Bret Hart: Best Wrestling Quotes, Insults & One-Liners in WWE
Key Takeaways
- Bret Hart, a legend who coined phrases that echo in the halls of wrestling history.
- Discover the man behind “The Hitman” persona and his journey from the Hart Dungeon to WWE stardom.
- Explore why Bret Hart’s words resonate with fans and wrestlers alike, inspiring generations.
- Uncover the essence of Hart’s in-ring style that combined technical skill with heartfelt storytelling.
- Get ready to relive some of the most iconic quotes, insults, and one-liners from Bret Hart’s WWE career.
Who is Bret “The Hitman” Hart?
WWE legend Bret Hart, born into the Hart wrestling family, is known for his precision, dedication, and storytelling skills. His signature style is marked by intensity and integrity, with each match representing a chapter in his saga. His innovative in-ring tactics showcase his understanding of wrestling psychology and strategy.
WWF Champion Bret Hart
Bret Hart’s Best Wrestling Quotes, Insults & One-Liners in WWE
Bret Hart’s words were as impactful as his wrestling moves. Let’s take a look at some of the best verbal smackdowns delivered by “The Hitman.”
1. “Excellence of Execution!”
This wasn’t just a catchphrase; it was a philosophy. Bret Hart’s commitment to excellence was evident in every aspect of his career. When he proclaimed himself the “Excellence of Execution,” it was a promise – a promise that he would deliver a match of the highest caliber, and he did, every single time.
“I am the best there is at what I do. I am the Excellence of Execution.” – Bret Hart
When Bret uttered these words, it was more than bravado. It was a statement of fact, backed up by a career of matches that are studied by wrestling students to this day. His execution was flawless, his timing impeccable, and his impact on the sport indelible.
2. “Sharpshooter: Locked and Loaded”
The sharpshooter, Bret’s signature submission hold, was more than just a finishing move; it was a symbol of his technical mastery and his ability to take down any opponent, no matter their size or strength. When Bret Hart locked in the sharpshooter, fans knew it was game over. It wasn’t just a move; it was a statement: “Sharpshooter: Locked and Loaded.”
“I don’t just hurt people with the sharpshooter; I finish careers.” – Bret Hart
The sharpshooter wasn’t just about physical dominance; it was psychological warfare. Bret’s opponents feared the hold, and that fear gave him an edge even before the bell rang. It was a testament to his skill and a key to his many victories.
3. “Best There Is, Best There Was, and the Best There Ever Will Be”
This iconic phrase is more than just a boast; it’s the embodiment of Bret Hart’s career. It’s a declaration of his confidence, his legacy, and his unwavering belief in his abilities. Bret didn’t just say he was the best; he proved it every time he laced up his boots and stepped into the ring.
“I’m the best there is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be.” – Bret Hart
This quote has become a mantra for wrestlers and fans alike, a benchmark of excellence that all strive to reach. It’s a reminder that to be the best, you must believe you are the best—and then you must go out and prove it, just like Bret did.
4. “I’ve Got More Hart Than You Have Boots”
It’s not just about the physical heart that pumps blood; it’s about the heart that pumps passion, courage, and determination. Bret’s play on words with his last name and the concept of heart showcased his clever use of language and his fighting spirit. He had an uncanny ability to turn a phrase that could both inspire fans and intimidate opponents.
“I’ve got more Hart than you have boots, and that’s why I’ll win.” – Bret Hart
This quote isn’t just a clever quip; it’s a reflection of Bret’s inner strength and resilience. It’s a reminder that the size of one’s heart can outweigh the size of one’s arsenal.
5. “This Pink and Black Attack Is Back, Jack!”
When Bret Hart returned to the ring, he did so with a rallying cry that sent waves of excitement through the crowd. The pink and black attack was not only a reference to his iconic ring attire but also a signal that the excellence fans had come to expect was back in full force.
“This pink and black attack is back, Jack, and better than ever!” – Bret Hart
With these words, Bret reassured fans that he hadn’t lost a step, that the showman they loved was ready to entertain, inspire, and prove why he was the best.
The Lasting Legacy of “The Hitman”
Bret “The Hitman” Hart’s technical skills rivaled those of “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig, and his storytelling in the ring was as compelling as Randy Savage’s. His impact on the industry is comparable to Hulk Hogan’s, and his ability to connect with the audience was akin to Dusty Rhodes. His integrity in the sport was as respected as that of Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat. His legacy is not just about his work in the ring but also his heart, honor, and sharpshooter. His one-liners, like his pointed jab at Shawn Michaels, were direct, sharp, and delivered with confidence, contrasting with the more showy aspects of his rivals.
Bret “The Hitman” Hart’s legacy in wrestling is a testament to excellence, integrity, and passion. His iconic attire, unforgettable quotes, and legendary matches inspired a generation of wrestlers and fans. Hart’s career serves as a reminder that wrestling is more than just a sport or entertainment; it’s an art form that reflects the human experience. As fans, we cherish the memories he gave us, the matches that made us jump from our seats, and the words that still resonate today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Ask any wrestling fan, and they’ll likely point to WrestleMania XII, where Bret Hart faced Shawn Michaels in a grueling 60-minute Iron Man match. It was a showcase of endurance, skill, and storytelling. The match ended in a draw after the initial time limit, only to be restarted, leading to a heart-wrenching defeat for Bret. This match is etched in history not only for its athletic display but for the emotional rollercoaster it took fans on.
Bret Hart’s influence can be seen in the modern wrestling landscape, where technical skill and storytelling are prized. He showed that a wrestler could captivate an audience with pure wrestling ability and authentic character work. Wrestlers like Daniel Bryan, CM Punk, and Seth Rollins have cited Bret as an inspiration, emulating his style and bringing a piece of “The Hitman’s” legacy to their performances.
His emphasis on safety and respect for his fellow wrestlers has also left a mark. Bret’s career was remarkably free of serious injuries inflicted on others, a testament to his meticulous and careful in-ring style. This approach has inspired a culture of safety and professionalism in wrestling schools and promotions around the world.
Indeed, Bret Hart’s career extended beyond the WWE universe. Before his rise to fame in WWE, Bret honed his craft in his father’s promotion, Stampede Wrestling, and had stints in other territories. After his controversial departure from WWE in 1997, he joined World Championship Wrestling (WCW), where he continued to wrestle until his retirement in 2000. His international appeal also led him to compete in events in Europe and Japan, showcasing his talents on a global stage. His time in WCW was marked by both championship successes and personal challenges, including the tragic death of his brother Owen and his own career-ending injury. Despite these hardships, Bret’s time outside of WWE contributed to his legacy as a world-class wrestler and a true ambassador of the sport.
Bret Hart’s moniker, “The Hitman,” wasn’t just a catchy nickname; it was a testament to his precision in the ring. The origin of this name traces back to his early days in the wrestling world. Known for his sharp, calculated moves and his ability to deliver a match with surgical precision, Bret’s style was reminiscent of a hitman carrying out a mission with skill and finesse. His trainer and father, Stu Hart, recognized these qualities and bestowed upon him the nickname that would become synonymous with wrestling excellence. The nickname also reflected Bret’s cool demeanor and his methodical approach to his craft. Just like a hitman who never loses focus, Bret was unshakable in the ring, executing each move with an unwavering commitment to perfection. It’s a name that he not only lived up to but also defined throughout his illustrious career.
The rivalry between Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels is one of the most storied in wrestling history. It was a feud that blurred the lines between reality and performance, captivating fans with its intensity and raw emotion. Their contrasting styles—Bret’s technical mastery versus Shawn’s high-flying showmanship—created a dynamic that was irresistible to watch.
This rivalry culminated in the infamous “Montreal Screwjob” at Survivor Series 1997, an event that changed the wrestling industry forever. The real-life tension and the shocking outcome of the match exposed the inner workings of the business and led to the rise of the “Mr. McMahon” character, a pivotal moment in the WWE’s Attitude Era. The Hart-Michaels saga not only provided unforgettable moments but also pushed the industry into a new era of storytelling, where reality and kayfabe intertwined more than ever before.
Their feud set the stage for future rivalries, showing that personal animosity could be just as compelling as any scripted storyline. It was a lesson in how real emotion could elevate the drama of wrestling and create a narrative that extended beyond the ring, engaging fans on a deeper level.
