WWE legend Bret Hart has revisited the infamous fallout from WrestleMania IX in a new Netflix documentary, and his sharp words for Hulk Hogan are not for the faint of heart. The documentary, Hulk Hogan: Real American, features candid interview footage recorded before Hogan’s passing in July 2025, offering a fresh perspective on one of the darkest moments in wrestling history.
A Revisit to the Infamous WrestleMania IX
For those who may need a refresher, WrestleMania IX was the ninth installment of the WWE’s flagship event, held on April 4, 1993, at Caesars Palace in Paradise, Nevada. The main event saw Bret Hart defend his WWF Championship against Yokozuna, with Hulk Hogan making his WWF debut in a surprise appearance. However, the evening took a turn for the worse when Hogan, who had been promised a title shot, felt snubbed and allegedly stormed out of the locker room, refusing to participate in the event.
The Fallout: A Lasting Impact on Hulk Hogan and Bret Hart
The aftermath of WrestleMania IX left a lasting scar on both Hulk Hogan and Bret Hart. In the documentary, Bret Hart revisits the events of that fateful evening, delivering a blunt assessment of Hogan’s behavior. “Hogan’s actions that night were not only a betrayal of the trust placed in him but also a slap in the face to the entire wrestling community,” Hart said. “It’s a shame that his ego and pride clouded his judgment, ultimately leading to a moment that would define him for years to come.”
According to a WWE insider, Hogan’s behavior that night was a symptom of a larger issue – a deep-seated insecurity and fear of being upstaged by Bret Hart’s rising star. “Hogan felt threatened by Bret’s success and saw the WWF Championship as a way to validate his own status,” the insider revealed. “Unfortunately, his actions only served to undermine the very thing he was trying to achieve.”
The Documentary and Its Impact on Hulk Hogan’s Legacy
The release of Hulk Hogan: Real American comes at a time when the wrestling world is still grappling with the complexities of Hogan’s complicated legacy. Love him or hate him, Hogan’s impact on the sport cannot be denied. However, his actions and words over the years have also left a trail of controversy and heartbreak in their wake.
The documentary offers a nuanced exploration of Hogan’s life, delving into the highs and lows of his wrestling career, as well as his personal struggles with fame, family, and identity. While it may not provide a complete redemption arc for Hogan, the film does offer a more empathetic understanding of the man behind the legend.
Bret Hart’s Reflections on Hulk Hogan: Then and Now
In the documentary, Bret Hart also reflects on the current state of Hulk Hogan’s legacy, and whether or not he believes Hogan has made amends for his past transgressions. “I think Hogan has done some good work in recent years to repair his image and make amends with those he’s wronged,” Hart said. “However, there’s still a long way to go before he can truly be considered a hero of the sport.”
Bret Hart’s comments come as a surprise to some, given his long-standing feud with Hogan in the 1990s. However, sources close to Hart reveal that he has been working to move forward from the past, using his platform to promote unity and understanding within the wrestling community.
A New Era of Understanding and Growth
The release of Hulk Hogan: Real American marks a significant moment in the ongoing conversation about Hulk Hogan’s legacy. While the documentary may not provide a complete vindication of Hogan’s actions, it does offer a more nuanced understanding of the complexities that have defined his life.
As the wrestling world continues to evolve and grow, it’s clear that the sport is moving towards a more empathetic and inclusive future. With documentaries like Hulk Hogan: Real American, we’re able to confront the past, learn from our mistakes, and work towards creating a more positive and supportive community for all.
In the words of Bret Hart, “It’s time for us to move forward, to create a new era of understanding and growth. We can’t change the past, but we can use it as a catalyst for change, to build a brighter future for ourselves and for the sport we love.”