In my 40 years as a wrestling fan, I’ve tried more than once to list the greatest matches I’ve ever seen. I always get partway through before something pulls me away. But one name always appears more than any other wrestler, no matter how far I get:
Bret Hart.
Recently, I took Hart to task after he ran down Hulk Hogan, Bad News Brown, and the muscular wrestlers of his era. It’s what Hart does: tear down others to boost his legacy.
As an admirer of “The Hitman,” I find it depressing because his work
speaks for itself. In an era of excessive dives, flips, and sloppy punches, Bret remains the measuring stick to which all wrestlers should aspire.
If you’re a big guy getting into pro wrestling, you don’t have to wrestle like Bret; just employ a psychology that fits your character, make your work as realistic as possible, and build a match that tells a story.
The same is true for smaller wrestlers, especially those who rely on aerial moves: learn to work a match that makes your offense feel believable first, then sprinkle in the high spots — all while telling a fantastic, coherent physical tale.
Sure, I have my favorite types of wrestlers and matches. But looking strictly at in-ring work, I always land on Bret. His battle against Randy Savage on Saturday Night’s Main Event in November 1987 is a masterclass in selling by both men — especially Bret, who takes a beating throughout.
To this day, I’ll throw hands with anyone who says Bret vs. Diesel at the 1995 Survivor Series isn’t the best match in the event’s history. The reaction to Bret going through the table — sold perfectly by Diesel, who looked genuinely conflicted over what to do next — is priceless. That was a time when going through a table was rare and therefore meant something.
I think back to a TV taping here in San Diego in February 1993, when Bret defended the WWE Title against Bam Bam Bigelow. To my knowledge, that match has never been released on video (hint, hint, WWE Vault). But what I recall is that it had the same finish as Bret’s win over Bigelow at that year’s King of the Ring: a surprise roll-up.
I’ve seen Bret and Bam Bam wrestle in Spain and elsewhere, and they often used that same finish. Aside from a few spots, those matches were nearly identical. Based on that, my guess is their meeting in my hometown wasn’t much different.
But what I remember most was feeling that, with the cameras there, we might see an upset. Several times, Bigelow came close to winning. I found myself on the edge of my seat, thinking WrestleMania IX was about to get a complete overhaul and that Bigelow might leave with the title.
Instead, Bret prevailed, and I was left in awe — completely bought in on the work, fully believing Bret would lose.
When it comes to the art of pro wrestling, I don’t believe there will ever be anyone better than Bret. So maybe it’s no surprise that such a meticulous performer is also an artist in real life, drawing some of the funniest sketches you’ll ever see. The way he draws Hogan’s nose and chin strongly resembles male genitals. Given all Bret has had to say about Hogan, I doubt that’s a coincidence.
I believe Bret’s love for art, and the fact that wrestling was in his family’s blood, are what made him the wrestler he was. He was also lucky to come along in an era rich with talent — men like Nick Bockwinkel, the Dynamite Kid, and later, “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig, who could guide or inspire him.
Nearly 30 years later, I’m still Team Bret when it comes to the 1997 Survivor Series. I believe the wrong man won that day — in more ways than one. While Shawn Michaels was a phenomenal performer, I wish more aspiring wrestlers had taken their cues from Bret’s storytelling, not just Shawn’s flash and high spots.
Naturally, a moonsault off a ladder is always going to look cooler than a Side Russian Leg Sweep, even if Bret’s was crisp as hell and he actually swept the leg, unlike most guys who just fall backward.
I wish Bret’s career had ended differently, and that he’d been able to go out fully on his terms. While I enjoy his shots at modern wrestling and his digs at past rivals, I do cringe when he does it to elevate himself.
For what it’s worth, “Hitman,” I saw you wrestle a gazillion times, and I was always blown away. You don’t need to put other people down. Instead, let those of us who saw you do the lifting.
That’s where I turn it over to you, dear readers: What’s your favorite Bret Hart match? What made you a “Hitman” fan? Share your thoughts on “The best there is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be” in the comments.
