Bret “The Hitman” Hart is a Canadian professional wrestling legend whose career has spanned more than four decades. He is widely considered one of the greatest technical wrestlers of all time — known for his in‑ring skill, storytelling, and finishing moves like the Sharpshooter. Throughout his career, Bret has earned fame, titles, and recognition as a multiple‑time world champion, wrestling promoter, trainer, and media personality.
As of 2026, Bret Hart’s estimated net worth is around $20 million, built from his wrestling career, merchandise, media appearances, and licensing deals. But Bret’s story is much deeper than a number — it’s about family, passion, success, struggle, and legacy. Let’s explore his life in detail.
Who Is Bret Hart? Early Life and Wrestling Family Roots
Bret Sergeant Hart was born on July 2, 1957, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He comes from the legendary Hart wrestling family, one of the most respected dynasties in professional wrestling history.
Father and Brothers
His father, Stu Hart, was a highly regarded wrestling trainer and promoter who trained many future stars in his famous Hart Dungeon — a basement gym known for tough physical workouts.
Bret’s brothers, including Owen Hart, Bruce Hart, and Keith Hart, also became professional wrestlers, making the Hart name synonymous with wrestling excellence.
Bret grew up around wrestling, learning grappling, holds, and psychology from an early age. This early immersion helped shape his technical wrestling style and deep understanding of storytelling in the ring.
Rise to Fame: WWE (Formerly WWF) Career
Bret Hart’s professional career officially began in the late 1970s, but his big breakthrough came when he joined the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in the mid‑1980s.
The Hart Foundation
In WWF, Bret formed the Hart Foundation tag team with his brother Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart, a duo that became one of the most popular tag teams of the era. Their combination of technical skill and power brought them major success — including multiple WWF Tag Team Championships.
The Hitman Persona
Bret’s character, known as “The Hitman,” became one of the most respected personas in wrestling. Unlike flashy power wrestlers, Bret was known for:
- Technical mastery
- Fast reflexes
- Strong submission holds
- Logical match psychology
- Sharp in‑ring storytelling
Fans loved him for his authenticity — wrestling like someone you could actually believe was a real fighter.
World Champion Success
Bret Hart became a multiple‑time WWF World Heavyweight Champion, defeating top stars like Shawn Michaels, Steve Austin, and Yokozuna. His matches were often praised for realism, athleticism, and tension.
In 1994, Bret won the King of the Ring tournament and delivered a famous promo declaring, “I am the best there is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be.”
These accomplishments helped legitimize his legacy and elevate his market value as a top wrestling star.
The Montreal Screwjob (1997) and WCW
One of the most talked‑about events in wrestling history is the Montreal Screwjob — a controversial finish at WWF Survivor Series 1997 involving Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels. Bret lost the WWF Championship in a real‑life dispute between him and WWF owner Vince McMahon, shocking fans around the world.
The event remains one of the most debated moments in wrestling history — not just for its outcome, but for its impact on wrestling storytelling and backstage politics.
After leaving WWF, Bret joined World Championship Wrestling (WCW), where he continued wrestling and held the WCW World Heavyweight Championship.
Though his WCW run was successful in parts, many fans and critics feel it didn’t match the peak of his WWF legacy.
Retirement, Personal Struggles, and Hall of Fame
Bret Hart retired from full‑time wrestling in the early 2000s due to injuries, including a serious neck injury sustained during a European tour.
Despite retiring, Bret stayed connected to wrestling in various ways:
- WWE Hall of Fame induction (2006)
- Occasional appearances at wrestling events
- Mentoring younger wrestlers
- Media interviews and documentaries
His induction into the WWE Hall of Fame sealed his status as one of the all‑time greats.
Life Outside the Ring: Media and Writing
Bret Hart also built a presence outside wrestling through books and media.
Autobiography
Bret wrote a candid autobiography, “Hitman: My Real Life in the Cartoon World of Wrestling,” which became a bestseller and gave fans insight into his personal life, career challenges, family, and philosophy.
TV and Appearances
He has appeared on:
- Wrestling documentaries
- Interviews with sports media
- Cameos in entertainment programs
- Charity events and fan conventions
These activities contribute to his public visibility and ongoing earnings.
Bret Hart’s Net Worth in 2026
Estimated Net Worth: ~$20 Million
As of 2026, most credible sources estimate Bret Hart’s net worth to be around $20 million. This is a combination of:
- Earnings from wrestling contracts (WWE and WCW)
- Merchandise sales
- Book sales
- Media appearances
- Licensing and endorsements
While Bret’s net worth is lower than some entertainers, it is impressive for a wrestler of his generation — especially one who achieved success before the era of massive TV‑contracts and streaming revenue.
What Contributes to His Wealth
- Wrestling career paychecks (championship matches, main events)
- Merchandise royalties (t‑shirts, DVDs, trading cards)
- Autobiography sales
- Hall of Fame appearances
- Media and licensing deals
Bret Hart’s wealth comes from both past earnings and ongoing residual income, such as book royalties and licensed merchandise.
Bret Hart’s Wrestling Style and Legacy
Bret Hart’s in‑ring style was unique for his time. Unlike power‑based wrestlers, Bret focused on:
- Precision grappling
- Technical control
- Submission holds (like the Sharpshooter)
- Storytelling through psychology and pacing
Fans and wrestlers alike credit him for:
- Raising the standard of professional wrestling
- Inspiring future technical wrestlers
- Blending athleticism with believable realism
His influence continues to impact performers in WWE, AEW, NJPW, ROH, and other wrestling promotions worldwide.
Key Matches and Rivalries
Some of Bret Hart’s most notable matches include:
- Bret Hart vs. Shawn Michaels — WrestleMania XII Iron Man Match
- Bret Hart vs. Steve Austin — Multiple classic bouts
- Bret Hart vs. Mr. Perfect — Intercontinental title matches
- Bret Hart vs. Owen Hart — Emotional family rivalry
These matches are frequently listed among the best in wrestling history and are used in wrestling schools to teach psychology and pacing.
Personal Life and Family
Bret Hart married Julie Smadu and has three children. He also has a large extended wrestling family that continues the Hart legacy.
Bret’s brother Owen Hart tragically passed away in 1999 due to a wrestling accident, and Bret has spoken openly about the emotional impact of that loss.
Despite challenges, Bret maintains a close relationship with his family, and the Hart name remains one of the most respected in professional wrestling.
Recognition and Awards
Throughout his career, Bret Hart received:
- Multiple World Championships (WWE & WCW)
- Tag Team Championships
- King of the Ring (1994)
- WWE Hall of Fame (Class of 2006)
- Numerous awards from wrestling magazines and fan polls
These accolades reflect his impact and popularity across eras.
Why Bret Hart’s Story Matters
Bret Hart’s life and career teach important lessons:
- Hard work pays off — he practiced wrestling rigorously from his youth.
- Character and skill matter — he became loved for his technical excellence.
- Resilience through setbacks — he recovered from injury and controversy.
- Legacy is long‑lasting — he inspired generations of wrestlers.
Bret Hart’s influence goes beyond titles; he helped shape how modern wrestling blends sport and storytelling.
Quick Facts About Bret Hart
- Full Name: Bret Sergeant Hart
- Born: July 2, 1957
- Birthplace: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Professional Debut: Late 1970s
- Known As: The Hitman
- Championships: Multiple WWE & WCW World Titles
- Hall of Fame: WWE Hall of Fame (2006)
- Estimated Net Worth (2026): ~$20 Million
Conclusion
Bret Hart’s life story is not just about net worth — it’s about impact. He became one of the most technically skilled and respected wrestlers in history, earned multiple world championships, and built a career that spanned decades. His estimated $20 million net worth in 2026 reflects not only his earnings from wrestling but also his long‑lasting legacy through books, media, and merchandising.
Whether you’re a wrestling fan or new to the sport, Bret Hart’s journey offers lessons in dedication, passion, and perseverance — qualities that helped him rise from a wrestling family garage to worldwide fame.
Also Read: David Choe Net Worth 2026: Biography, Career, Art, and Wealth
Frequently Asked Questions About Bret Hart Net Worth
What is Bret Hart’s net worth in 2026?
As of 2026, Bret Hart’s estimated net worth is around $20 million. His wealth comes from his professional wrestling career, merchandise, book sales, media appearances, and licensing deals.
How did Bret Hart make his money?
Bret Hart earned his money through:
- WWE and WCW contracts
- World Championship and Tag Team matches
- Merchandise sales (t-shirts, DVDs, trading cards)
- Book royalties
- Media appearances and licensing deals
Is Bret Hart a self-made millionaire?
Yes. Bret Hart is a self-made wrestling legend, building his career from the Hart family wrestling tradition and achieving fame and wealth through his skill, discipline, and in-ring success.
What is Bret Hart famous for?
Bret Hart is famous for:
- Being “The Hitman” in WWE/WWF
- Multiple World Heavyweight Championships
- His technical wrestling style and finishing move, the Sharpshooter
- Classic rivalries with Shawn Michaels, Steve Austin, and Owen Hart
- His involvement in the Montreal Screwjob (1997)
What companies did Bret Hart work for?
Bret Hart wrestled for major promotions, including:
- World Wrestling Federation (WWF/WWE)
- World Championship Wrestling (WCW)
- Hart family promotions and independent wrestling events
Has Bret Hart written books?
Yes. Bret Hart authored his autobiography:
- “Hitman: My Real Life in the Cartoon World of Wrestling”
The book covers his life, wrestling career, controversies, and personal experiences.
Is Bret Hart in the WWE Hall of Fame?
Yes. Bret Hart was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2006, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest wrestlers in history.
Did Bret Hart face controversies in wrestling?
Yes. The most notable controversy was the Montreal Screwjob in 1997, when Bret was controversially stripped of the WWF Championship during a match with Shawn Michaels.
Where is Bret Hart from?
Bret Hart was born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and grew up in the Hart wrestling family, which is famous in professional wrestling circles.
Is Bret Hart still involved in wrestling?
While Bret Hart retired from full-time wrestling in the early 2000s, he remains involved through:
- Hall of Fame appearances
- Mentoring younger wrestlers
- Media interviews and documentaries
What can fans learn from Bret Hart’s career?
Bret Hart’s career teaches:
- Discipline and hard work are essential
- Technical skill and storytelling make a lasting impact
- Overcoming injuries and controversies is part of success
- Building a legacy is more than just winning titles
