First, let me say that I'm an avid reader of these forums. Have been for some time now. I've visited WZ almost weekly since its inception back in the mid-90's. I have never posted anything on here because when I read a topic, I usually find someone that says what I think/feel about the situation. Therefor, I never see a reason to repeat something already said.
Leave it to the 'last great wrestling surprise/gimmick/story/conflict/etc.' to get me motivated to say my own piece. I've noticed a few others registered just to give their two cents as well. Seems like the wrestling world is ready to erupt.
I have been, and always will be, a Bret Hart fan. More so, I've always been a WWF/E fan. Since 1985. And, I loved Bret back from his heel black-&-blue Foundation days. There is SO much to say about this man, his career, his legacy, his departure. I may need to come back and comment further, or find a more appropriate thread. But, what I'd like to address right now is some of the more discussed aspects of this topic. I realize some have made similar sentiments, and some have not, but here are mine.
1- The young fans won't know/remember who Bret Hart is/was:
Just crap. Anyone who has been watching wrestling up until, say -- 2 years ago. Has heard of Bret Hart through WWE programming. They've seen Bret Hart through WWE programming. Most of us diehard (or maybe not so diehard, but at least old enough to grow up during his prime) fans, did not have the luxury of all the media facets that now exist for new/younger fans to discover the past. IE- the WWE online library, cable on-demand, youtube, etc. Trust me, Bret Hart was big enough back then to warrant notoriety for a long time to come. Tell me this: whom did last Monday's Raw crowd comprise of? I'm guessing the majority was younger, more recent wrestling fans. Maybe just a slim percentage of that crowd was that of fans who were around before Bret Hart retired. Now, with that said, when Dennis Miller spoke his name, the crowd erupted before he finished. In fact, the crowd popped just before he could get the word "...man" out from "... hitman, Hart." I watched the clip several times. I'm positive that Bret is still way relevant in all the minds of wrestling fans - new and old. Having watched that clip a lot, brings me to my next point.
2- It was a work:
Vince fed Dennis Miller that line before the show. I like Miller, but I do not believe he is fan with an active knowledge of wrestling. As Miller sets up his line about, "let me go outside the political realm.." watch Vince. Watch his facial features, and just as Miller says, "what about an age old favorite of mine..." Vince takes a big deep, yet subtle, deep breath. He knows the next words are about to set forth his biggest plans in a long time. "...could it be hosted, by Bret 'the hitman' Hart?" Vince goes right into Mr. McMahon and reminds everyone the last time Bret was here, "Bret screwed Bret." He adds that he, "doesn't think (Bret) would be interested in doing anything." Well, a few months ago, Bret kept no secrets that he was interested in a possible return with some story to the WWE. I think Vince and he have taken the professional and creative route a while ago and put some plans into motion. The Hart Dynasty gets a little more air time here and there. The Montreal Screwjob #2 occurs. Seems like many superstars, big or small, are getting "screwed" more often. This has been a master plan waiting to be revealed. I don't think Bret just up-and-up called Vince and asked if he could host Raw one time.
3- Bret is only coming back for the right amount of money:
Nope. Obviously, Bret will be paid nicely, especially for WM26 (no matter what capacity he appears). Bret has always been more greedy for fans admiration. He truly does love his fans. I remember reading in an interview he gave about considering a return, he said it was sparked by news that he was to be a grand father. He knows he's getting old and will have less of a chance to be relevant as each year passes. I think Bret needs more closure on his career than just a HoF speech. I think he wants closure specifically on his WWE legacy for his fans. (Yes, we would like some and are grateful for the opportunity.) Consider this: Shawn Michaels career is winding up. I don't foresee him turning heel before his run is up. Shawn is a MUCH different man than he was, and more importantly, than what Bret knows him as. What if Shawn himself and Bret have already made solace behind closed doors? What if, before it's too late for either one of them, they decided to close the biggest controversial wrestling saga of our times?
4- TNA vs WWE/Hogan vs Hart/who will out-draw?
I think Hogan's name is more marketable. I think Hogan's name is more recognizable. I KNOW WWE, and for that matter, Monday Night Raw, is more marketable and recognizable than TNA and Impact. I agree with some of the other posts about this NOT being about Hogan vs Hart in drawing power, but more the story of what Hogan has to offer TNA and what Hart + Vince + HBK has to offer to their controversial past. There is absolutely NOTHING going on in TNA right now. Has there ever been? (topic for another thread, but I've always disliked TNA. i.e. 6 sided ring, stupid name, poor direction). The WWE is getting hot and hotter every week. Add the most anticipated confrontation in pro-wrestling history on the horizon, and that's one hell of an attraction. Yes, I do believe when Bret faces Vince and Shawn (it's got to be at the same time, or with in moments of each other) it will be a more surreal confrontation than Hogan/Andre, Hogan/Rock, Rock/Austin. Truly, this is the last great piece of wrestling spectacle that is left from the last millennium. In a way, it's sad to know this history, will be settled once and for all. Consider all that, compare it to a washed up wrestler-turned-has been reality star with a reputation for feeding his ego with every ounce of limelight he's fed, and tell me what he's (Hogan) going to do in TNA on the fateful Monday night that's going to outweigh the drama, emotion, and suspense surrounding the biggest wrestling controversy ever.
5- Will Bret compete at WM26?
I chose the word 'compete,' and not 'wrestle.' Clearly, Hart's wrestling days are long gone. No one, including Hart, would want him going into a ring again with the expectations of a wrestling match. Now, if his doctor clears him for some physical activity AND Hart trains and prepares enough (I suspect he already began) then it is not out of this world to think he can rough up someone like Vince in a 'street fight.' I think this subject matter has already been determined by the parties involved. Time will let everyone else know as it unravels before us.
6- Bret shouldn't return at all:
Why not? Out of respect for Owen? Don't buy that so much. Bret wouldn't have done anything if he really held that much blame towards WWE for the accident. There wouldn't have been a DVD or HoF, or even that quick vignette on McMahon appreciate night. As for things he said years ago about not wanting to ruin his legacy as a GM or manager. Well, time changes everything. And, I don't think Bret considered the fact that the Hart Dynasty would be together or that everyone would like some final closure regarding his legacy, the screwjob, and a face-off with Vince and/or HBK.
Predictions:
I mean, it almost becomes obvious what they have to do, BUT how they do it will be interested. They have to have Bret and Vince face off the first night. I don't think Shawn will interrupt or try to confront Bret until Bret calls him out, which I also don't think will happen immediately. Who knows? Not sure how they'll explain Bret's reasoning to come host RAW. Would be cool if Shane McMahon comes out this or next week and says he made one final deal before leaving the company. That deal was something his father would not make, so in the interest of loyal WWE fans, Shane delivers Bret Hart. (Come on, that would be awesome for Shane to stick it to Vince one last time just days before he departs.)
I think the first few weeks will be red hot. Bret will avoid DX as it seems the Hart Dynasty said they need no one's help and can do what "their fathers" couldn't. That will be interesting. By the Rumble, you can bet Bret will be screwing HBK or both him and HHH. But, here is the shocker I think we may see. Somehow, it will be revealed that indeed it was HHH that plotted the screwjob (which is really true, from what I thought) and Shawn has been seeking Bret's forgiveness for a long time. I think Bret and Shawn will indeed shake hands before this whole thing is said and done. WM26 will be a heel HHH vs face HBK and Bret vs Vince. I seriously wouldn't be surprised to see that as a tag match on the RAW before Mania. Imagine Bret and HBK as a tag team against Vince and HHH. Obviously HBK would be doing all the work, but the hype to see them as a team would be incredible.
I know I've gone on a lot, and I feel I haven't said everything racing through my mind, such as... was the whole screwjob the ultimate work to begin with? That's for later.
In November of '97 and from then on, I never believed this would happen. Even with the HoF in '06, I knew nothing more would come of it. Now, it appears it's happening; yet, I still won't believe it til his music rips and he walks through the curtain. I'm 26 years old. I haven't had a wrestling mark-out in years. Probably not since sometime around the Invasion angle. But, on January 4th, I will mark-out like no other... and I can't f'n wait!
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