Bret Hart’s Candid Reflections on WCW in New Docuseries
Bret Hart’s career is etched in wrestling history, celebrated as one of the all-time greats. However, his tenure with World Championship Wrestling (WCW) is often remembered with a hint of disappointment. In Vice’s new docuseries, “Who Killed WCW?”, produced by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Hart provides an unfiltered perspective on his tumultuous time with the company.
Bret Hart’s WCW Experience: A Bitter Memory
After the infamous Montreal Screwjob at Survivor Series 1997, Bret Hart made a high-profile move from WWE to WCW. At the time, WCW was outpacing WWE in the ratings war, and the transition seemed like a logical step. However, Hart’s experience was far from what he had anticipated.
In the docuseries, Hart summarizes his feelings about WCW bluntly: “Thanks for nothing. Go f**k yourselves.” This sentiment captures the frustration and disappointment that marked his stint with the promotion.
Early Days in WCW: A Rocky Start
Hart’s debut at WCW’s Starrcade 1997 was emblematic of his troubled journey. The event, which featured a much-anticipated match between Hulk Hogan and Sting, was marred by a botched finish. The referee’s error led to an anticlimactic conclusion, with Hart stepping in to restart the match and declare Sting the winner. This mishap set the tone for Hart’s problematic tenure in WCW.
Eric Bischoff’s Response to Bret Hart
Eric Bischoff, a central figure in WCW’s management, has not been shy about expressing his views on Hart’s attitude. On his 83 Weeks podcast, Bischoff remarked, “Did I expect Bret Hart to be crabby and grouchy and blame the world? Sure. We hear it every time we hear Bret, he’s angry at somebody, nothing new there.” Bischoff’s critique extends to Hart’s understanding of WCW’s operations: “Bret didn’t have a f****** clue what was going on in WCW.”
Notable Feuds and Matches
Despite the overall disappointment, Hart’s time in WCW was not without its moments. He interacted with many of the company’s top stars, including Sting, Goldberg, and Booker T. However, these encounters often failed to reach the heights of his WWE feuds. One notable incident was the infamous kick from Goldberg that ultimately led to Hart’s retirement.
The Legacy of WCW and the Hart Family
The docuseries, “Who Killed WCW?”, delves into the broader narrative of WCW’s rise and fall, offering insights from key figures like Kevin Nash and Bill Goldberg. It also touches upon the legacy of the Hart family in professional wrestling. Bret Hart’s candid reflections add a personal dimension to the story, highlighting the challenges he faced during a pivotal era in his career.
In summary, Bret Hart’s experiences in WCW were fraught with difficulties, contrasting sharply with his success in WWE. His unvarnished opinions in the docuseries offer a glimpse into the struggles that contributed to WCW’s eventual demise. For fans of wrestling history and the Hart family, “Who Killed WCW?” provides a compelling look at one of the most turbulent periods in the sport’s history.