Bret Hart, also known as "The Hitman," was born on July 2, 1957, in Calgary, Canada. He was the eighth of twelve children born to his parents, Stu and Helen Hart. His father, Stu, was a well-known wrestling promoter, and Bret grew up surrounded by the world of professional wrestling.
As a young boy, Bret would often accompany his father to wrestling shows, where he would help out by handing out flyers to promote the events. It was during these early years that Bret developed a love for the sport and a desire to one day become a professional wrestler himself.
After honing his skills in his father's wrestling promotion, Bret Hart made his professional wrestling debut in 1978. He quickly gained a reputation as a talented and hardworking wrestler, and it wasn't long before he caught the attention of major wrestling promotions.
In 1984, Bret signed with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), where he would go on to achieve great success. Known for his technical prowess and signature move, the Sharpshooter, Bret quickly became a fan favorite and rose through the ranks to become one of the top stars in the company.
During his time in the WWF, Bret Hart would go on to win the World Heavyweight Championship five times, solidifying his status as one of the greatest wrestlers of his era. His matches against other wrestling legends, such as Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker, are still remembered as some of the greatest in wrestling history.
In 1997, Bret famously clashed with Vince McMahon, the owner of the WWF, over creative differences. This feud culminated in the infamous "Montreal Screwjob," where Bret was double-crossed during a match and stripped of his title. This incident would ultimately lead to Bret leaving the WWF and signing with rival promotion World Championship Wrestling (WCW).
During his time in WCW, Bret Hart would go on to win the World Heavyweight Championship twice, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. His matches against the likes of Sting, Ric Flair, and Hollywood Hogan are still fondly remembered by wrestling fans.
Outside of the wrestling ring, Bret Hart has faced personal tragedy and triumph. He was married to his first wife, Julie Smadu, from 1982 to 2002, and together they had four children - Jade, Dallas, Alexandra, and Blade. After his divorce from Julie, Bret went on to marry Cinzia Rota in 2004, but the marriage ended in divorce in 2007.
In 2010, Bret married his third wife, Stephanie Washington, and the couple has since been happily married. Despite facing numerous challenges in his personal life, Bret Hart has always remained dedicated to his family and has been a loving husband and father.
Bret Hart's impact on the world of professional wrestling cannot be overstated. His technical skill, storytelling ability, and charisma have inspired generations of wrestlers and fans alike. From his iconic matches to his memorable feuds, Bret Hart will always be remembered as one of the all-time greats in the world of wrestling.
Today, Bret Hart continues to make appearances in the wrestling world, sharing his knowledge and passion for the sport with the next generation of wrestlers. His legacy lives on in the hearts of fans around the world, and he will always be remembered as a true wrestling legend.