Bret Hart, known to millions as “The Hitman,” is widely regarded as one of the most technically gifted professional wrestlers ever to step into the ring. A five-time world heavyweight champion in WWE and a two-time champion in WCW, Hart built his legacy on precision, storytelling, and an unwavering commitment to the craft. But his life outside the ropes has been marked by profound tragedy, a life-threatening stroke, and a resilience that has turned him into an enduring symbol of survival.
Born into the legendary Hart wrestling family, he carried the weight of a dynasty and the expectations of an entire country. From the infamous Dungeon in Calgary to the bright lights of WrestleMania, Bret Hart’s journey is one of triumph, heartbreak, and an unyielding pursuit of excellence.
Who Is Bret Hart?
The Excellence of Execution
July 2, 1957 (age 67 in 2025)
6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
5× WWE Champion, 2× WCW Champion, WWE Hall of Famer
Key Insights
- Bret Hart is widely regarded as one of the greatest technical wrestlers in history.
- His autobiography Hitman: My Real Life in the Cartoon World of Wrestling is a bestseller in the US, UK, and Canada.
- He survived a stroke in 2002 and has since become an advocate for stroke awareness.
- His brother Owen Hart died in a tragic accident during a WWE event in 1999.
- Bret Hart’s net worth is estimated at $2–5 million as of 2025.
Snapshot Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Bret Sergeant Hart |
| Born | July 2, 1957, Calgary, Alberta, Canada |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) |
| Weight | 235 lb (107 kg) |
| Spouse | Julie Hart (m. 1982–2023, separated), Cinzia Rota (engaged) |
| Children | 4 (including Jade and Dallas Hart) |
| Net Worth (2025 Est.) | $2–5 million |
| Retirement Year | 2000 (full-time), 2006 (last match) |
| Signature Move | Sharpshooter |
| WWE Hall of Fame | Inducted 2006 (and 2019 with Hart Foundation) |
What Are Bret Hart’s Key Career Milestones?
Bret Hart’s professional career began in 1976, training in the infamous Hart family Dungeon under his father Stu Hart’s Stampede Wrestling promotion. He joined the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 1984, initially as a singles competitor before teaming with Jim Neidhart to form the Hart Foundation, managed by Jimmy Hart. The tag team’s success paved the way for Hart’s monumental singles run. In 1993, he was voted WWF Superstar of the Year by fans and named the greatest wrestler of the year by Pro Wrestling Illustrated readers. He captured his first WWE Championship in 1992 and went on to win the title five times, along with two WCW heavyweight championships after a controversial move to rival promotion WCW following the 1997 Montreal Screwjob.
When Did Bret Hart Retire?
Hart’s career ended abruptly due to a severe concussion from an errant kick to the head, which later led to a life-threatening stroke. This “one-two punch” forced his retirement in 2000. His final WCW appearance occurred on September 6, 2000, confronting Goldberg about an injury sustained nine months prior. WCW terminated his contract on October 20, 2000, and Hart officially retired from professional wrestling on October 26, 2000. His last match is widely considered to have taken place in 2006.
What Movies and TV Shows Did Bret Hart Appear In?
Beyond the ring, Hart made cameo appearances on The Simpsons and Mad TV. He also had a minor lead role in the 2006 action film Shoot ’em Up and has appeared in numerous wrestling documentaries. His filmography is modest but reflects his crossover appeal.
What Book Did Bret Hart Write?
Hart spent seven years writing his critically acclaimed autobiography, Hitman: My Real Life in the Cartoon World of Wrestling, published in 2007. It became a #1 bestseller in the US, UK, and Canada. He is currently researching a second book – a romantic novel unrelated to wrestling. His ex-wife, Julie Smadu, also authored a memoir titled Hart Strings: My Life with Bret and the Hart Family (2013).
Bret Hart’s signature move, the Sharpshooter, remains one of the most iconic submission holds in wrestling history. His technical style influenced a generation of wrestlers, including Chris Benoit and Daniel Bryan, who have cited Hart as a major inspiration.
Who Is Bret Hart’s Wife and What Is His Net Worth?
Marriages and Relationships
Bret Hart married Julie Smadu in 1982, and the couple had four children: Jade, Dallas, Alexandra, and Blade. The marriage ended in separation in 2023 after more than 40 years. Julie’s memoir, Hart Strings, offered an honest account of life with the Hart family. After a brief union with Cinzia Rota, Hart married Stephanie Washington in 2010. As of 2024, reports indicate he is engaged to Cinzia Rota.
What Is Bret Hart’s Net Worth?
Estimates of Bret Hart’s net worth vary. As of 2024, some sources place it around $7 million, while others suggest a range of $2–5 million. The discrepancy reflects the lack of public financial disclosure. Hart has continued to earn money through royalties, licensing agreements, and appearances, reportedly drawing around $1 million annually even in retirement. His net worth, while modest compared to modern wrestling stars, reflects a career cut short by major health and professional setbacks.
Bret Hart’s post-retirement income is derived mainly from royalties from his autobiography, licensing fees for video games and merchandise, and paid appearances at conventions, signings, and motivational speaking events.
Who Is Owen Hart and What Is His Connection to Bret?
Owen Hart was Bret’s younger brother, also a professional wrestler. The two were part of the large Hart wrestling family, and they had a complex relationship that included both tag team success and a memorable feud. Their rivalry culminated in a classic match at WrestleMania X in 1994, where Owen defeated Bret.
What Happened to Owen Hart?
On May 23, 1999, during the WWF Over the Edge pay-per-view event, Owen Hart was being lowered into the ring from the rafters as part of a stunt. A malfunction caused him to fall approximately 78 feet, resulting in blunt force trauma. He was pronounced dead later that night. The tragedy devastated the Hart family and deeply affected Bret, who later wrote that “the day Owen died, part of me died too.”
Owen Hart’s death remains one of the most tragic and controversial incidents in wrestling history. Bret Hart has been outspoken about WWE’s handling of the accident and the company’s relationship with the Hart family in its aftermath.
Key Events in Bret Hart’s Life and Career
- 1957 – Born in Calgary, Alberta to Stu and Helen Hart
- 1976 – Training begins in the Hart family dungeon
- 1978 – Professional debut in Stampede Wrestling
- 1984 – Joins WWE (then WWF) as part of The Hart Foundation
- 1992 – Wins first WWE Championship
- 1994 – Wins King of the Ring, becomes “The Excellence of Execution”
- 1997 – Montreal Screwjob at Survivor Series
- 1997 – Leaves WWE for WCW
- 1999 – Brother Owen Hart dies in a fall at Over the Edge pay-per-view
- 2000 – Retires from full-time wrestling after a debilitating stroke
- 2002 – Suffers a stroke that paralyzes his left side; undergoes rehabilitation
- 2006 – Inducted into WWE Hall of Fame (singles); also inducted in 2019 with Hart Foundation
- 2010 – Returns to WWE for a storyline with Vince McMahon
- 2011 – Autobiography Hitman published
- 2023 – Separation from wife Julie Hart after 40 years
- 2025 – Continues to make occasional appearances and signings
What Is Known and What Remains Unclear About Bret Hart?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Bret Hart’s net worth is estimated between $2 million and $5 million or as high as $7 million. | Exact net worth is not officially confirmed; figures come from celebrity net worth sites. |
| He is separated from Julie Hart and engaged to Cinzia Rota (as of 2024). | The exact timeline of his relationship status changes is not publicly detailed. |
| He recovered from a 2002 stroke but still has some residual effects. | The full extent of his current health and mobility limitations is not publicly disclosed. |
| His last match is widely accepted as 2006, but some sources cite 2000. | The exact date of his final match is debated among wrestling databases. |
What Is Bret Hart’s Legacy and Impact on Wrestling?
The Montreal Screwjob (1997) is one of the most controversial moments in wrestling history, ending Bret’s WWF career on a bitter note. Yet his technical style influenced a generation of wrestlers, including Chris Benoit and Daniel Bryan, who have cited Hart as a major inspiration. His outspoken nature about WWE’s treatment of Owen Hart has been a point of contention, but Hart has maintained a public role. Despite a stroke, he returned to the spotlight, wrote a bestselling autobiography, and continues to appear at conventions and charity events. In 2004, he was voted one of the top 50 Canadians of all time on CBC’s Greatest Canadian.
What Do Sources and Quotes Reveal About Bret Hart?
“The best there is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be.”
Bret Hart’s catchphrase
“I’m not a role model. I’m a wrestler.”
Bret Hart interview
“The day Owen died, part of me died too.”
Bret Hart, from his autobiography
Key sources for Bret Hart’s biography include his official autobiography Hitman: My Real Life in the Cartoon World of Wrestling, the WWE.com profile, and Wikipedia for verified biographical details.
What Is the Bottom Line on Bret Hart?
Bret Hart’s story is one of extraordinary talent, devastating loss, and remarkable resilience. From the Hart family Dungeon to the WWE Hall of Fame, he remains a symbol of technical mastery and integrity in a world often defined by spectacle. For more on the world of professional wrestling, check out the story of another rising star: Oba Femi – Real Name, Age, Career and Brock Lesnar Win.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bret Hart
How tall is Bret Hart?
Bret Hart’s height is officially listed as 6 ft 0 in (183 cm).
How old is Bret Hart?
Born July 2, 1957, he is 67 years old in 2025.
What is Bret Hart’s net worth?
Estimates range from $2 million to $5 million (2025).
Who is Bret Hart’s wife?
He was married to Julie Hart from 1982 to 2023 (separated). As of 2024, he is engaged to Cinzia Rota.
What book did Bret Hart write?
He wrote the autobiography Hitman: My Real Life in the Cartoon World of Wrestling (2011).
When did Bret Hart retire?
He retired from full-time wrestling in 2000 after a stroke, but his official last match was in 2006.
What movies did Bret Hart appear in?
He had cameo roles in The Simpsons, Mad TV, and a lead role in the 2006 action film Shoot ’em Up (minor). Also appeared in documentaries.
Who is Owen Hart?
Owen Hart was Bret’s younger brother, also a professional wrestler. He died in a tragic accident during a WWF event in 1999.
What happened to Owen Hart?
On May 23, 1999, while being lowered into the ring during a stunt, Owen fell from a height and died due to blunt force trauma.
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Philip Rowe is Senior Reporter at UKBullet.uk, covering breaking UK news stories.