Hitman Hart: Wrestling with Shadows (WWE Legend Documentary) | Real Stories

In this feature-length documentary, director Paul Jay was given unprecedented access to the world of Bret Hart and pro wrestling as his camera followed Bret "the Hitman" Hart for one year. Going behind the tightly guarded walls of wrestling's spectacle and theatre, the film explores the meaning of today's wrestling morality plays. As fantasy crosses into real life, the true story of Bret Hart's struggle with Vince McMahon, the legendary owner of the WWE, is revealed. Hitman Hart: Wrestling with Shadows climaxes with the tale of the biggest double-cross in pro wrestling.
From Hitman Hart Wrestling with Shadows
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[@SouthWestCarpHunter]

I love how Julie instantly knew hunter was involved. Says a lot

[@hectorlopez1069]

@@mickanvonfootscraymarket5520 Triple H never believe he would married the boss daughter.

[@hectorlopez1069]

Julie was so mad, she thought it was a setup. They setup bret.

[@rasalghul1263]

@@mickanvonfootscraymarket5520 Mess with a Hart it might attack you someday..corny but true

[@sashalove83]

He was a employee doing what he was told to do! He wasn’t the game back then! Just like the ref. How are they to be blamed? Besides triple hhh had just gotten back into Vince good graces this was after the Kliq incident when he got punished by not winning the king of the ring!

[@KingMetto]

@@hectorlopez1069 Duhhhhh.Thanks for the obvious information we already knew.

[@ronokarat]

Met Bret as a child, That time he was still a Tag Team competitor with Jim Neidhart. Wrestlers were at Fair and he was signing pictures and his SILVER colored signature sunglasses. I approached him and wanted a pair of his glasses but they sold out and i was about to cry, was so funny. He literally took the ones he had on and signed it then place it over my head and high fives me. Still have those shades and i’ll never forget that day.

[@sirwi11iam]

What a guy!

[@musclemark2710]

Awesome!

[@etherealfoxproductions]

Bret Hart is pure class.

[@hellshavoc88]

Good guy Bret

[@maggieripsin4588]

I always thought he was so cool, so real and completely genuine.

[@85futureshock]

This documentary is a reminder to everyone that your job. Is nothing more than that. Your job. When your employer tells you that your workplace is your family, its not. It’s emotional manipulation to get you to do what they want. You have a family. Your employer will have no problem replacing you if you drop dead and lying to you. No matter how loyal you are, they have no obligation to be loyal to you.

[@kid--presentable]

Well said sir

[@forgottenmma3694]

Boom. Nailed it on the head. Always follow the money. In business there is no loyalty

[@firstofdecember9247]

“Drop dead”. Just like Owen. . .

[@firstofdecember9247]

@@leighlowe1069 lol I know. Thanks!

[@jonathancrosby2959]

You guys have got to understand, for Bret, this was a stab in the heart. I'm sure he still thinks about it to this day, and nobody's ever going to forget anything like this, especially him and his family, but he was also at fault because he made this decision, and he was somehow mad that Vince put the title on Shawn when he signed with WCW, so it was going to happen anyway. I'm sure you guys remember that five years after this, Shawn turned his life around, and became a born again Christian, and he made his family a number one priority, so kudos to him.

[@bretzky9261]

Saw Bret Hart in the airport last week. Gave him a fistbump and let him know he is the best there is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be.

[@Bobby.2000]

That's cool n all, but Bret already knew what he was lol. Sure he never gets tired of hearing it though

[@educateme8455]

Wait! Bret suplexed Vader off the top rope? Or Bret's rope + 1? Amazing 16:34

[@Indigo2400]

@@Bobby.2000 don't blame him lmao

[@enrkm85]

@@educateme8455 We got an OSW fan? But I guess it has Always been Bret's rope.

[@shawnofeons]

I met him during his book signing tour in 2008. I told him that his matches with Mr Perfect were some of the best matches ever. He said "thanks he was really good" Bret signed my copy of his book, shook my hand and took a picture with me.

[@Fairiris1]

Bret’s story really is a sad one. This was a man that showed good sportsmanship to his peers and was genuinely more about loyalty than money only for them to take advantage of him and manipulate the media just to justify on why they should be rewarded for bad behavior. He was everything at one point and for good reason. He was done wrong and it’s unfortunate that after ‘96 his career and health went downhill even after WWF. Much respect for this man.

[@ShadowAngel-lt8nw]

Ahahahahahahahahahahaha, you can't be serious. How much of a clueless mark are you?

[@kingofkings69ner]

Bret being a mark for himself in this video

[@DarkDestroyer98]

of course he is, it's a documentary ABOUT HIM. @@kingofkings69ner

[@arthurmorgan7086]

If he was loyal he would have done the job and none of this would have happened

[@DarkDestroyer98]

​That's simplistic. Bret should have never been champion going into that weekend. He should have dropped the belt to the Undertaker at some point. @@arthurmorgan7086

[@battlerapking4646]

Bret Hart is truly one of the most influential pro wrestler of all time.

[@educateme8455]

Not really if you think about it. His No 1 move was whinging. Whinged himself to a fortune...and continues to whinge to this day. What other wrestler did that?

[@hectorlopez1069]

oh yes

[@russblack443]

@@educateme8455 Hogan,but Hogan also was a stooge that snitched on everyone else.

[@c.l.freeman7654]

@@russblack443 that's bullshit. Ventura says that but you name another

[@PlumpHotdog]

One of the best technical wrestlers yes, but he wasn't influential to the industry

[@southsudani983]

this documentary just proves that being the good loyal guy doesn’t guarantee anything in most companies .. businesses can be so cutthroat

[@educateme8455]

I feel it proves how talented Bret and Vince were. It's all a work. The greatest work of all time.

[@southsudani983]

@Educate Me bret is too egocentric and obsessed with his career to fake it this long .. u can see he’s never been the same , he was really heartbroken .. all that anger probably added to his health issues ..

[@wolf99000]

You do get that its right every leaving wrestler puts over the next guy what they dont tell you on this is vince offered him a ton of other ways to drop he refused them all he was offered to drop it the night before in the US and he said no he was offered to drop it to any other than Shawn he said no again wrestlers put over the next guy when leaving Hogan put Bret over HHH put Cena over Taker put Roman over its how it works and if anyone should have know that its Bret and with WCW going around dumping titles in bins he would never be able to keep the belt past his end date

[@southsudani983]

@@wolf99000 “the kliq” wanted to humiliate bret hart .. they had some political control and wanted to hurt him.. having bret lose to his own move was a statement .. bret was willing to lose but not to shawn because of his comments in regards to never losing to bret .. bret put shawn over at wrestlmania 12, he elevated stone cold too .. he’s helped a lot of guys .. yes he had an ego , all the top stars did but he was a traditionalist and knew hbk wanted to make a mockery and he tried to stop it and failed ..ppl like to talk about taker but bret was too much of a loyal company man

[@ruthlessattitude7975]

@@wolf99000 he said he didn’t want to drop the title to someone who disrespected him like that

[@hsv8tee]

This was a film about Brett Hart’s career & ended up capturing one of the most infamous pay view episode in wrestling history is remarkable..

[@educateme8455]

The Hero was Vince McMahon. In case you missed that part.

[@troywright359]

@@educateme8455 the hero was Stone Cold. He gave the Hitman a stunner he'll not soon forget.

[@timhurst1350]

@@educateme8455 Nope. You know NOTHING about wrestling

[@BlamBlam80]

It's ironic isn't it. You would almost think its all scripted. 🤔

[@eldorado852]

Pure coincidence, I guess :D

[@melissawright1979]

Seeing Owen, Davey Boy, Jim Neidhart, Brian Pillman, the Road Warriors, Vader, Pat Patterson, Paul Bearer. . . both made me smile and made me sad, knowing that all of them are no longer with us. Oh and the way all the wrestlers were so kind and playful with Bret's children really hit me. They really were like a big extended family x

[@kid--presentable]

Sad except for that peeedo Patterson

[@sj4632]

All died too young

[@jonathancrosby2959]

Yeah. Bulldog, Benoit, Eddie, and Owen were the best.

[@hamzanazeer6412]

@@jonathancrosby2959 yeah sure, a man who killed his wife and kid is a good man

[@dhornjr1]

And all of those guys were standing there backstage, and they were all ashamed and embarrassed of what Vince had done.

[@therldrewduncan]

My favorite part is Bret's wife scalding them like she's their mother 😂

[@HaileysTomet09]

When Brett turned heel, his promos instantly improved. I think there’s some conviction behind those promos.

[@marilynsgirl01]

As a child in the US I sensed hurt and anger in those promos. I was such a huge fan and I wanted to scream through the tv. ‘I’m here! I still love you! Shawn sucks!!’ He knew kids like me were out there and I think that bothered him too. Definitely a turbulent time in WWF.

[@mrkipling2201]

They don’t mention why Bret wouldn’t drop the belt to Shawn. It was because Shawn totally disrespected Bret. Bret said that Shawn would always be safe with him in the ring and that he was happy to drop the title to him at SS. Shawn said that he really appreciated that but he wouldn’t do the same thing for him. After that it was all bets off. Which I don’t blame Bret for.

[@balljacksok]

It’s a work

[@JayTeeAyy]

Seeing Bret standing with Owen, Neidhart, Pillman, and Bulldog is so sad knowing what happens in present day. But I’m glad we got to see them as a stable in the 1st place, rip to them

[@southsideofhawthorne6507]

and Stu. It is sad

[@Ghost-Face420]

crazy that they are all Dead except Bret…

[@hunterblacc4336]

I was thinking the same thing

[@johnv6806]

When/how did neidhart die?

[@TheHightower92]

@@johnv6806 Jim died back in 2018. He had a seizure, then fell and died of a head injury. I guess he had early onset Alzheimers

[@balchana3365]

Julie seemed quite astute. She said “I don’t believe it” when Bret told her Vince said it would be a DQ finish

[@friscofreezyofficial]

"When Shaun goes to a funeral, he gets upset because he's not the corpse. He always wants to be the centre of attention"- Jerry Lawler What a crazy thing to say lol

[@tomlehmann306]

At that time period it was 100% true as well

[@forgottenmma3694]

Its true. HBK was such a prima donna attention seeker

[@jimreily7538]

Teddy Roosevelt's daughter, Alice Roosevelt, once said of her father (back in the 1900s), "he wants to be the bride at every wedding, and the corpse at every funeral"

[@Steveman27]

Doesn't Jerry Lawler know Shawn more than you do? Maybe what Jerry said was true.

[@ravenspower4797]

@@tomlehmann306 Absolutley Right! Shawn use to much Coke! He was a fu' cokehead.

[@sleazyfellow]

The greatest year pro wrestling has ever had was in 1997. All companies were doing great, WCW, WWF and ECW. If I could just go back to those days.

[@ammagnolia]

Agree. There's a special place in 97 where you see it transform from the New Golden Era into the Attitude Era

[@carter3369]

98 was the greatest imo when Kane and Taker were together but 97 was great as well

[@DTskater16]

I started watching wrestling at the beginning of 97 when I was 6 years old.

[@eatassonthefirstdate]

omg dude ECW in my 7th grade year, every Wednesday I was BLOWN AWAY watching ECW dude. my god THAT was real. anyone say otherwise? watch that Sabu barb wire title match from 97😅

[@Garf_malarf]

One of the greatest wrestling documentaries I have ever seen. I have seen this maybe 20 times and it never gets old.

[@fpshooterful]

In my Youth, this was the first DOCU to show the true dark side of wrestling.

[@wwe412]

I AGREE WITH YOU BECAUSE OF BRET

[@howell2327]

yes me too saw dis docu more than 10x but still worth to watch from start to finish

[@412StepUp]

Me too

[@cjones3710]

Me too

[@michaelkeller5927]

Bret beating up the patriot while the usa anthem kept playing was way funnier than it should have been 😂😂😂

[@NotYourBroni]

Ong 😭😭😭

[@briantneary2248]

He was, without a doubt, my favorite wrestler. I'm still not over how things played out for him.

[@markbaldry5459]

Same, wrestling was never the same for me

[@wesclark3396]

That was one time wrestling was real. Although it is more real than people think. Not anyone is cut out for it, that's for sure.

[@Youre_Right]

Brett was a performer. He was paid to play a role. He forgot that just like Vince said. If you’re referring to Goldberg kicking him in the head. Then I’m on the same page. Goldberg was careless and then showed a disgusting lack of remorse for permanently injuring one of the best ever.

[@TheRealNintendoKid]

For me it was a toss-up between him and Owen. Both are extremely talented, but I tend to enjoy Owen's high flying acrobatic stuff a little more just because of how damn impressive it is for anyone to do, let alone someone as big and buff as he was. Bret's a little more familiar though, I'd been watching him since the late 80s/early 90s. We used to come home every Sunday from the flea market and watch some WWF while we ate lunch. When Bret left, I came really close to not watching anymore. When Owen died, that was it.

[@sirnoname6943]

His view of being screwed is not being in the spotlight he felt what all his opponents felt

[@Penny.Dreadful.formally.known.]

Vince McMahon really did a number on him and his brother. Those boys had heart. No pun intended.

[@krishnadyehouse931]

💖💖💖

[@raypavey1102]

Good one

[@earlusmcdivett]

Not really. He has a business to run. His business, his rules.

[@zachsabbath1]

@Rabbi Ezra Schekelstein Such a sad attempt at a joke. Work on those reading comprehension skills--"Those boys HAD heart."

[@bobsapp3133]

on davey boy too during the uk one night stand where the finish got changed at the last minute so that michaels would win, and davey got humiliated in front of his family and his sister who was dying of cancer who he had dedicated the match to.

[@LeoWhalen1933]

He's the coolest. The worst part about this documentary is not the screwjob anymore. It's seeing all the characters that are no longer around. Anvil, Owen, Bulldog, Stu, Helen, Vader.... Those times are gone forever.

[@michaeladams5636]

Pillman.

[@iamcasihart]

@@michaeladams5636Never forget Brian FKN Pillman. 🤘

[@dumisatonyjohnson8145]

The Road Warriors Hawk & Animal Neither of them are with us

[@cjones3710]

No spit. Even when it came out it was dated as so many were gone by 98.

[@yogsenforfoth5948]

As a fan from 1992-2002, this documentary and Beyond the Mat were the two documentaries that really smartened me up to the business. I always knew it was scripted, but I never realized how raw and real the industry actually is/was. I really enjoy being able to revisit those memories on KZbin.

[@MaynardOwns]

You will appreciate the reliving the war series

[@jerry85g7]

Same here brother.

[@bobsapp3133]

beyond the mat was such an eye opener

[@firewalker1372]

@@MaynardOwns Wrestling Bios….

[@hippotuskman7808]

@@MaynardOwns I know I am! Halloween Havoc!

[@julsmelrose]

Man, watching him talk about fearing getting hurt, and him saying he's afraid his story will end as a wrestling tragedy cuts deep all these years later. Damn you, Goldberg!

[@krishnadyehouse931]

💖💖💖

[@sashalove83]

Just like Owen basically shortened stone cold career!

[@kentallard8852]

not only that but his brother and brother-in-law too

[@DNSV-ex8of]

Goldberg did not give Bret that injury... Brets back of his head hit the hard floor when he put a figure 4 on Goldberg around the ring post. If you watch the kick. His hands were up and his head barely went back when the kick was sent. More will disagree with me then not but watch the match.

[@tellydead1836]

@@DNSV-ex8of tip of the iceberg titanic Goldberg didn’t help

[@GameTime-yj6qv]

There's something about Bret that always made him more human and relatable than other WWF stars. Maybe the fact we knew about his wrestling family and background and how much wrestling meant to him. Bret also has always cared about his fans.

[@BogusLion]

It's not because of his wrestling family, because I never knew that side and I really liked him back then, and there are others with wrestling families as well, some wrestlers just have a different charisma, that's what makes superstars in this sport.

[@tristan7844]

He had morals and was a decent human being..that's what made him different

[@tessa8484]

Once "met" Bret when I was little, he did this autograph signing at a mall of mine when he was with WWF. He gave me a little one armed hug and I'll never forget it, he's been my favorite wrestler since.

[@forgottenmma3694]

He seems like the genuine article

[@tmrevenge]

The Hitman was like a real hero. And his matches are still the best I've ever seen

[@RickRomo]

the scene of Julie Hart giving HHH the business in the hallway is hilarious because he's the one that indirectly put the screwjob in motion. "if he doesn't want to do business, you do the business for him."

[@Speedyreedy1218]

Like the boss he is.

[@camschuster5947]

Can you imagine all the extra raw footage that was probably discarded? Would be worth gold today to any wrestling fan.

[@mayavenuemisfit814]

I would have liked to have seen footage of Bret and Vince "fighting" in the dressing room in Montreal. But Bret asked his film crew to leave before that happened.

[@quarancine878]

I did my highschool project on this. It was a religion class and the topic was about good vs evil. Never did I enjoy a project so much and I got an A+ .

[@timstort8223]

Man what a cast of characters. Too bad a lot of these legends are no longer with us from this film. But remember, legends never die!

[@heidikersey7280]

This brings back memories from old days. My daughter and my dad use to watch these guys on TV. It was their "time together ". My dad has passed now and I know if my daughter seen this video she would have shed a tear and remember the times she shared with her grandpa!!💞

[@hectorlopez1069]

memories of the past

[@MsStealYourDadAndMom]

My mom got with the guy I'd call my dad when I was around 4-5 years old. He was big into wrestling, undertaker and stone cold were his favorites, we started watching it together along with my sister and we'd end up trying to do flips and give each other stunners. Still kinda keep up with it today. They're some of my favorite memories. 💜

[@JGD185]

90s documentaries seem different than today, more raw and real

[@Speedyreedy1218]

Or documentaries produced in the 2000s about the 90s.

[@dutchlinde3574]

What documentaries do you actually watch?

[@deanobeany]

I agree. My fiance watches a lot of those documentaries on Netflix. Same photos used 50 times, same ominous music playing 50 times, and dragging out "reveals" over 6 episodes for very little content.

[@jenellsmith7206]

I'm literally reading Bret Hart's book now as this notification popped up 😂😂😂

[@vanswty]

The book is great

[@fabulousat40beauty]

The book was great. Id recommend chris jerichos book too. Another great read

[@johnrodriguez8233]

That moment with Bret and his Dad at the end walking up to the house reminds me of myself and my Pop. Much respect to the hart family 💯💯🙏🙏

[@jawaidtoppa4151]

God bless Stu hart He created lots great legends

[@neilrani3753]

It's great to see Julie stayed by Hart's side during his tough time but it's sad to see him no longer by her side now

[@goldenyoda7276]

20 years so gtfo

[@billywatson9821]

This was one of my favorite wrestlers. I always love to see him wrestle. I was mad how he was did during the Iron Man Match with Shawn Michaels.

[@ClassicKrusty]

Should have restarted the match with Shawn in the Sharpshooter in the middle of the ring lol

[@billywatson9821]

@@ClassicKrusty I agree. I felt he got cheated out of his belt, and rob during Wrestlemania 12.

[@educateme8455]

I'll never forget the Screwjob Riot. I knew 4 people who died that day.

[@billywatson9821]

@@educateme8455 Woe!!!

[@thorazinequeen4589]

That’s eerie….seeing Owen. Well seeing all the Hart Foundation but Bret. They’re all dead but Bret.

[@mrkipling2201]

A lot of the wrestlers who featured in this have passed away. That’s sad and the main reason why I get quite emotional watching parts of it.

[@fatima-j]

I like how Bret is close to his family and kids 👏👏

[@kcjay4303]

Watching Vince hobble out of the dressing room after Bret knocked him out makes smile and happy every time

[@sirnoname6943]

Where’d the time stamp

[@kcjay4303]

​@@sirnoname6943 128:00 mark

[@darryl163]

It was a work lol

[@rita2774]

@@darryl163that bruise on Vince during the interview says otherwise tbh

[@Ghost-Face420]

even though Shawn will always be my personal favorite, there will never be a Leader like Bret Hart or anyone who loves this Business more and takes it more seriously, a true Leader & Legend

[@pabloschweinsteiger3954]

Undertaker?

[@scottthomson3575]

Wow it's crazy rewatching this... At first I thought Brett was just stroking his image by saying he punched Vince, but the footage of Vince walking by, he definitely got knocked the f out! That's insane. I know a lot of us wish we could do that to our boss. Brett is damn lucky Vince didn't press charges.

[@angelaizzo641]

You can see a black eye in his interview.

[@mrkipling2201]

I suppose people could say that Bret could have a case for breach of contract. Maybe?? He had a reasonable creative control clause in his contract and that was reneged on. He didn’t agree to the finish. It was out of his control. If I’d been him, it’s certainly something I’d have looked into. Maybe he did??

[@jonharrison9222]

Vince is lucky Bret didn’t leave him permanently damaged.

[@LordRegaI]

Screwjob was a work...

[@BEEyonced]

LMAO those Bret Pinky Fart Fans are truly something else! As if any person outside, esp. in the law system would care about a fake sports match decision. Bret was just an employee having to perform the script giving to him by Executives, last say Vince! It's the No. 1 rule. Otherwise he may have joined a real sport like Olympic Wrestling! REASONABLE creative control would be if he had worn last month blue instead of pink and not joining rival WWF as Reigning Champion, Lawd knowing what he would do with that belt. Maybe if others hadn't screwed Vince in ego heat lie Alundra Blayze he might have been more easy and truly giving him this as nod - who knows! It's all wishy washy acting. Where the hierarchy of the company is clear in I structing and following! Now on the other hand is physical violence. WITH witnesses... at any court in the world you would get a heap amount of money plus criminal charges! Vince could have truly screwed him getting him outside his Hart house earning for years.... BUT Vince was the BIGGER man in THIS case - like Chris Rock! He JUST publically humiliated him with explaining in an interview 'Bret screwed Bret' and it couldn't have been better summed up in fewest words! That Vince is like a slave owner with those hard working conditions no fan ever needed (300 days on the road instead of 100, matches being more brutal by the year even despite Owen!) and no real long-term scripted scheme of a gimmick (leaving a lot of envy, jealousy, lies and frustration in the locker room) is another side of the tale. Not to mention his sexual assaults. But that has nothing to do with reminding a wrestler (even as successful as Bret) that after signing with WCW now losing time has arrived! Why Bret insisted on such a clause anyway - already planning back then he wouldn't do the losing job! And Pinky Fans talk about Shawn's ego who was held so under 1988-1994 for a Pinky Boy to shine!

[@Magpie_Mark92]

Stu Hart taught Bret well and has made him the man he is a very humble genuinly nice person

[@hectorlopez1069]

now Bret looks like his dad.

[@radicalstanza3614]

He clearly abused and traumatized him, but other than that, sure.

[@robwk1988]

Bret was always my favorite no matter what storyline they gave him he always had dedication and heart.

[@hectorlopez1069]

exactly, he had heart.

[@bryanchipps9374]

This man and his family have done so much for Vince and his business and lost so very much. And Brett was right when he said " there are no more good guys anymore ". The Hart family should be a bigger part of thus company than HHH.

[@krishnadyehouse931]

U already know!! Vince is a steroid using bully. It's all about Vince. Used and abused them wrestler's. Im so glad Bret is alive and doing well. So many other's weren't so lucky and counting. Smh

[@jacobglaser7773]

HHH is trash

[@pathfinder5651]

its all about Vince and the money 💰

[@bryanchipps9374]

@@pathfinder5651 yup.

[@sashalove83]

That makes no sense! They chose not to be involved with the wwe! Only 2 worth watching was Owen (R.I.P) & Bret! The rest where given chance’s because they where part of the hart family!

[@lmcast3792]

I do remember this was on BBC2 in 98/99. I was aloud to stay up late to watch it, I was 10 or 11 at the time. But this documentary really gives you a good insight into the wrestling business from bret’s view as the top guy. He must of been conflicted with being loyal to vince and earning more money …great documentary

[@elc1960]

This aired on the A&E cable channel in the States right around that same time, with some of the stronger language bleeped out but still uncut. This doc is a must see.

[@WillScarlet1991]

OP, Saturday 6th of November 1999 (BBC2) to be exact 😊

[@GN-dp7ej]

Everyone thinks Bret is bitter and that he screwed himself. I dano, all old footage of him doesn’t show him to seem like a pre Madonna. The guy is always very respectful to everyone and has a modest demeanor. Can’t imagine him giving Vince that hard of a time other than simply saying no to Shawn Michaels. And that seems like one of his only requests to Vince during his whole career.

[@jasonkraatz9574]

I watched this years ago on A&E and recorded it so I could rewatch it as much as I wanted. This documentary had such a genuine feeling to it. I do think Bret took his job a little too seriously but it also made him who he was. He is now a legend and despite people saying he’s a bitter old man, he has to be rather happy with how his career unfolded. He was successful indeed. One of my all time favorites.

[@deanobeany]

In some of the more recent "inside the ropes" he does seem to have lightened up. But to be fair, the industry chewed up and spat out members of his family, ruined his health and arguably killed his brother. He had the right to have some "bitter" years. But he doesn't actually seem genuine, not as much front as a lot of performers.

[@kotysuefawcett6538]

This is my 3rd time watching this doc. Cry every time. Hitman Fan Forever

[@kotysuefawcett6538]

I love you,Bret 4-ever. 🤗✌️❤️

[@bryanchipps9374]

49:50 I wish Brett could have seen this. This is a true fan. And he was correct. This country changed during the attitude area.

[@makaveli7772]

The greatest and coolest Wrestler in the WWF by far.... Even if Shawn was dope but the aura of Bret is in an other dimension!! Loved him

[@englishedge1988]

Feel bad for Bret, it wasn't difficult for Vince to let him win that night in Montreal. Let a guy that gave his body and soul to your company leave with dignity and pride.

[@contentkillvz]

Bret was a genuine mans man. Walked away with integrity with his morals still intact. Head high bret. RIP Stu, RIP Owen, Rip bulldog #HartFoundation

[@davidnphan]

This documentary is so amazing! It follows Bret in his last moments before going to the WCW. It has many candid moments of Bret and his family. It also shows what drove Bret to leave the WWF. It's amazing that this came out in 1998. I haven't heard of this doc, despite hearing of the Montreal Screw Job. It's an interesting watch, even in 2022!!!

[@angelotero7729]

I love Bret and I love his loyalty but man if it was a guaranteed 3 year contract for 9 million dollars I would have done that in a HART beat

[@westyraviz]

And he took the dropping the belt to Shawn Michaels in Montreal, much too seriously. Yes, he didn’t like Shawn Michaels, but in life, you can’t always depart on your terms. He would have had a new beginning at WCW-nobody would remember that his last match in WWF was a loss in Canada. It would not have hurt his brand, it certainly wouldn’t have hurt that $9 million over 3 years.

[@michaeladams5636]

Shawn Michaels title reign shouldn’t even count since Bret Hart never tapped out HBK was never an official champion like Bret Hart was.

[@southsudani983]

you r wasn’t losing to shawn it was how hbk spoke to him and acted , bret would of lost to anyone but hbk

[@justinwinningham4892]

It was hard and emotional on Bret before the match, let alone what happened. Years later and you still feel for him. I know they made up but man he was crying BEFORE the match and just the emotions he had to feel right after they screwed him, the betrayal I mean god it’s awful

[@jshearouse]

Seeing Brett introducing his brother and brothers in law broke my heart. Knowing what we know now.

[@dumisatonyjohnson8145]

The Wayne Gretzky of wrestling

[@hectorlopez1069]

Correct, legends of Canada

[@theonofswords3764]

Incredible documentary. Still holds up so well even now because of the universal themes that drive it

[@Bernie3000]

I saw this documentary for the first time on A&E and I was blown away. When it was replayed, I recorded it on VHS watching again and pausing all the commercials out of the recording. I eventually got it on DVD and now it’s on KZbin. I watch Wrestling With Shadows on average once a year. To me there is no way this is a work. I will never believe that Bret was in on this. His reaction is far too real. Side note I would love to know where the lady at 52:15 is today.

[@fluworldorder426]

To me its a work. Lots of wrestlers thought it was a work and they were teasing vince being a heel boss 4 the whole year before it happened

[@Spooky_515]

This is a great documentary even if you don’t like pro wrestling. A&E really chose the right time to follow Bret. The best there is, the best there was, the best there ever will be

[@watchreport]

This was not an A&E documentary. I think it was High Road Production out of Canada.

[@Spooky_515]

@@watchreport oh ok

[@1978mackdaddy]

@@watchreport Fax

[@russblack443]

@@watchreport it was a partnership between A&E and the Canadian production company

[@TheBulletzgottishow20]

@@russblack443 I remember seeing this in 98 on A&e you're right

[@krissanders987]

Had been one best WWE documentaries that’s every been made. Like I’ve must watched this 200 times since I was a young teen.

[@hectorlopez1069]

on VHS

[@russblack443]

This is isn't a WWE documentary.

[@krissanders987]

@@russblack443 this wasn’t made by WWF? Which turned into WWE? I know it wasn’t WCW lol

[@krissanders987]

@@hectorlopez1069 it came on tv all the time when I was a kid. Idk why it was played so much, but after that, I found it online and I kept replying it

[@russblack443]

@@krissanders987 it was a documentary made in a partnership with a Canadian production company and A&E.

[@shortinos]

This is a must watch, especially for any wrestling fan of that era. Seeing all the backstage footage is just phenomenal! Beyond The Mat is a pretty good documentary too.

[@hbk42581]

One of the best pro wrestling docu's ever along with Beyond The Mat.

[@forgottenmma3694]

And some of Vice’s stuff

[@adamdesanti6713]

What's left out here is that when Bret found out that he and Shawn were working together at Survivor Series he went up to him and said he had no problem dropping the belt to him and that he would work safe and never take any liberties with him. Shawn replied that he would never do the same for him. This is after Shawn had beaten Bret clean for the strap twice and had never dropped the belt to him. In fact, Shawn wouldn't do it for anyone, always forefeiting it due to "injury" (he finally did it to Stone Cold later only because Undertaker threatened him). So because of that lack of reciprocity and also not to pledge to work safe led Bret to not "do the job" for the first time in his career. What's more is that if Bret really chose to "go into business for himself" as a skilled shooter he could have totally no let Shawn put his finishing move on himself and just refused to lose in the ring (something Hogan did on many occasions). But being a man of his word he was told it was going to be a DQ finish and he went along with it. Also, at some point he had said to Vince he would drop it to anyone in the company, even Backlund or Brooklyn Brawler. That story about how a screwjob was the only way get it off him is just baloney.

[@JK_JK_JK_JK]

I still have my WWF Wrestling Figures in my room including Bret Hart!!! 😎

[@CL-we8tn]

Legend

[@tommydeamon7657]

I still got the old ones and advidaly buy the new ones the real scan technology is awsome oh and tomarow I turn 47 and don't care what any one thinks about my figure obsession and collecting

[@IONLYPLAYCODFTW]

Defo never had a woman there to show them too tho

[@jthek2000]

The layers of circumstances occurring during the filming that are captured have perfect timing. This is the gold standard of wrestling documentaries.

[@micktaylor1167]

Y cug 9😢🎉😮0

[@TheTimMalcolm]

I met Bret at Ric Flairs last match last weekend and i told him he was one of my all time favorite wrestlers....he asked me which match was my favorite... and on the stop i said "you VS stonecold wrestlemania 13" he just gave me a nod of approval.

[@kid--presentable]

Excellent

[@daxharwoodsucks2601]

I know you from 90 day fiancé! That’s pretty awesome that you’re into wrestling too.

[@stevengarman4848]

I cheered Brett Hart so much during the "Heel" stage of his career; people would actually ask me if I was from Canada at the WWF shows. I actually from small town Pennsylvania.

[@PatricksCrazyPlace]

Triple H looking like a kid sent to the principal's office as Julie dresses him down will never not be funny.

[@Biosahdestiny]

Have never heard a son speak so well about his father as challenging as wrestling can be. God bless the Harts family. One love hitman.

[@dannycardona211]

I remember seeing this documentary back in the 2000s. Wow time flies fast.

[@hectorlopez1069]

I'm getting old.

[@louie8425]

Saw this back in 98-99 with my brothers. It was fascinating watching the behind the scenes stuff in WWF.

[@iamcasihart]

It’s so sad to see how alive, bright, warm, jovial, and full of energy Sunny/Tammy was. It’s terrible how her life has gone.

[@andrewsmith3257]

She did that to herself

[@ernestcruz6316]

Karma can be a...well, you know the rest of that saying.

[@thefuck1742]

@@ernestcruz6316 karma for what?

[@SaintPhoenixx]

I admire Bret's restraint for only punching Vince once afterwards.

[@hectorlopez1069]

Vince deserved it. He set him up.

[@BEEyonced]

I admire Vince not simply talking back what he handed out to Bret's over the past 10 yrs in court! It's a Chris Rock / Will Smith sequel. Some delusionals clap for their 'star' while the more unknown guy is indeed the BIGGER man. They truly could have clapped back where it hurts than just childish physical assault!

[@sugs1191]

I don't blame Vince for what he did but I feel sorry for Bret too

[@ncghostoflowerd2398]

It's easy to tell this moment in time really impacted this man. Even in WCW he never seemed the same. Add in the fact that in a little over a year later and he lost Owen. In hindsight it was important for WrestleMania that Shawn go over. It just seems like he got in the middle of this huge transition of Stone Colds rise and the Attitude Era. It sucks to think that his whole career may had been ruined just to get them there.

[@jasoncropley5334]

There's an interview from 2000 and even then he seemed a lot happier, but from 2000 onwards he seemed to age drastically, and by 2006 he looked like a worn out, tired old man. He went through so much sadness and heartache in those 2 years at WCW that he never really fully recovered until years later

[@WSK9002]

That's why I say, what WWE did to Bret was bad, but they did it to better their business, WCW didn't know what they had with Bret Hart which is even worse to me anyway.

[@jasoncropley5334]

@Woo Kim in hindsight, he should have stayed with WWE. Personally, I believe the Montreal Screwjob was totally avoidable. The match was originally planned to end in a DQ, causing Hart to retain the title. He would then lose or forfeit the title at a later date, so it wasn't even necessary for him to lose the title at Survivor Series. Plus, Shawn Michaels had forfeited the title on an episode of RAW in early 1997. So, with the creative control clause in mind, why couldn't Bret forfeit the title in the same way? He even offered to drop the belt to The Undertaker, but Vince, for some reason, was so fixated on Michaels winning the belt that he was willing to double-cross Bret. But there were so many other ways of putting the title on Michaels. For example, have The Undertaker win the belt from Bret, and then at a later PPV event, have Taker drop the belt to Shawn.

[@jasoncropley5334]

@Woo Kim WCW took Hart from the hottest angle in professional wrestling and placed him in a bit role in a feud between a non-wrestler and a colour commentator (who stopped being a full-time wrestler in the early 90s). WCW should have waited out Bret's 60-day non-compete clause first and then have him wrestle Hulk Hogan for the title. However, by the time Bret began his feud with Ric Flair in early 1998, The Hitman's momentum had already faded.

[@stariqa2]

Bret would've never adjusted to the dirtiness of attitude era. I think that's why Vince was pushing Shawn and DX and forcing Bret out. Bret should've realized there's no place for him and Hart foundation gimmick anymore, and left with all of Hart members with him.

[@endofdaysx7streaming]

All these years later this still my favourite wrestling documentary, I have so much respect for Bret and The Hart Family. Always been there for me through the good and the bad....met him 2 times real humble and down to earth human being

[@AntonioJCRM]

I remember watching this on VHS long time ago. Besides the screw job, If u really think about it, Bret die hard fans never really followed him to WCW. He was so beloved in the WWF and carried the company after Hogan. It feels like they just followed him to the front door entrance of WCW and that was that.

[@krishnadyehouse931]

I went to see WCW live for the first time. Only because Bret was supposed to make a first appearance. He never showed. Was the one and only time I went to a WCW event. 🤣 I would follow Bret anywhere back then 💖

[@kevinmcclintock5492]

Yah, it really does feel like it went down like that. WCW and buffoon Bischoff also didn't help matters by Literally doing nothing with him. After the screw job he was the talk off the business and WCW had no idea of how to capitalize on it. Shows ya what a genius Was back then. Bret was no longer there yet he capitalized on it by playing the wicked owner of the company and he then put that character into a long standing feud with Stone Cold. That's how you capitalize and Bischoff wouldn't know how to do that. That's why he, along with others, killed WCW.

[@sadiapsychology]

Great documentary love how Brett is literally just like his character of camera and I love how his wife told everybody about themselves lol

[@dannyosolo2752]

Bret Hitman Hart is the greatest wrestler that ever lived!!!No debate.......He is UNDISPUTED

[@theMull90]

Something that is almost always forgotten about the whole screwjob incident, is that the match, up until that point, was actually another amazing Bret hart match, like right up there with his best of....

[@or2130]

Never thought I'd see this in 4K 😳

[@notjust9n673]

Wrestling is very real, looks like entertainment from the outside. But it's so much real from the inside. I feel so bad for Bret hart . He was really a good guy . He was the best there was In the company. They shouldn't have betrayed him that way

[@rockerseven]

46:55: 30 years later, and this promo still applies.

[@shubhammishra9274]

Now everyone knows everything is not script. It's the wrestler who has to build his character good or bad by himself. It's a natural tallent.

[@michaelyoung9628]

Shawn was 1000% in on it I don’t care what he said

[@forgottenmma3694]

Yup. He admitted years later in the Bret & Shawn dvd. He apologized to Bret because he could make money. But not to the countless of ppl he screwed through out his career

[@timothy8142]

It all started at the Royal Rumble. That was the beginning of the end for Bret Hart. Stone Cold was thrown out of the ring. But the ref wasn’t looking and crawled back in. I remember how furious Bret was. I didn’t even know who this Steve Austin was, I was only 7. But I remember cheering him on as he sat on the turnbuckle waving for more competition. I loved it and my brother was like “This isn’t fair! Bret Hart should have won!”. Wrestling might be fake, but the fans loved Steve Austin and didn’t want Bret Hart anymore. It’s not a Vince McMahon decision, it was a collective fan decision.

[@mayavenuemisfit814]

That's true. Our allegiances run in cycles. When I was growing up, it was Hulk Hogan. Then it was Bret Hart. After that it was Steve Austin. Then The Rock. I haven't watched WWE much since probably 2005 or so, but I do know John Cena was force-fed down the throats of fans for years.

[@T.Gizzle89]

Over 20 years later this still gets to me I saw some things I didn't even know they did to Bret Hart in Montreal that night. Bret Hart will always be a once in a lifetime character 💯 back then this documentary really shows you just how cryptic the business was and still is today. But what hurts me the most knowing that Bret Hart is the only soul survivor of the legendary heart foundation it's just sad 😔 but my love for the Hitman and his family will always live in my heart for eternity thank you Brett may your legacy live on 🤝🏾👍🏾 R.i.p Owen, Davey boy Smith aka the bulldog, Brian Pullman & the anvil Jim 💯💯💯💯

[@dianneEdangerously]

I have never been more in love with an athlete than Bret hart. Never will be more in love. I get to meet him June 12th and I CANNOT WAIT 💜💜💜💜

[@ryancampbell8645]

That's so exciting! Better bring something cool for him to sign 🤩

[@chuck1804]

This backstory is fascinating. Considering Bret was willing to go with a DQ ending and then forfeit the title the next night, this could have panned out like any other forgettable storyline. Instead, Vince started an earthquake that raised the profile of American wrestling worldwide, without which we may never have had the attitude era and certainly the character of Mr McMahon.

[@jackkenefick2696]

ya.. millionaires and other millionaires and their worries... a big deal at their level but none of them had any real life problems.

[@caccnotts]

I see both sides of it, when I was a kid I was completely in Bret's corner, but over the years I see Vince did what he thought best. I mean the comment Bret made about the direction wrestling is going in, that direction by Vince saved the WWF and won the war.

[@sugs1191]

Same here

[@WSK9002]

The sad story about Bret Hart, a guy who gave his life to the WWE and this is how loyalty is repaid... Unfortunately, one of the most true yet awful things about life, loyalty is something people use against the people with integrity and that loyalty is rarely something that gets acknowledged or something that is valued.

[@harrycahill2140]

It worked for the Undertaker.

[@ZexeezTwitch]

I always come back to this at least twice a year. It captivated me as a kid

[@thesentinel5523]

Brett talks about his feelings about what happened with regard to the Montreal screw job than he ever has his brother Owen . He blames WWE so much for the screw job but isn’t as heated over Owen’s death.

[@onehung]

really? bret has come out countless times in countless interviews and docs over how he feels about his brother owens death and vince/wwf during that time. When you are asked a question about the Montreal Screwjob all the time where does Owen's death come into place??????

[@franklinmardy8171]

Bret Hart with the SnapBack to the side lmao

[@hectorlopez1069]

Bret hart is truly of the greatest wrestlers that hails from Canada. He was excellent in his wrestling style.

[@ezduzzit69]

Born in 81 and I'm pretty sure the first time I flipped on the wrastlin it was a Hart Foundation Promo. Best there ever will be!

[@patthewildgoose6460]

I never understood why Vince valued Shawn over Bret. He was the lowest drawing champion and every week he was causing some trouble somewhere. Bret could be difficult, but it was with good intentions. To go out like this was undeserved and it probably marked a time in society where people realised job loyalty no longer existed.

[@kooskoos8181]

I liked the Hart family but was never a die-hard fan, but Vince was clearly bitter. Brett was leaving and really did screw him. They did him very dirty and give me a break that Sean didn't know; sadly they probably all knew. I love how both Sean and Hunter instantly swore to God, that usually is a key indicator they're lying; of course Hunter knew. Aside from the bad stuff that some may say about Brett, that wasn't right. Brett's dad was truly a savage.

[@elawson1991]

1:18:53 of course Vince's office is also the ladies dressing room

[@andrewcharlton2763]

What an amazing documentary i think regardless of whether your into wrestling this is just an amazing allegory of life, holding onto your integrity no matter what.

[@salmanjaffri2539]

Bret’s wife is a stand up woman

[@harrycahill2140]

She sure is. All this guy is ever talking about is about himself and his career.

[@srxt6758]

​@@harrycahill2140 its a docu about him not his wife

[@harrycahill2140]

@@srxt6758 It is and he seemed to be pretty thoughtless and self-absorbed...and I love Bret btw. No one is perfect and neither is he. Bless him.

[@Halry1]

Not to be shallow, but…don’t you think the best there ever was deserves someone a little more… Sunny?

[@harrycahill2140]

@@Halry1 He did have some sunny days. 🤣

[@bathmatemaleenhancementque6383]

In a lot ways Vince was ahead of the curve with this whole “shades of Grey” approach to TV characters, you’d see the same thing play out years later on shows like The Sopranos, Breaking Bad, SOA, etc.