In a recent sit-down interview with Inside the Ropes, WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart opened up about his time in World Championship Wrestling (WCW), a stint that ultimately ended in disappointment. When asked about the reasons behind his WCW struggles, Hart didn’t hold back, placing the blame squarely on the shoulders of two prominent figures: Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff.
A Franchise on the Brink of Disaster
As a legendary wrestler and one of the faces of the WWF (now WWE), Bret Hart was seen as a major coup for WCW when he made the surprise jump from the WWF to the rival promotion in 1997. However, Hart’s WCW stint was marred by creative misfires, lackluster storylines, and behind-the-scenes turmoil. According to Hart, the root cause of these problems lay with the man who was supposed to be the face of WCW: Hulk Hogan.
Hogan’s Shadow Loomed Large
Hart alleges that Hogan’s ego and influence significantly impacted the booking of the company, often at the expense of other top talent. This, Hart claims, led to a frustrating experience for him and other performers.
“I was stuck in this never-ending cycle of being buried every week,” Hart said during the interview. “It was like they were trying to make me look as bad as possible. And it wasn’t just me – it was a few other guys who were there at the time. I think it’s time to acknowledge the elephant in the room, and that elephant is Hulk Hogan.”
The Bischoff Factor
While Hogan’s influence is undeniably significant, Hart also pointed the finger at Eric Bischoff, the president of WCW at the time. Bischoff has long been criticized for his handling of the WCW roster and creative decisions, which often prioritized short-term gains over long-term planning.
“I think Bischoff was trying to appease Hogan, and that’s where the problems started,” Hart said. “They were trying to create this whole ‘Hogan is the top guy’ thing, and it didn’t work. It was like they were trying to force-feed it to the audience, but it just didn’t resonate.”
The Ripple Effect: How WCW’s Creative Chaos Affected Other Talent
Hart’s comments shed light on the behind-the-scenes struggles that many WCW performers faced during this period. Insiders close to the company at the time have corroborated Hart’s claims, revealing a culture of fear and complacency that stifled innovation and pushed top talent to the sidelines.
“Bret’s frustration was palpable, but he was just one of many guys who felt like they were being held back,” said a source close to WCW at the time. “It was like the company was stuck in this perpetual state of limbo, unable to make any real changes or take risks. It was a toxic atmosphere, and it ultimately led to the downfall of the company.”
The Aftermath: What Could Have Been
As WCW continued to hemorrhage talent and viewership, the writing was on the wall. In 2001, the company would be sold to the WWE, marking the end of an era for the promotion. While the exact circumstances surrounding Hart’s departure from WCW remain unclear, it’s evident that his frustration with the company’s creative decisions and behind-the-scenes politics played a significant role.
Hart’s comments serve as a poignant reminder of the what-ifs that defined WCW’s final years. A company once poised to challenge the WWE’s dominance instead succumbed to internal strife and creative mismanagement. As the wrestling landscape continues to evolve, it’s worth revisiting the lessons of the past and acknowledging the impact that one man’s ego can have on an entire promotion.