Bret Hart's Problem With Modern Pro Wrestling, Explained
Sebastian Wright
Published Mar 28, 2026
Highlights
- Hart laments lack of realism in current wrestling era
- Desires authenticity over theatrics, disapproves of excessive violence
- Praises Rhea Ripley for realistic portrayal in the ring
Bret Hart has never held back his thoughts on today's wrestling scene. He's vocal about his love for the old-school days, where wrestling felt more real and less like a show. In interviews, he's criticized the current era, lamenting the lack of realism in modern wrestling moves. But amidst his critiques, there's admiration for those who keep authenticity alive. One such wrestler is Rhea Ripley, whom Hart praises for her believable portrayal in the ring. However, as wrestling evolves and gains more popularity than ever, one can't help but wonder: Is Hart stuck in the past, or does he have a point? What does his perspective say about the future of pro wrestling?
Bret Hart's Accomplishments |
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Grand Slam Champion |
Bret Hart Doesn't Like Today's Wrestling
Bret Hart Is Nostalgic For Realism In Wrestling
Bret Hart, known for his technical prowess and storytelling abilities in the ring, often looks back fondly on what many consider the "Golden Era" of wrestling. During the 80s and early 90s, Hart helped define the landscape of professional wrestling. For Hart, this period represents a time when wrestling was more grounded in realism and athleticism, with a focus on in-ring storytelling and character development. In contrast, Hart sees modern wrestling as straying too far from these foundational principles. In an interview with HNLive, he expressed his disappointment with the current state of the industry with both WWE and AEW. He said:
“Wrestling, in my opinion, needs to pretend to be real. It always has pretended really hard, almost to the point that you believe it is real. Wrestling is so far-fetched today. When I think of WWE and see 20 wrestlers crowded together outside on the floor and someone dives over the top rope and knocks them all down like bowling pins, I roll my eyes at how pathetic wrestling is today. Top to bottom, all the top wrestlers and all the middle-bottom wrestlers in WWE and AEW, all slapping their leg on every punch and slap. It’s to the point where I can’t watch wrestling today. Sadly, it’s getting too phony. I really question the direction that the people that are in charge are taking wrestling. AEW has gone in a bad direction with all the violence and gore. I watched an episode, Dr. Martha Hart doing her big press conference, I’m watching AEW, and [Jon Moxley] is sticking a fork in somebody’s head for five minutes with a close-up. This isn’t wrestling. I would recommend turning all that off and not watching because it’s not very good. Wrestling is going in bad directions because people don’t know what wrestling is or was.” (h/t Fightful)
The Hart Wrestling Family Tree, Explained
For generations, from Stu Hart, to Bret and Owen, and now Natalya, the Hart family has made an impact on wrestling like few others.Bret Hart Has Advice For Today's Wrestlers
Bret Hart Wants Wrestlers To Stop Hurting Each Other For Real
Bret Hart's experience in the wrestling world has given him unique insights into the delicate balance between realism and safety in the sport. In an interview with Fox Sports Australia, Hart expressed concern over certain trends in modern wrestling that he believes compromise this balance. He said:
“There’s a lot of great wrestlers out there that can deliver great matches. But there’s so many wrestlers out there that are subpar in my opinion, that don’t know what they’re doing out there. And they allow themselves to rely on things like chops, which I think is sort of like cheap heat – you get a reaction, but what’s your reaction? You’re whipping a guy across the chest with your hand? Okay, so you’re hurting some guy for real, for some stupid reason. And the crowd sort of reacts to it. In my understanding of pro wrestling, anytime anyone does anything to you that hurts, for real – chopping, putting blisters on your chest when you go to your room or bed, anytime anyone does things to you for real, they’re in the wrong business. They’re doing it wrong. Because you’re not supposed to get hurt. You’re not supposed to come back to your dressing room that night, or to your hotel room and have a big lump on your head and a black eye, and your teeth are knocked out. That’s Bill Goldberg wrestling. That’s not how it’s done.”
Why Bret Hart Is Secretly The Most Important Rival Of The Undertaker's Career
Though they only had a few matches together in WWE, Bret Hart taught The Undertaker more than most any other wrestler.Bret Hart Praises Rhea Ripley For Bringing Back Realism
Bret Hart Loves Rhea Ripley's Character Work
Despite his critiques of modern wrestling, Bret Hart is not entirely dismissive of all contemporary talent. While many wrestlers may not meet his standards for authenticity, Hart has identified certain individuals who he believes are bringing back the essence of traditional wrestling. One standout performer in Hart's eyes is Rhea Ripley, the Women's World Champion in WWE. In the same interview with Fox Sports Australia, Hart said that Ripley's approach to wrestling resonates with Hart's ideals of what pro wrestling should be. He has praised her for her portrayal of a believable character, saying:
“I really like her a lot. I really like her poise, her staying in character and sort of living her – she seems like she’s adapted a character that’s fun to play, and she’s playing into that, full tilt. She’s putting that realism into it; that’s what I miss in a lot of wrestling today, just making it feel more real, and she makes it feel pretty real all the time.”
Despite Bret Hart's vocal criticisms of modern pro wrestling, there's no denying that the industry is currently experiencing a renaissance. With promotions like WWE, AEW, NJPW, and others reaching new heights of popularity and profitability, wrestling is arguably enjoying its most successful era in recent memory. This success is fueled by a combination of factors, including innovative storytelling, talented performers, and a diverse array of wrestling styles. So, while Bret might feel a certain way about wrestling today, clearly, the audience seems to be loving it.
