Why Did Bret Hart Quit WWE?By Coder| September 27, 2023 Wrestling Blogs Why Did Bret Hart Quit WWE? Bret Hart, also known as “The Hitman,” was one of the most beloved and respected professional wrestlers of his time. He had a successful career in the WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment), winning multiple championships and captivating fans with his technical skills and charismatic personality. However, there came a point when Bret Hart made the shocking decision to quit WWE. Let’s delve into the reasons behind his departure. The Montreal Screwjob One event that played a significant role in Bret Hart’s decision to leave WWE was the infamous Montreal Screwjob. It took place on November 9, 1997, during a pay-per-view event called “Survivor Series.” Bret Hart was set to defend his WWE Championship against Shawn Michaels, but there was a backstage power struggle that led to an unexpected turn of events. The Controversy: WWE Chairman Vince McMahon feared that Bret Hart might take the championship belt to WCW (World Championship Wrestling), which was their rival promotion at that time. Hart had creative control over his character and had negotiated a deal to drop the title in his home country of Canada rather than losing it in America. However, McMahon decided to disregard their agreement and instructed referee Earl Hebner to ring the bell during the match without Hart’s knowledge or consent. The Result: This controversial ending left Bret Hart feeling betrayed and humiliated. He believed that Vince McMahon had orchestrated this screwjob solely for business purposes, disregarding their long-standing professional relationship. This incident deeply impacted their trust and ultimately led to Hart’s decision to quit WWE. WCW Offer The Financial Aspect: Another significant factor that influenced Bret Hart’s departure from WWE was the lucrative offer made by WCW. They were willing to pay him a substantial amount of money and provide creative control over his character. This offer, coupled with the Montreal Screwjob incident, made WCW an appealing option for Hart. The Legacy: Bret Hart had accomplished almost everything possible in WWE, and a fresh start in WCW could have allowed him to explore new opportunities and challenges. Despite the controversy surrounding his exit from WWE, Hart believed that he could make a significant impact in WCW and further solidify his legacy as one of the all-time greats. Personal Tragedies Family Losses: In addition to the Montreal Screwjob and the WCW offer, Bret Hart was also dealing with personal tragedies during this period. He had lost several family members, including his brother Owen Hart who tragically passed away in 1999 during a wrestling stunt gone wrong. These losses took a toll on Hart emotionally and may have contributed to his decision to step away from the wrestling industry for some time. Conclusion In conclusion, there were multiple factors that led to Bret Hart quitting WWE. The betrayal he felt due to the Montreal Screwjob incident, coupled with the lucrative offer from WCW and personal tragedies, all played a role in his departure. Despite leaving WWE under controversial circumstances, Bret Hart’s contributions to professional wrestling continue to be remembered and celebrated by fans worldwide.