Bret “The Hitman” Hart Speaks Candidly in Exclusive Interview - Part III: Hogan, Russo, His Future

SG: When Hulk Hogan left the WWF in 1993, he put over Yokozuna and not you, is this correct? Do you still have tension with Hogan over it?
BH: That’s what I heard. Hogan and I have talked since that time and he said that was a twisted version of the truth. Hogan wanted to do a title match with me, but told me that Yokozuna was going to get the title and they wanted a Hogan-Hart babyface match, and Hogan didn’t want to do it if no title was involved, of course, that’s Hogan’s version. It still doesn’t change the fact that he didn’t put me over. In my experience with the WWF, which goes thirteen years back, was that there was always a lot of tension between the top guys, and a lot of that came directly from Vince [McMahon], and he thought it made a better product. Right now, if anything, I actually have a pretty regard for him (Hogan).

SG: Vince Russo is a disciple of crash television and prefers to get women involved as much as possible. Knowing that he is in charge now, might this distance you from WCW?
BH: I know, and I not happy about it. That’s a really hard question to answer. On the one hand, I want the ratings to improve but on the other hand, if I wanted to see strippers I would go to a strip club.

SG: In fact, the WWF is focusing more on the wrestling product, and sort of phasing out some of the “sleazy” aspects of their product.
BH: I believe it. The one thing about the WWF is that they are not stupid, they are very clever.

SG: “Wrestling With Shadows” is a extraordinary documentary. I have heard that Vince McMahon did everything in his power to block the release of the film, is this true?
BH: First, they tried to buy the documentary and shelf it. And then there’s the part where Vince McMahon is sorta staggering up the hall. (Moments after Bret punched McMahon in the face, leaving him with a black eye). They did everything they could to get that taken out. Vince just absolutely hates to look like a weak person.

SG: When you signed your original WCW contract, did you have any idea how you would make your debut and what storylines you would be involved in?
BH: No, they said they wouldn’t spend this kind of money if they didn’t have huge, huge plans for me. They promised me that if I thought I was a big star working for Vince, I would be ten times bigger in WCW.

Bret relieved to me that the angle where Goldberg speared him, but Hart was wearing a metal plate was his idea, and that it nearly got nixed before it aired. In fact he told me, “they (WCW) did everything possible to not allow that to air.” Bret told me that the idea was changed to Hogan running in after the failed spear, and high “fiving” Hart. Bischoff would only change it back to the original scenario if Hogan approved it, which fortunately he did. (Another prime example of Hogan’s full creative control).

I concluded the interview by asking Hart if there was anything left for him to accomplish in the wrestling business. He indicated that he would like to be a leader in the attempt to bring a union to pro wrestling. He believes that if the Rock, Steve Austin, and Goldberg became vocal in the creation of a union, the industry would have a chance to unionize.

I want to take this opportunity to thank Bret “The Hitman” Hart for his time, his honesty, and his integrity. Bret has given his body and mind to the business that he grew up in, only to have the World Wrestling Federation and World Championship Wrestling show little or no respect in return. Hart is a class act, and in this era of glorying anti-authority figures and behavior, Bret is still a positive role model. It has been often stated that the wrestling business is cold and harsh, yet after talking with Hart, I realize that there are still genuine good guys left in this industry.

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