatest legacy lies in elevating technical wrestling to main event status during an era dominated by larger-than-life characters and supernatural gimmicks. He proved that a 6-foot, 235-pound wrestler relying on technical skill, psychology, and storytelling could headline wrestling’s biggest shows and outsell superheavyweight cartoon characters.
His influence permeates modern wrestling, visible in performers who prioritize ring work quality over theatrics. Current WWE and independent wrestlers frequently cite Hart as inspiration, studying his matches to understand pacing, selling, and match construction.
The Sharpshooter Legacy
Hart’s signature submission hold—the Sharpshooter (known as the Scorpion Deathlock in Japan)—became one of wrestling’s most recognizable finishing maneuvers. Wrestlers worldwide adopted variations, cementing Hart’s technical innovations into wrestling’s permanent vocabulary.
Influencing Future Generations
Olympic wrestling gold medalist Kurt Angle studied Hart tapes to learn professional wrestling, calling him the best in-ring performer ever. Stone Cold Steve Austin ranks Hart alongside Shawn Michaels as wrestling’s greatest. The Undertaker named Hart his toughest opponent and cited their matches as his favorites.
This peer respect from wrestling legends demonstrates Hart’s impact extended beyond fan perception to influence the performers themselves, setting standards future generations would strive to match.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bret Hart
1. What is Bret Hart’s net worth in 2025? Bret Hart’s estimated net worth is approximately $7 million as of 2025, earned through his wrestling career, WWE legends contract, Calgary Hitmen ownership, appearances, and various entertainment ventures.
2. How old is Bret Hart and is he still alive? Born July 2, 1957, Bret Hart is currently 67 years old and alive, actively making wrestling convention appearances and maintaining public presence despite his 2002 stroke and 2016 cancer battle.
3. Who is Bret Hart currently married to? Bret Hart married Stephanie Washington in 2010, his third wife following divorces from Julie Smadu (1982-2002) and Cinzia Rota (2004-2007), and they remain together as of 2025.
4. How many children does Bret Hart have? Bret Hart has four children from his first marriage to Julie Smadu: Jade Michelle (born 1983), Dallas Jeffery (born 1984), Alexandra Sabina “Beans” (born 1988), and Blade Colton (born 1990), plus five grandchildren.
5. What ended Bret Hart’s wrestling career? Goldberg’s errant kick to Hart’s head at Starrcade on December 19, 1999, caused a severe concussion that ended Hart’s career, leading to his October 2000 retirement after his final match in January 2000.
6. Did Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels ever reconcile after the Montreal Screwjob? Yes, Hart and Michaels publicly reconciled on WWE’s Monday Night Raw on January 4, 2010, shaking hands and hugging in what both confirmed was a genuine truce rather than scripted storyline, ending their 13-year feud.
