WWE Hall of Famer Bret “Hitman” Hart has never been shy about his place in wrestling history or his high standards for in-ring performance. In a recent interview, the legendary technician stated that he believes many of today’s wrestlers would be “a lot better off” if they emulated his style more closely. He also revealed that many current stars show him the courtesy of asking for his permission before using his signature moves.
Bret Hart on His Lasting Influence
Speaking on The Masked Man Show, Bret Hart was asked about seeing modern wrestlers use moves and techniques that he popularized throughout his iconic career. Hart explained that he views it as a compliment and that after a wrestler retires, their moveset becomes “fair game” for the next generation. However, he also offered a typically blunt and confident assessment of his own style.
“After you retire, it’s fair game, they can help themselves to all my moves. I don’t need them anymore. I take it as a compliment and whenever I watch wrestling and I see something that is obviously a salute, I take it as a huge compliment, especially from the wrestlers today,” Hart said, before adding, “They’d all be a lot better off if they copied me more.”
This statement is a classic example of the confidence that made Hart one of the biggest stars of his era, a belief in his own work that was backed up by years of five-star matches and multiple world championships.
A Sign of Respect
Hart also revealed a fascinating detail about the level of respect he receives from the current generation of superstars. He said that many of today’s wrestlers will personally call him to ask for his blessing before they use one of his signature moves on television, something he clearly appreciates.
“A lot of guys give me the courtesy of calling me and asking me, saying, ‘Would it be okay if we do this on TV. We want to do this as a sign of respect, but I wanted to ask you first. I don’t want to steal your moves without asking,’” Hart shared.
This practice is a testament to the deep reverence that many modern wrestlers have for the “Hitman” and his contributions to the art of professional wrestling. It shows an “old school” level of respect that is still alive and well in today’s locker rooms.
The “Hart Style” of Wrestling
Bret Hart’s in-ring style was a unique blend of the gritty, submission-based wrestling he learned in his father’s “Dungeon” and a masterful understanding of storytelling and psychology. He was known for his realistic, believable offense and his ability to make every match feel like a legitimate athletic contest. His recent praise for Cody Rhodes’s punching style and his declaration that CM Punk is the current best wrestler in the world show that he still values performers who adhere to that same philosophy of realism and believability. His comment that today’s wrestlers would be “better off” if they copied him more is not just a boast; it is a reflection of his deep-seated belief in a style of wrestling that prioritizes realism and storytelling above all else. For the “Excellence of Execution,” the goal was always to make the fans believe, a standard he continues to hold for the generation that has followed in his footsteps.