Bret Hart Net Worth

What is Bret Hart’s Net Worth?

Bret Hart, a legendary figure in professional wrestling, has a net worth estimated at $7 million. Known as “The Hitman,” Hart carved a path through the industry from 1976 to 2011. His illustrious career is marked by 32 championship titles across five decades, making him one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. Beyond his in-ring accomplishments, Hart has dedicated himself to charitable causes related to cancer and stroke recovery since his retirement.

Early Life and Wrestling Beginnings

Born on July 2, 1957, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Bret Hart’s life was immersed in wrestling from the start. The eighth of twelve children born to wrestler Stu Hart and his wife Helen, he was part of the renowned Hart wrestling family. All seven of Hart’s brothers – Smith, Bruce, Keith, Wayne, Dean, Ross, and Owen – also became professional wrestlers. Hart’s introduction to wrestling began in the “Hart Dungeon,” the basement gym of their family mansion, where he watched his father train various wrestlers. As a child, he sold programs and pulled lucky numbers during intermissions at his father’s Stampede Wrestling shows, giving him an early understanding of the wrestling world.

Hart excelled in amateur wrestling during his teenage years, attending Ernest Manning High School and winning multiple city championships. He continued his wrestling career at Mount Royal College, becoming a collegiate champion in 1977. However, he lost passion for wrestling due to injuries and weight fluctuations, and his academic grades declined. Hart eventually made the decision to pursue professional wrestling. He started his training with his father’s Stampede Wrestling promotion, initially working as a referee before making his in-ring debut in 1978.

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The Hart Foundation: Tag Team Glory

In 1985, Bret Hart joined forces with his brother-in-law, Jim Neidhart, to form the Hart Foundation. Managed by Jimmy Hart, this villainous tag team quickly rose to prominence, capturing the WWF Tag Team Championship twice. The Hart Foundation’s success was a significant stepping stone in Hart’s career, establishing him as a prominent figure in the wrestling world and setting the stage for his future individual accomplishments.

WWF Dominance and Championship Reigns

Hart’s individual accolades in the WWF were numerous. He secured the Intercontinental Championship twice, in 1991 and 1992, showcasing his versatility and skill. His most significant achievement was winning the WWF Championship five times between 1992 and 1997. Hart’s technical wrestling style and charisma made him a fan favorite, and his matches were highly anticipated. His ability to tell compelling stories in the ring cemented his status as a main event wrestler, drawing large crowds and earning him numerous accolades and recognition within the industry.

The Montreal Screwjob and Departure

During the late stages of his initial WWF run, Hart was embroiled in a heated rivalry with Stone Cold Steve Austin and a complex real-life feud with WWF owner Vince McMahon. The tension between Hart and McMahon reached its peak during the infamous “Montreal Screwjob” incident in late 1997. During a match between Hart and Shawn Michaels, McMahon and certain WWF employees secretly manipulated the outcome, leading to Hart losing the championship title in an unscripted manner. Unaware of the setup, Hart was betrayed and subsequently left the WWF. This event remains one of the most controversial moments in wrestling history, significantly impacting Hart’s career and his relationship with the WWF for several years.

WCW and Further Championships

After leaving the WWF, Hart joined World Championship Wrestling (WCW), where he remained for three years. During his time in WCW, Hart continued his success, winning the WCW United States Heavyweight Championship four times and the World Heavyweight Championship twice. He also won a World Tag Team Championship with Goldberg. A concussion sustained in late 1999 led to a temporary hiatus, and Hart officially retired from wrestling in October 2000, having left a lasting impact on the wrestling world.

Final Wrestling Years and WWE Return

Following his retirement, Hart made sporadic appearances at independent wrestling events. In late 2009, he made a remarkable comeback, re-signing with WWE. Hart made occasional in-ring appearances from 2010 to 2011, headlining the 2010 SummerSlam event and winning his final championship. In addition to his in-ring role, Hart also served as the general manager of Raw. This return allowed Hart to reconnect with fans and leave the wrestling world on his own terms.

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Media Ventures and Beyond the Ring

Outside of wrestling, Hart ventured into other media. He appeared in the television series “Lonesome Dove: The Series” from 1994 to 1995, portraying Luther Root. He also made guest appearances on shows such as “The Adventures of Sinbad,” “Big Sound,” “MADtv,” and “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids: The TV Show.” Hart was the subject of the 1998 documentary film “Hitman Hart: Wrestling with Shadows” and the 2010 television documentary “Bret Hart: Survival of the Hitman.” He also appeared in numerous WWF and WWE video games, solidifying his presence in popular culture.

Personal Life and Health Challenges

In 1982, Hart married Julie Smadu, and together they had four children: Jade, Dallas, Alexandra, and Blade. The couple separated in 1998 and divorced in 2002. Hart later married Cinzia Rota in 2004, but they divorced in 2007. Three years later, he married Stephanie Washington. Hart faced health challenges, including a stroke in 2002 after a bicycle accident and a prostate cancer diagnosis in 2016. Because of his experiences, he has been actively involved with charities focused on stroke recovery and cancer awareness, reflecting his commitment to helping others.

Bret Hart’s Legacy

Bret Hart’s career is a testament to his skill, dedication, and impact on professional wrestling. His technical prowess and ability to connect with fans made him one of the most respected wrestlers of his time. His dedication to charitable causes highlights his desire to make a positive impact beyond his athletic achievements. Hart’s influence on the wrestling industry is undeniable, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of wrestlers and fans alike.

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