Bret Hart Says He Will Not Appear At WrestleMania 22

Bret Hart will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in Chicago next Saturday. The induction ceremony can be seen April 3 on TSN, before Raw.

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Paying tribute to the great ones. It's a time-honoured tradition in sports, media and just about any other entertainment medium you can think of.

But for Calgary's own Bret (The Hitman) Hart, arguably one of the greatest wrestlers to ever step foot in the ring, the tributes he deserved never came.

After a series of professional setbacks and personal tragedies -- including the infamous Montreal screw job in 1997 and the death of his brother Owen in a WWF ring in 1999 -- Hart's bitter real-life feud with WWE left his legacy in limbo.

"I felt my career had been locked up in a vault somewhere," Hart told the Sun in an exclusive one-on-one this week.

"It always bothered me that 25 years from now, most people would remember me more for the WWF's interpretation of my career than for what I really did. People would always hear those negative slants on me, how I was tough to get along with and all that crap."

After suffering a devastating stroke in 2004, Hart decided to call a ceasefire with WWE boss Vince McMahon.

"I carried around a lot of hard feelings until I had my stroke. Then, I just couldn't worry about that stuff anymore. All I could worry about was getting myself out of a wheelchair.

"Vince called me in my hospital bed and I told him I don't want to be forgotten for everything I did. He said he'd make sure I'd be remembered."

This Saturday in Chicago, McMahon will make good on his word.

Hart will finally be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame and honoured as an all-time wrestling legend.

"I think a lot of it is a sign of good faith," Hart said. "I don't think either of us has ever really forgiven, but Vince and I have made peace to a certain extent."

While most fans support the decision, Hart hears the haters who begrudge him for accepting McMahon's invitation.

"No one is more tuned into that opinion than I am," Hart said.

"I know there are people that feel I sold out, but I don't see it that way. I feel I have a right to be remembered."

Besides, Hart may be accepting the honour on WWE soil, but no one can accuse him of doing it on anyone else's terms.

For starters, he doesn't want to appear at Wrestlemania the day after the inductions.

"I'm not trying to be difficult," Hart explained.

"I just wouldn't want anyone to think I have finally got in bed with them enough that I can accept what they did to me. At this point, I'm set to fly out of Chicago early in the morning, before Wrestlemania."

Hart is perfectly aware WWE has every intention of changing his mind on that decision, though.

"Oh, they're certainly going to try to sell me on Wrestlemania between now and then," he said with a laugh.

"They're going to sit me down and talk to me about all kinds of stuff. But I'm not planning on doing anything more than walk out in front of people at the Hall of Fame. That's my only promise."

Hart is also declining a paycheque for the appearance, and refusing to put his name on the dotted line.

"They've sent me a contract and I don't have any intention of signing it. I know what contracts mean to them. I had a contract and they screwed me over on it. Now they come back to me with a contract 10 years later and ask me to sign it?

"For what?"

Hart's final request pertains to the man who cheated him out of the WWF title all those years ago in Montreal, Shawn Michaels.

The Hall of Fame would be the first time the two have come face to face since that match -- but not if the Hitman has anything to do with it.

"I've basically told them that if I see Shawn, I'll get back in a cab and go straight to the airport. They'll have to get him to do my induction speech. I just feel that there's too much anger for me. Too combustible."

But for the most part, the ceremony is going to be a positive experience for the Hitman, a chance to end his WWE career on a happy note.

"I never did get to say goodbye," Hart said. "This will give me some closure. I don't carry around any bad blood anymore. I just want to enjoy my life. I have the whole second half of it ahead of me and I plan to make it just as interesting as the first."

Hart also mentioned that he does not want to see Shawn Michaels at the Hall of Fame Ceremony and that if he does, he will walk out.

"I've basically told them that if I see Shawn, I'll get back in a cab and go straight to the airport. They'll have to get him to do my induction speech. I just feel that there's too much anger for me. Too combustible."

MetalDragonKing

I love Bret Hart as much as next fan, but seriously... he is acting as if he where child. :|   

Pft... I think its safe to say that all parties involved, (especially Bret Hart, at this point and time, anyhow), will never fully get over the "Moteral Screw Job."

Edit: Oh well! Regardless of that... it will be awesome to see Bret Hart again, and to see him get inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame... and I am sure WWE will respect his wishes. 

Hart says he has not signed the contract WWE sent him about even showing up at the Hall of Fame Ceremony and again stated that he is not being paid to appear.

Hart also mentioned that he does not want to see Shawn Michaels at the Hall of Fame Ceremony and that if he does, he will walk out.

MetalDragonKing

2.Bret really needs to freaking get over it. I still think that the screwjob was the right thing to do.
JML897

Hart also mentioned that he does not want to see Shawn Michaels at the Hall of Fame Ceremony and that if he does, he will walk out.

"I've basically told them that if I see Shawn, I'll get back in a cab and go straight to the airport. They'll have to get him to do my induction speech. I just feel that there's too much anger for me. Too combustible."

MetalDragonKing

2.Bret really needs to freaking get over it. I still think that the screwjob was the right thing to do.
JML897

2.Bret really needs to freaking get over it. I still think that the screwjob was the right thing to do.
JML897

Awwww the poor babys feelings are still hurt. For god sake bret "grow up". Stop whinging about montreal. The wrestling business is prepared to forget about it for one night to honor your career and you cant do the same. Bret may have been great in his day and as a wrestler he deserves to be in the HOF but as a man hes a little cry baby.

[QUOTE="JML897"] [QUOTE="keiblerfan69"] [QUOTE="JML897"]
2.Bret really needs to freaking get over it. I still think that the screwjob was the right thing to do.
Hitm4nH4rt

....

And who's to say that he would've actually kept his word? Vince would've been the only one taking a risk in that scenario. A huge ass risk, at that.

While not the most favorable outcome, the screwjob was the right decision.

I know this sounds way off but I really hope that HBK makes it for the HoF ceremony and gets up and apologises. Considering that McMahon tells everyone what to do, I think it would be great if he did.inferno-gaa

Bottom line, Bret is getting rather naïve if you ask me. Pathetic guy.

I think both sides in the screwjob were wrong for what they did. Bret should've shown more respect for the company that made him a star, while the WWE should've shown more respect for a star that worked so hard for them for so many years.

But this is very babyish on Bret Hart's side. I'm no Shawn Michaels fan myself, I respect his wrestling desire and ability, but I dislike the guy for his ego, but anyway, he's one of the WWE superstars, and all of them are always there for the ceremony. I don't understand why someone who says he doesn't hold any grudges anymore is playing elementary school-like games threating to leave if he sees someone he doesn't like. I really expected a little more class out of him. This the Hall of Fame, it should be a huge honor for him, putting a definate close to his legendary career in the WWE. I was also hoping to at least see him at WrestleMania, you know, on stage like they did the past 2 years. I can see Vince somehow making an angle out of his, maybe "banning" HBK from the Hall of Fame ceremony and then at WM insulting Bret for not showing up while they introduce the inductees on stage.

What I'm also thinking is this could be some kind of work, to cover up plans for Bret to actually appear at WM22, and do a run-in during the HBK/Vince. By saying he's heading back home that morning, it would raise the shock value by a lot when he actually appears at the show.

What I'm also thinking is this could be some kind of work, to cover up plans for Bret to actually appear at WM22, and do a run-in during the HBK/Vince. By saying he's heading back home that morning, it would raise the shock value by a lot when he actually appears at the show.

Rage11

[QUOTE="inferno-gaa"]I know this sounds way off but I really hope that HBK makes it for the HoF ceremony and gets up and apologises. Considering that McMahon tells everyone what to do, I think it would be great if he did.hbk91

Bottom line, Bret is getting rather naïve if you ask me. Pathetic guy.

[QUOTE="hbk91"]

[QUOTE="inferno-gaa"]I know this sounds way off but I really hope that HBK makes it for the HoF ceremony and gets up and apologises. Considering that McMahon tells everyone what to do, I think it would be great if he did.Hitm4nH4rt

Bottom line, Bret is getting rather naïve if you ask me. Pathetic guy.

hes free to hate michaels all he wants. the problem is he has not shut up about it ever since montreal and people are sick of his complaining.

while the WWE should've shown more respect for a star that worked so hard for them for so many years.

Rage11

yes they should have but when has the WWE ever shown respect to the guys that made the company what it is. They treated edge like crap, the likes of benoit and booker t are relegated to mid carders which is beneath them and just look at how they treated eddie's memory.

[QUOTE="Hitm4nH4rt"] [QUOTE="hbk91"]

[QUOTE="inferno-gaa"]I know this sounds way off but I really hope that HBK makes it for the HoF ceremony and gets up and apologises. Considering that McMahon tells everyone what to do, I think it would be great if he did.raiden300

Bottom line, Bret is getting rather naïve if you ask me. Pathetic guy.

hes free to hate michaels all he wants. the problem is he has not shut up about it ever since montreal and people are sick of his complaining.

He never brings it up unless asked. The WWE however, it's like they're hellbent on everyone remembering it.

[QUOTE="Hitm4nH4rt"] [QUOTE="hbk91"]

[QUOTE="inferno-gaa"]I know this sounds way off but I really hope that HBK makes it for the HoF ceremony and gets up and apologises. Considering that McMahon tells everyone what to do, I think it would be great if he did.raiden300

Bottom line, Bret is getting rather naïve if you ask me. Pathetic guy.

hes free to hate michaels all he wants. the problem is he has not shut up about it ever since montreal and people are sick of his complaining.

He never brings it up unless asked. The WWE however, it's like they're hellbent on everyone remembering it.

[QUOTE="Hitm4nH4rt"] [QUOTE="hbk91"]

[QUOTE="inferno-gaa"]I know this sounds way off but I really hope that HBK makes it for the HoF ceremony and gets up and apologises. Considering that McMahon tells everyone what to do, I think it would be great if he did.raiden300

Bottom line, Bret is getting rather naïve if you ask me. Pathetic guy.

hes free to hate michaels all he wants. the problem is he has not shut up about it ever since montreal and people are sick of his complaining.

He never brings it up unless asked. The WWE however, it's like they're hellbent on everyone remembering it.

In pretty much every interview he's done in the past year or so.
trick_man01

[QUOTE="hbk91"]

[QUOTE="inferno-gaa"]I know this sounds way off but I really hope that HBK makes it for the HoF ceremony and gets up and apologises. Considering that McMahon tells everyone what to do, I think it would be great if he did.Hitm4nH4rt

Bottom line, Bret is getting rather naïve if you ask me. Pathetic guy.

[QUOTE="Hitm4nH4rt"] [QUOTE="hbk91"]

[QUOTE="inferno-gaa"]I know this sounds way off but I really hope that HBK makes it for the HoF ceremony and gets up and apologises. Considering that McMahon tells everyone what to do, I think it would be great if he did.hbk91

Bottom line, Bret is getting rather naïve if you ask me. Pathetic guy.

[QUOTE="Hitm4nH4rt"] [QUOTE="hbk91"]

[QUOTE="inferno-gaa"]I know this sounds way off but I really hope that HBK makes it for the HoF ceremony and gets up and apologises. Considering that McMahon tells everyone what to do, I think it would be great if he did.hbk91

Bottom line, Bret is getting rather naïve if you ask me. Pathetic guy.

[QUOTE="Hitm4nH4rt"] [QUOTE="hbk91"]

[QUOTE="inferno-gaa"]I know this sounds way off but I really hope that HBK makes it for the HoF ceremony and gets up and apologises. Considering that McMahon tells everyone what to do, I think it would be great if he did.hbk91

Bottom line, Bret is getting rather naïve if you ask me. Pathetic guy.

[QUOTE="JML897"]
2.Bret really needs to freaking get over it. I still think that the screwjob was the right thing to do.
keiblerfan69

Geez, this is so easy for people on the Internet to say.
Hitm4nH4rt

[QUOTE="Hitm4nH4rt"]Geez, this is so easy for people on the Internet to say.
hbk91

[QUOTE="keiblerfan69"] [QUOTE="JML897"]
2.Bret really needs to freaking get over it. I still think that the screwjob was the right thing to do.
scoobypat

[QUOTE="keiblerfan69"] [QUOTE="JML897"]
2.Bret really needs to freaking get over it. I still think that the screwjob was the right thing to do.
scoobypat

[QUOTE="keiblerfan69"] [QUOTE="JML897"]
2.Bret really needs to freaking get over it. I still think that the screwjob was the right thing to do.
scoobypat

While I certainly do not fully agree with 1997 Moteral screw job, nor like it one little bit... and still believe it could been handle much better, with all parties involved... I can understand why Vince McMahon handled in that fashion. Afterall, he was trying to what was best for the company and WWF championship. Also, it has been almost 10 years... Bret Hart need to realize regardless of was right, wrong or whatever, that ordeal was in the past and should stay there (and I huge fan of Bret Hart's saying this). 

However, Bret Hart is certainly not alone... almost 10 years later and Vince McMahon is also still bringing up the ordeal.... SNME anyone? :|

And from what I can tell, Shawn Michaels has not fully put the ordeal behind him either (and I am huge fan of Shawn Michaels' saying this). However, with that being said... I think he has dealed with issue better than Vince McMahon... and certainly better than the likes of Bret Hart.

On side note, I think Vince McMahon also did as way to trash Bret Hart's career on the way out.

While I certainly do not fully agree with 1997 Moteral screw job, nor like it one little bit... and still believe it could been handle much better, with all parties involved... I can understand why Vince McMahon handled in that fashion. Afterall, he was trying to what was best for the company and WWF championship. Also, it has been almost 10 years... Bret Hart need to realize regardless of was right, wrong or whatever, that ordeal was in the past and should stay there (and I huge fan of Bret Hart's saying this).

However, Bret Hart is certainly not alone... almost 10 years later and Vince McMahon is also still bringing up the ordeal.... SNME anyone? :|

And from what I can tell, Shawn Michaels has not fully put the ordeal behind him either (and I am huge fan of Shawn Michaels' saying this). However, with that being said... I think he has dealed with issue better than Vince McMahon... and certainly better than the likes of Bret Hart.

On side note, I think Vince McMahon also did as way to trash Bret Hart's career on the way out.

Link256

M'kay, I'm gonna call it right now.....

After HBK defeats Vince, Bret Hart will come (outta nowhere) into the ring, and have a stare-down with Shawn Michaels while McMahon is layin' on the ground.  They stare for God knows how long :P.  Then, as McMahon is gettin' up, Hart grabs Vince's legs, drops him, and gives him the Sharpshooter.  Hart holds it there probably until Vince passes out, then lets go.  Then, in another shocking turn in events, HBK and Hart smile and shake hands.  Hart then raises HBK's hand in victory over the passed-out McMahon.

That's how I see it.  Hart is probably just using kayfabe to make us believe he's not gonna be at WM22.

Oh, and if Shane McMahon interferes in any part of the match, even before or after, BOOM!, Sweet Chin Music! :lol:

M'kay, I'm gonna call it right now.....

After HBK defeats Vince, Bret Hart will come (outta nowhere) into the ring, and have a stare-down with Shawn Michaels while McMahon is layin' on the ground. They stare for God knows how long :P. Then, as McMahon is gettin' up, Hart grabs Vince's legs, drops him, and gives him the Sharpshooter. Hart holds it there probably until Vince passes out, then lets go. Then, in another shocking turn in events, HBK and Hart smile and shake hands. Hart then raises HBK's hand in victory over the passed-out McMahon.

That's how I see it. Hart is probably just using kayfabe to make us believe he's not gonna be at WM22.

Oh, and if Shane McMahon interferes in any part of the match, even before or after, BOOM!, Sweet Chin Music! :lol:

Jackov

[QUOTE="Jackov"]

M'kay, I'm gonna call it right now.....

After HBK defeats Vince, Bret Hart will come (outta nowhere) into the ring, and have a stare-down with Shawn Michaels while McMahon is layin' on the ground. They stare for God knows how long :P. Then, as McMahon is gettin' up, Hart grabs Vince's legs, drops him, and gives him the Sharpshooter. Hart holds it there probably until Vince passes out, then lets go. Then, in another shocking turn in events, HBK and Hart smile and shake hands. Hart then raises HBK's hand in victory over the passed-out McMahon.

That's how I see it. Hart is probably just using kayfabe to make us believe he's not gonna be at WM22.

Oh, and if Shane McMahon interferes in any part of the match, even before or after, BOOM!, Sweet Chin Music! :lol:

trick_man01

As good ol' J.R. would say, "Anything can happen in the WWE!" ;)