What Are Bret 'Hitman' Hart's Best Matches in WWE?

Recent Bret Hart Interview Asks The Hitman What His Best Matches Are.

Bret 'Hitman' Hart, often hailed as the Excellence of Execution, has had a Hall of Fame career in WWE, spanning decades and leaving a lasting mark on the world of pro wrestling. During a recent interview with Justin Dhillon of The Wrestling Classic, held at the Vancity Card Show in Vancouver, Bret Hart was asked about his favorite matches during his career.

Without hesitation, The Hitman named his matches against Stone Cold Steve Austin at WrestleMania 13, and his 60-minute Iron Man match against Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania 12 as his top favourites. Fans still talk about these two matches today, solidifying Hart's slogan as the best there is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be.

Bret Hart vs Stone Cold WrestleMania 13

No Disqualification Submission match

The match between Bret Hart and Stone Cold Steve Austin at WrestleMania 13 is often regarded as one of the greatest in pro wrestling history. This classic featured a double turn—Austin became the crowd favourite while Hart transitioned into a more villainous role. The brutal, bloody encounter ended when Austin, locked in Hart's sharpshooter, passed out from the pain but refused to tap.

Shawn Michaels vs Bret Hart WrestleMania 12

Iron Man match for the WWF Championship.

The WrestleMania XII Iron Man match between Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart was an epic, hour-long battle. Fought under the stipulation that whoever scored the most falls in 60 minutes would win, the match saw both men fail to score a pinfall or submission within the allotted time, forcing it into sudden death over time. Michaels eventually secured the win, winning his first WWF Championship.

Bret Hart's matches against Stone Cold and Shawn Michaels remain two of the most iconic in WWE history. These matches are an example of Hart's dedication to the art of professional wrestling and his ability to elevate his opponents while staying true to his persona.

Bret 'Hitman’ Hart as WWF Champion \ Credit: WWE

From the gritty, real-life tension of the Montreal Screwjob, which shook the foundation of then-WWF, to his pivotal role in helping launch the Attitude Era by elevating the character of Stone Cold Steve Austin, Bret Hart's influence on the world of pro wrestling is undeniable.

As the Excellence of Execution continues appearing at events throughout 2024, fans are always eager to hear from the legend. What are your favorite Bret Hart matches? Let us know your thoughts and how they compare to his two favourite matches during his career.

WWE’s Greatest Rivalries

Bret Hart vs Shawn Michaels

Shawn Michaels & Bret Hart at WWF SummerSlam 1997 \ Credit: WWE

In the summer of 1997, WWE (then WWF) hosted its annual pay-per-view, SummerSlam: Hart & Soul, on August 3rd at the Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The main event was a showdown between The Undertaker and Bret Hart for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship, with Shawn Michaels as the special guest referee.

At the time, WWE was on the verge of its iconic Attitude Era, with the new-generation WWF scratch logo debuting later that year at Survivor Series on November 9th. That same event would also mark Bret "The Hitman" Hart's controversial departure from the company in what became known as the Montreal Screwjob.

But just a few months earlier, wrestling fans were treated to a masterclass in storytelling and in-ring performances from Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, and The Undertaker the night of SummerSlam.

What Happened at SummerSlam 1997?

While The Undertaker was defending his WWF Championship, the real drama lay in the bitter rivalry between The Heartbreak Kid and The Hitman. Both men had stipulations for the match: Bret Hart would not wrestle in the United States again if he lost, and Shawn Michaels would face the same fate if he didn't call the match down the middle as the special guest referee.

In the lead-up to SummerSlam, the feud between Bret and Shawn had peaked, in and out of the ring. Bret and The Hart Foundation intensified their real-life feud by adding in the USA vs. Canada storyline, making Bret the top heel in the company. In any arena in the United States, the Hitman was met with boos and hostility by fans. In Canada, however, he was cheered as the hometown hero.

That night, Bret Hart defeated The Undertaker to become the WWF Champion for the fifth time. The match perfectly blended storytelling and athleticism, showcasing flawless performances from three of wrestling's greatest stars.

During an interview on WWE's The Bump on August 12th, 2020, Bret Hart credited Shawn Michaels, stating that "it wouldn't have been a great match without Shawn."

When Did Bret Hart Leave WWF?

A few months after SummerSlam, at Survivor Series in Montreal, Bret wrestled his final match for the WWF before heading to World Championship Wrestling (WCW). His controversial departure from the WWF, known as the Montreal Screwjob, remains one of the most talked-about moments in pro wrestling history.

But despite his exit, the legacy of the Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels feud endures.

Legacy of the Rivalry

Shawn Michaels would earn the title "Mr. WrestleMania" and is widely regarded by many as one of the best in-ring performers ever. Bret Hart, known as The Excellence of Execution, is still praised today as one of the greatest pure wrestlers ever to step inside the squared circle. Living up to his famous catchphrase, "The best there is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be."

Fans still debate Bret Hart's and Shawn Michaels' rivalry nearly 30 years later, and we would argue that it is more discussed than any other rivalry in pro wrestling history.

So, we must ask: Are you Team Hitman or Team HBK?