Bret Hart vs. Hulk Hogan: The Debate Over Wrestling Legacies

The world of professional wrestling has seen its fair share of rivalries, both inside and outside the ring. One of the most enduring off-ring feuds is between two legends: Bret “The Hitman” Hart and Hulk Hogan. While both men have left indelible marks on the industry, their legacies couldn’t be more different. Recently, Bret Hart reignited this decades-long debate with a pointed critique of Hogan, stating, “These days, you don’t see anyone copying Hulk.” This bold declaration has sparked widespread discussion about their respective impacts on wrestling’s evolution.

In this blog, we’ll dive deep into the contrasting legacies of Bret Hart and Hulk Hogan, exploring their styles, contributions to the industry, and the ongoing tension between them.

The Origins of a Feud: WrestleMania IX and Beyond

The animosity between Bret Hart and Hulk Hogan dates back to their time in WWE during the early 1990s. One pivotal moment that fueled their feud occurred at WrestleMania IX.

Bret Hart had just lost the WWE Championship to Yokozuna in a controversial match. Moments later, Hulk Hogan entered the ring and defeated Yokozuna in just 22 seconds to claim the title. According to Hart, WWE’s original plan was for him to eventually defeat Hogan in a high-profile match months later. However, Hogan allegedly vetoed this idea, refusing to put Hart over.

This incident left a sour taste in Hart’s mouth and marked the beginning of a rivalry that would extend far beyond their active wrestling careers.

Contrasting Styles: Showmanship vs. Technical Mastery

Hulk Hogan: The Ultimate Showman

Hulk Hogan was the face of WWE during its golden era in the 1980s. With his larger-than-life persona, catchphrases like “Whatcha gonna do?” and iconic moves such as the “Leg Drop,” Hogan brought wrestling into mainstream pop culture.

However, Bret Hart has long criticized Hogan’s in-ring ability, calling it simplistic and outdated. In a recent interview with q on CBC, Hart remarked that wrestling today is about “action, speed, and storytelling”—qualities he believes Hogan lacked. He even went so far as to say that Hogan “didn’t know a headlock from a headlight.”

Bret Hart: The Technician

In contrast, Bret Hart built his legacy on technical excellence and storytelling within the ring. Known as “The Excellence of Execution,” Hart’s matches were meticulously crafted to showcase athleticism and emotion. His ability to make every move meaningful set him apart from many of his contemporaries.

Hart’s influence is evident in today’s generation of wrestlers who prioritize technical skill over theatrics. Superstars like Seth Rollins, Daniel Bryan (Bryan Danielson), and AJ Styles often cite Hart as an inspiration for their approach to wrestling.

Hart’s Critique of Hogan’s Legacy

Bret Hart has never been shy about expressing his opinions on Hulk Hogan’s contributions—or lack thereof—to professional wrestling. In multiple interviews over the years, he has argued that while Hogan may have been a cultural icon, his influence on modern wrestling is minimal compared to his own.

“They Don’t Wrestle Like Hulk Anymore”

One of Hart’s most striking comments came during an interview where he stated:
“When you look back today, they don’t wrestle like Hulk Hogan anymore. They wrestle like Bret Hart.”
This statement underscores a shift in wrestling from character-driven entertainment to athletic competition—a shift that many attribute to Hart’s influence.

A Legacy Tarnished by Controversy

Hogan’s legacy has also been marred by personal controversies, including allegations of racism and backstage politicking. These issues have led some fans and peers to question whether his contributions were more about spectacle than substance.

Modern Wrestling: Whose Legacy Endures?

The Evolution of Wrestling

Today’s wrestling landscape reflects elements of both men’s styles. While larger-than-life characters like Roman Reigns still dominate headlines, there is also a strong emphasis on technical skill and storytelling—hallmarks of Bret Hart’s approach.

Fan Perspectives

Fans remain divided on whose legacy holds more weight. Some argue that without Hogan’s mainstream appeal, wrestling might never have reached its current level of popularity. Others believe that Hart’s technical mastery laid the groundwork for modern match quality.

Key Moments That Define Their Legacies

Hulk Hogan

• WrestleMania III: His match against Andre the Giant remains one of wrestling’s most iconic moments.
• Cultural Impact: From movies like No Holds Barred to endorsements, Hogan brought wrestling into mainstream culture.
• Controversies: Allegations of racism and backstage politics have tarnished his reputation over time.

Bret Hart

• WrestleMania X: His match against Owen Hart showcased his technical brilliance.
• The Montreal Screwjob: A defining moment in wrestling history that cemented his status as a sympathetic figure.
• Influence on Modern Wrestling: Many current wrestlers credit him as an inspiration for their style.

Conclusion: Two Legends, One Industry

The debate between Bret Hart and Hulk Hogan isn’t just about personal grievances; it reflects broader questions about what makes a wrestler truly great. Is it charisma and mainstream appeal? Or is it technical skill and in-ring storytelling?

While Hulk Hogan will always be remembered as a cultural icon who brought wrestling into the mainstream spotlight, Bret Hart’s influence on the craft itself may have more lasting significance. As fans continue to debate their legacies, one thing is clear: both men played pivotal roles in shaping professional wrestling into what it is today.

In the end, perhaps the true measure of their legacies lies not in their differences but in how they collectively elevated an industry beloved by millions around the world.