Hart Deserves a Spot in Hall of Fame

Posted Feb 19, 2006 by Ronald Jordan

Updated Feb 19, 2006 at 04:32 PM

Bret Hart has agreed to become an inductee in the WWE Hall of Fame.

So, why am I not surprised? I’m not surprised because, in all my years of covering this sport, the one thing I’ve found to be true is that where wrestling is concerned you really should “never say never.”

For years, Hart was the crowning star in that hat of what was then the World Wrestling Federation. And for years since making his exit, the former WWF champion has been at odds with owner Vince McMahon. At the heart of Hart’s anger has been, of course, the embarrassing way in which his career with the WWF ended in 1997 after he was publicly humiliated during a controversial title loss in Montreal during the live Survivor Series pay-per-view. Second was the untimely death of Hart’s younger brother, Owen, who died in 1999 after falling from the rafters while performing a stunt during a WWF show in Kansas City, Mo. Hart blamed the WWF for his brother’s death.

Much time has passed since then, and many things have changed. Hart reportedly has still not mended all the fences with his former boss, and as such, is sticking by his word to “never” work for the company again. And for that reason, he apparently will not be compensated in any way for agreeing to become an inductee other than to have the company pay expenses for him and his wife to travel to Chicago for the ceremonies on April 1, the evening before Wrestlemania 22.

The one thing that has not changed, though, is the legacy Hart left behind as the self-proclaimed “best there is, best there was, best there ever will be.” His contributions to the history of the WWE are right up there with the likes of other inductees like Hulk Hogan, Harley Race, Jesse Ventura, Superstar Billy Graham and Andre the Giant.

Despite all the drama involved, Hart has earned a spot in the WWE Hall of Fame. He’s right to take it.

That’s my take on the matter. What’s yours?