A Shocking Admission from the Hitman
In a recent appearance on Inside the Ropes, wrestling legend Bret Hart opened up about his tumultuous stint in World Championship Wrestling (WCW). The 16-time world champion didn’t hold back, placing the blame for his struggles squarely on the shoulders of Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff, the former president of WCW.
Hart, known for his tenacious and honest approach to the sport, has never been one to shy away from controversy. His scathing comments about Hogan and Bischoff are the latest salvo in a long-standing feud that has simmered for decades.
The Hart-Hogan Feud: A Brewing Storm
For those who may have forgotten, Bret Hart and Hulk Hogan have a long and complicated history that dates back to the early days of the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), now known as WWE. The two superstars were once allies, but their partnership turned sour in the late 1990s, leading to a bitter feud that would have far-reaching consequences.
In WCW, Hart found himself at odds with Hogan, who had become a dominant force in the promotion. According to Hart, Hogan’s influence extended far beyond the ring, with the Hulkster allegedly using his considerable clout to undermine Hart’s efforts and sabotage his career.
A Pattern of Sabotage
Hart’s allegations against Hogan are nothing short of explosive. In an interview on Inside the Ropes, the Canadian wrestling icon claimed that Hogan engaged in a deliberate campaign to “bury” him every week, often working behind the scenes to undermine Hart’s match outcomes and storyline developments.
“I was stuck in a rut, and I couldn’t get out of it,” Hart lamented. “Every week, I’d go to Eric Bischoff and say, ‘What’s the plan?’ and he’d say, ‘Don’t worry, Bret, we’ve got it covered.’ But the truth is, they had no plan. They were just making it up as they went along, and Hulk Hogan was pulling the strings from behind the scenes.”
A Culture of Fear and Intimidation
Hart’s comments paint a disturbing picture of a WCW culture that was characterized by fear and intimidation. According to the Hitman, Hogan’s influence was so pervasive that many wrestlers were afraid to speak out against him, lest they suffer the consequences.
“I was just trying to do my job, but Hulk Hogan was like a cancer in the company,” Hart said. “He’d make these snide comments and undermine people’s confidence, and before you knew it, everyone was walking on eggshells around him. It was a toxic environment, and I’m not surprised that so many people ended up leaving the company.”
A Backstage Insider Speaks Out
Sources close to the situation have corroborated Hart’s claims, revealing a culture of fear and intimidation that permeated the WCW locker room.
“Bret was right to speak out about this,” said a WWE insider, who wished to remain anonymous. “Hulk Hogan’s behavior was completely unacceptable, and it’s no wonder that Bret ended up leaving the company. The truth is, Hogan was a master manipulator who used his power and influence to get what he wanted, even if it meant hurting other people.”
The Fallout: A Legacy of Regret
Hart’s comments have left many in the wrestling community wondering what might have been if WCW had handled things differently. According to the Hitman, a more collaborative approach might have allowed him to thrive in the company and avoid the bitter feud with Hogan that ultimately led to his departure.
“I wish I could go back in time and do things differently,” Hart said wistfully. “I wish I could have spoken out more about the problems in the company and tried to make a change. But at the time, I was just trying to survive, and I didn’t know how to handle the situation. Now, I’m just hoping that people will listen to my story and learn from my mistakes.”
A Legacy of Honor
Despite the controversy surrounding his WCW stint, Bret Hart remains one of the greatest wrestlers in history, a 16-time world champion who continues to inspire a new generation of fans. His honesty and bravery in speaking out against Hogan and Bischoff are a testament to his integrity and character, and a reminder that even in the cutthroat world of professional wrestling, there is always a place for honor and respect.
As the wrestling world continues to grapple with the legacy of Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff, Bret Hart’s words serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of accountability and integrity in our sport.