Top 10 Greatest Bret Hart Moments on Raw

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10. Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels reconcile, while Mr. McMahon faces off with The Hitman

Bret Hart returns home & invites historic rival Shawn Michaels to the ring. It’s no secret that both men loathed each other during their legendary careers. Time can heal past regrets & an unforgettable moment. HBK stands face-to-face with The Excellence of Execution. Bret wants a truce (Bury the hatchet) with Michaels. HBK conveys this to Hart before getting his closure. He’s waited 12 years for this occasion. Michaels told Bret, you deserved what happened to you in Montreal 12 years ago. Hart disrespected him & the business. He had a hand in what McMahon did that night. Hart feels vindicated upon hearing Shawn’s reply. Michaels believes time changes things.

He respected Bret, yet Shawn never felt like Bret respected him. There were numerous times HBK admitted He couldn’t stand Bret Hart. Shawn Michaels does not think of Montreal when referencing Hart. Michaels looks back at Anaheim & the 60-Minute Iron Man Match at WrestleMania 12. They proved everybody wrong & redefined pro-wrestling. Michaels carried this burden around as well. Hart admits HBK wasn’t easy to love back then. He had issues. Michaels is correct. Bret calls for a truce & each shake hands. Michaels also hugged Bret.

A confrontation with Mr. McMahon. Raw, March 2nd, 2010. Vince visits Bret Hart in the ring. Similar to Shawn Michaels. Bret & Vince ended up despising one another for various reasons & like several talents over the years. Vince had a love-hate relationship with numerous wrestlers where both benefited financially & professionally. Bret was one of McMahon’s top performers. Thanks to intense competition with WCW & many wrestlers seeking opportunities to receive employment elsewhere. It maintained a tempting offer for some. Vince even helped Bret negotiate a better deal if he chose to go there. Other elements also became instrumental in finalizing a legendary career with WWE. Both sides could point the finger, honestly. We all know the history, or maybe you’ve read it. It is your first time learning about it.

Shawn Michaels & Bret Hart found closure. What about McMahon & Hart? Behind the scenes, from an outside perspective, everything seemed better concerning their relationship. Why not revisit those old transgressions via wrestling television?

Here we go, Justin Roberts announces Bret Hart & his music plays only to play the “ No Chance In Hell theme for Mr. McMahon!!!” Vince struts famously down toward the ring. Commentator Michael Cole relays that McMahon invited Bret to bid his final farewell to WWE.

McMahon feels honored to introduce Bret Hart. He respects The Hitman. Bret gets injured following a tragic accident a few weeks ago in the storyline. McMahon wants Bret to clear his name. Vince had nothing to do with what happened to Hart.

Bret does not trust McMahon & claims the Chairman treated him like garbage. Bret said if Vince was sincere. He’ll exit the ring & allow Hart to bid his farewell. McMahon remarks I’m sorry you feel that way. Mr. McMahon brags about Hart calling him a World Champion liar. Vince admitted that He lied. Hart’s not surprised by his actions. Mr. McMahon reintegrated that He did screw over Bret Hart. It feels good.

Vince reminded Hart about challenging the boss of WWE at that time for a WrestleMania Match at WrestleMania 26 (No Holds Barred). Hart remains injured. McMahon mocks Bret for being a fossil. Vince tried baiting Hart by sharing some truth about Bret wanting to fight him. Bret responds that’s true. Vince brings up WCW. It’s all centered on the Montreal Screw Job!!! Vince had planned to induct Stu Hart (Bret’s Father) into the WWE Hall of Fame. The fans desire The Hitman back in the ring. Hart is not falling for it. McMahon tells Bret, He’s got no heart. Bret’s a coward. Vince kicks the crutch away & Hart falls. Bret Hart still gets back to his feet with pride.

9. Bret Hart & CM Punk Discussion

Bret Hart & CM Punk discuss the possibilities of wrestling each other. What would have occurred? ( Raw, September 10, 2012), WWE Champion CM Punk reveals a harsh reality to Bret. He doesn’t need a Vince McMahon to screw anybody. Punk guaranteed victory versus The Hitman. Punk revisits Hart’s journey from WWE to WCW. Hart responded by saying, you would have jumped to WCW. He underestimated Punk’s brilliance.

Punk may call himself the best in the world, but Bret is The Best There Is, The Best There Was & The Best There Ever Will Be!!!

Punk objects to that statement & mocks Jerry Lawler. Bret reminds Punk of laying Lawler out & walking out of his match vs. Sheamus. Here’s an entertaining exchange between these two. Punk calls out John Cena. Hart did converse with Cena. Punk claims his title reign will endure for the longest. Bret responds by saying Punk is putting the fans to Sleep. Per Night of Champions, Cena challenges CM Punk. Punk threatens Hart.

Bret Hart punches CM Punk regarding Raw in Montreal. Cena & Punk have an intense confrontation. Punk attempts to hit Bret Hart, but John Cena intervenes. Punk tries to punch Bret again. He intercepts & fires a textbook right hand to CM Punk.

8. Bret Hart’s Stunning Return to WWE in 2010

Bret Hart returns home to WWE on (January 4th, 2010). Viewers see a great video spotlighting Bret’s Hall of Fame Career. Then the footage recaptures those controversial events in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, surrounding his sudden departure, circa Survivor Series 97. Bret got screwed according to who you talk to. 13 years had passed. The Hitman makes a triumphant WWE comeback, as it seemed appropriate that Raw emanated live from Montreal. Vince spoke those famed lines in the notable sit-down interview with JR, where he commented that “ Bret screwed Bret. “ Shawn Michaels would suggest to Vince McMahon to begin finding closure. They capitalized on history by using it in the story. Michaels told Mr. McMahon to bring Bret Hart back. HBK promises only good things will happen.

Ring Announcer Justin Roberts announces the return of guest host Bret Hart!!! What a roaring ovation & extraordinary entrance for one generational star. Hart dawned his iconic dark sunglasses, leather jacket, & pink color. Hart said, “ I guess Hell froze over.” He explains why now seems fitting. Vince McMahon always tried to stop Bret from returning. Fans chant welcome back. Hart relives fantastic career memories. He acknowledged an old advisory, Jerry ‘ The King’ Lawler, who did commentary.

7. Bret Hart’s Post-SummerSlam Promo

The excellent Champion conquered a phenom at SummerSlam. Champion Bret Hart discussed it via the Raw on (August 4, 1997).

Controversy followed Hart, The Undertaker & Shawn Michaels. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, was the venue. Hearing that legendary theme music still gives me chills. Jim Ross reminded Bret of his actions after he provoked special guest referee Shawn Michaels by spitting in his face & causing HBK to inadvertently hit The Undertaker with a steel chair via SummerSlam 1997. Michaels counter to 3. The Hitman became a 5-time WWF World Champion!!!

Hart would prove why he’s the best. The Hitman suspected Michaels being partial towards The Undertaker. It’s favoritism. Shawn Michaels, you’re guilty. Bret vows for Canadian justice over the American way. I want HBK out of the U.S. Talk about personal & WWE owes it to him. Ross wants his thoughts on his new opponent- The Patriot, Bret’s next opponent at In Your House: Ground Zero.

He mocks the Patriot’s moral compass. The British Bulldog made Hart proud as European Champion when opposing Ken Shamrock. Hart stands up for both Brian Pillman & Owen Hart.

6. Formation of The Hart Foundation

Bret Hart forms one iconic group called The Hart Foundation. ( May 5th, 1997) He’s in a wheelchair injured. Brian Pillman, Owen Hart, Jim Neidhart, & British Bulldog align with him. Bret appreciated the dedication. He expressed gratitude to Pillman. Owen makes Bret proud as Intercontinental Champion & The Bulldog taking care of Undertaker. Jim Neidhart, Thank you. Bret is grateful for his protection against Steve Austin’s dangerous threat. Shawn Michaels & Stone Cold are targets. Once again, this represents some of Bret’s best promo work on the mic by degrading American crowds/viewers. It’s a wrestling dream team. Everyone watch out for The Hart Foundation.

5. Bret vs. Owen

Two siblings compete on Monday Night Raw (November 25th, 1996). Bret encounters Owen. Commentator Jerry Lawler favored Owen over his brother. I enjoyed this family rivalry. Owen is the WWF Tag Team Champion & Slammy Award Winner with Clarence Mason. What’s fascinating here is the side-by-side interview with Jose Lothario & Shawn Michaels while the match was in progress.

Then, we went more full-screen & they focused on the match. Owen used a methodically approach, yet Bret responded. Owen and Bret know each other very well. It goes beyond just wrestling alone. Bret Hart adapts, and Owen can duplicate his versatility. The British Bulldog watched on. Monitor backstage. The King of Harts stomped away at The Excellence of Execution. Two master in-ring artists create anticipation through physical storytelling.

We see the magnificent skills of both siblings. Steve Austin interferes to attack Bret using a steel chair. The British Bulldog appears & helps Bret. Austin nails him with a chair. Owen confronts Stone Cold about it. What a clinical masterpiece from these brothers.

4. Bret Attacks Shawn Michaels

Bret continues his anti-American tirade against the U.S. fans that viewed him as their hero. He’s proved his self-worth on multiple occasions. American wrestling fans lack dignity & pose, according to Hart’s provocative speech. It transpired on the Raw following Mania 13. Bret claims that American society views criminals as heroes. He demands respect & doesn’t respect American fans. An injured Shawn Michaels objects to Hart’s behavior. HBK thinks the Hitman is putting on a facade to elevate his self-righteous character. Michaels chooses to express himself openly & freely. Bret, you’re not better than Michaels commented. HBK stands up for Austin & highlights the varying philosophies amid them -Hitman & HBK. Michaels compliments America’s freedoms.

Michaels challenges Bret to a fight & informs Hart that one can choose to love or depart the United States. Hart warns him to get out of his face. Michaels insulted Hart & Bret would target that injured knee. He applied a figure four on the ring post. Sycho Sid came out & Bret leaves.

3. Defending the WWF Title Against 1-2-3 Kid

Bret Hart defined the 90’s decade as one of wrestling’s true greats. His excellent technical acumen progressively extended into legendary. Wrestling enthusiasts praised these credible wrestling contests and revered the second-generation prodigy. The WWF World Heavyweight Champion encountered a sensational newcomer who tested his limits on Monday Night Raw(July 11, 1994). The 1-2-3-Kid ( Sean Waltman) matured early on as a top star thanks to matches like this against Bret Hart.

Bret complimented his challenger’s abilities during a Hall of Fame video interview package. Raw was in its infancy circa 94. Several onlookers in Bushkill, Pennsylvania, were about to watch an instant wrestling classic. Jim Ross & Macho Man Randy Savage provided the commentary.

Jim “ The Anvil” Neidhart & Owen Hart make their presence known. Owen was rivaling his brother Bret. Officials instructed them to return to the backstage area.

The 1-2-3 Kid informed the Champion, to focus on me. Thanks to an opening arm drag & each respected the other. Both exchanged various scientifically based moves/submissions. Bret tried controlling the tempo. The 1-2-3 Kid halted Hart’s strategy by attacking him with martial-arts-styled innovation. The challenger went quicker with unbelievable transitions-wrists locks & hammerlocks. Hart slowed Kid down.

Hart rocked his opponent with European-themed punches. Fundamentally, this match has a superb balance of physicality & psychology. The 1-2-3 Kid surprised Hart via swift pinfalls. The Hitman covered Kid, but his rival’s leg found the ring rope. Bret requested a continuation. This match remains heralded by wrestlers & fans alike. Immense back-and-forth sequences.

The 1-2-3 Kid shows tremendous resiliency. Hart maintains punishing his opposition. The kid carried out an inventive offense that stunned Hart. The 1-2-3 Kid took additional high risks. Bret applied the Sharpshooter. The kid found the ropes. The kid utilized intellect to counter the Champion. The Hitman locked in a Sharpshooter after catching The 1-2-3 Kid’s top-rope Dropkick. Hart retains the belt.

Do yourself a favor by looking up that match!!!

2. Shoving Vince McMahon

Before WrestleMania 13. Bret starts creating tension between himself & boss Vince McMahon. It occurred on the March 17, 1997 edition of Raw. Hart communicated his anger when suffering another heartbreaking defeat to Sycho Sid ( Steel Cage Match). McMahon attempts to reason with the irritated premiere superstar via an in-ring interview segment. Vince remarked you’ve got to be frustrated meaning Hart lost another opportunity to become Champion. Hart’s rebuttal entailed being frustrated it’s not the G-D-M word for it( Transcribing). He then angrily shoved McMahon down. Bret claims everyone has screwed him. Stone Cold Steve Austin appears on the Titan -Tron. Austin tells Bret all he wants to do is cry like a baby.

I love these heated exchanges. Bret snapped & Champion Sycho Sid emerged. Hart charges The Undertaker through the ropes onto the arena floor. Vince is apologizing for Hart’s actions. Austin attacks Bret while Sid & Undertaker conduct an in-ring brawl. Arguably, Bret became one of the great villains during this episode. The Hitman shoved fellow Hall of Famer Pat Patterson down. HBK Shawn Michaels enters the fray.

1. Turning Heel Post-WrestleMania 13

Bret Hart frequently endeared himself to all his fans except for an episode of Raw (March 27th, 1997). WWE’s celebrated hero believed admirers had betrayed him. Even in victory, Hart began losing favoritism amongst audiences regarding this new protagonist, Stone Cold Steve Austin. What is brilliant about such a move? The crowd who helped make Bret a star also turned him into one impressive evil-doer following WrestleMania 13’ ‘s No DQ submission match, where Austin refused to give up. Hart applied his signature, Sharpshooter, but Austin never gave up.

Hart blamed American fans for why he altered his persona. Hart smartly apologized to the international devotees, with examples like Germany, Great Britain, & across Europe. Hart included Japan, the Far East, South Africa, The Middle East, & those residing in his home country of Canada. He isn’t sorry for his actions concerning the American fan base. From my perspective, this was a defining moment for Bret Hart. We saw him evolve as a personality. The Hitman grew frustrated with people cheering on Shawn Michaels & that close-up of Vince McMahon’s face accented the Chairman’s nervousness. We were starting to see an early precursor respecting WWE leaning into more reality-based stories. Remember this inspired The Attitude Era? Here’s your response to it. Yes. Hart continues bringing up Stone Cold Steve Austin. Bret showed displeasure over facing Sycho Sid inside a Steel Cage. Jim Ross proved crucial via facial expressions in the background. Hart angrily names The Undertaker.

I hope everyone enjoys watching Bret Hart return to WWE programming in his hometown of Calgary, Alberta, Canada when Raw goes live on the USA Network at 8 pm. I’m excited to see the Hall of Famer make his highly anticipated return!!!

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