Net Worth Ranker
What Is Bret Hart’s Net Worth?
Bret Hart, a celebrated figure in professional wrestling, has accumulated a net worth of approximately $7 million. This wealth stems primarily from his extensive career in the wrestling industry, spanning from 1976 to 2011. Hart’s financial stability is also attributed to his appearances in various media projects and his philanthropic endeavors, demonstrating a diversified approach to his post-wrestling life.
Bret Hart’s Early Career and Rise in Wrestling
Born on July 2, 1957, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Bret Hart’s journey into professional wrestling was deeply influenced by his family. As one of twelve children of Stu and Helen Hart, he grew up in a household immersed in the wrestling world. His father, Stu Hart, was a renowned wrestler and promoter, operating Stampede Wrestling from their family mansion, which included the infamous “Hart Dungeon,” a training ground for aspiring wrestlers. Bret’s introduction to wrestling came early. At the tender age of four, he participated in his father’s Stampede Wrestling shows by drawing lucky numbers during intermissions. As he grew older, he took on responsibilities such as selling programs at the events. These early experiences laid the foundation for his future career. During his time at Ernest Manning High School, Hart excelled as an amateur wrestler, securing multiple championships in Alberta tournaments, including the 1974 city championships in Calgary. He continued his wrestling pursuits at Mount Royal College, where he won the collegiate championship in 1977. However, despite his early success, Hart’s passion for amateur wrestling waned due to injuries, weight fluctuations, and declining academic grades. Consequently, he decided to pursue professional wrestling, commencing his training with his father’s Stampede Wrestling promotion. Initially, he worked as a referee before making his in-ring debut in 1978, marking the official start of his professional wrestling career.
Bret Hart’s WWF/WWE Career: Championships and Controversies
In 1985, Bret Hart’s career reached new heights when he joined the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). Partnering with his brother-in-law, Jim Neidhart, they formed the tag team known as the Hart Foundation. Managed by Jimmy Hart, the duo quickly gained notoriety as villains, capturing the WWF Tag Team Championship twice. Beyond his success as a tag team wrestler, Hart achieved individual accolades, including two Intercontinental Championships in 1991 and 1992. His career peaked with five WWF Championship reigns between 1992 and 1997. These championships significantly contributed to his financial success and cemented his status as one of the WWF’s top stars. One of the most infamous events in Hart’s career occurred in late 1997 during a match against Shawn Michaels at the Survivor Series in Montreal. In what became known as the “Montreal Screwjob,” WWF owner Vince McMahon and other employees secretly manipulated the match’s outcome to favor Michaels. Unaware of the plan, Hart lost the WWF Championship in an unscripted manner. This controversial incident led to Hart’s departure from the WWF. The immediate financial implications of the “Montreal Screwjob” and Hart’s subsequent departure from WWF are difficult to quantify precisely. However, it’s reasonable to infer that the loss of a high-profile WWF contract had a significant impact on his earnings. While specific figures are not publicly available, such contracts often involve substantial base salaries, performance bonuses, and royalties from merchandise sales and other ventures tied to the wrestler’s image and brand.
Bret Hart’s WCW Tenure and Later Wrestling Years
Following his departure from the WWF in the wake of the “Montreal Screwjob,” Bret Hart joined World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in late 1997. During his three-year tenure with WCW, Hart achieved considerable success, winning four WCW United States Heavyweight Championships. He also secured two World Heavyweight Championships and a World Tag Team Championship alongside Goldberg. These championship wins not only boosted his reputation but also significantly contributed to his income. In late 1999, Hart suffered a concussion, which led to a period of inactivity. He officially retired from professional wrestling in October 2000. After his retirement, Hart made occasional appearances at independent wrestling events. In late 2009, he made a comeback by re-signing with WWE (formerly WWF). From 2010 to 2011, Hart made sporadic in-ring appearances, headlining the 2010 SummerSlam event and winning his final championship. He also served as the general manager of Raw. While the financial details of Hart’s WCW contract and his later WWE appearances are not publicly available, it is likely that these engagements provided him with substantial income. Top-tier wrestlers like Hart typically command significant salaries, appearance fees, and merchandise royalties. The exact figures would depend on the terms of his contracts and his level of involvement.
Bret Hart’s Media Appearances Beyond Wrestling
In addition to his wrestling career, Bret Hart has made several appearances in television series and films, contributing to his overall net worth. From 1994 to 1995, Hart played the character Luther Root in “Lonesome Dove: The Series,” showcasing his acting abilities. During the latter half of the 1990s, Hart guest-starred on various shows such as “The Adventures of Sinbad,” “Big Sound,” “MADtv,” and “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids: The TV Show.” These television appearances provided him with additional income and exposure to a wider audience. Hart was also the subject of two documentary films: “Hitman Hart: Wrestling with Shadows” (1998) and “Bret Hart: Survival of the Hitman” (2010). These films offered insights into his life and career, potentially generating revenue through sales and distribution. Furthermore, Hart has appeared in numerous WWF/WWE video games, which are a significant source of income for wrestlers. While specific financial details regarding Hart’s earnings from these media appearances are not publicly available, it is evident that these ventures contributed to his overall financial well-being.
Bret Hart’s Personal Life and Health Challenges
In 1982, Bret Hart married Julie Smadu, and together they had four children: Jade, Dallas, Alexandra, and Blade. The couple separated in 1998 and divorced in 2002. In 2004, Hart married Cinzia Rota, but they divorced in 2007. In 2010, Hart married Stephanie Washington. Hart has faced significant health challenges, including a stroke in 2002 after a bicycle accident and a diagnosis of prostate cancer in 2016. These experiences have led him to become involved with charities focused on stroke recovery and cancer awareness. Hart’s commitment to these causes reflects his dedication to giving back to the community. In 2002, Bret Hart experienced a life-altering event when he suffered a stroke following a bicycle accident. This health crisis not only impacted his physical well-being but also had potential financial implications. While the exact cost of his medical treatment and rehabilitation is not publicly disclosed, it is reasonable to assume that it involved significant expenses. Additionally, the stroke likely affected his ability to engage in certain income-generating activities, leading to potential losses in earnings. In 2016, Hart faced another health challenge when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. This diagnosis required him to undergo medical treatment, which undoubtedly incurred further expenses. Although the precise costs associated with his cancer treatment are not known, it is likely that they were substantial, given the nature of cancer care. Despite these health challenges, Hart has remained resilient and actively involved in charitable endeavors. His advocacy for stroke recovery and cancer awareness demonstrates his commitment to supporting others facing similar struggles. While specific figures regarding his charitable donations and fundraising efforts are not publicly available, it is clear that Hart’s philanthropic activities have had a positive impact on the community.
