KEY POINTS

  • WWE legend Bret Hart recalled an unforgettable story involving Vince McMahon
  • Hart said McMahon called him during one of the toughest times of his life
  • Hart and the WWE chief have been bitter rivals since the "Montreal Screwjob" in 1997

WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart recently revealed a touching gesture from his old boss and rival, Vince McMahon.

In episode 30 of "Confessions Of The Hitman," Hart opened up about McMahon reaching out to him at the least expected time. According to the WWE legend, McMahon called him while he was being treated in the hospital due to a stroke several years ago.

Hart and McMahon’s relationship has been scarred by the infamous “Montreal Screwjob” at the 1997 “Survior Series.” Aware of how they left off, “The Hitman” admitted that he was “stunned” by WWE chief’s gesture.

“[McMahon] called me up in the hospital, and I remember I was very stunned that he called me in the hospital,” Hart revealed. “Maybe it was Day 3 of my stroke and I was in pretty rough shape still.”

The 63-year-old vividly recalled McMahon’s exact words to him. As per Hart, McMahon encouraged him to stay strong and positive, reminding him that he is a “fighter.”

“I could hardly talk and I couldn’t sit up or anything,” he continued. “I was pretty frail, and when you have a stroke, you’re pretty messed up. But he gave me a very heartfelt pep talk. ‘You’re a fighter. You’re going to beat this. You’re going to show everyone you’re going to get through this.’ It really meant a lot to me.”

Bret Hart
A fan jumped over the barricade and attacked Bret Hart as the WWE legend was giving his speech during the Hall of Fame ceremonies. Special guest referee Bret "The Hitman" Hart is introduced during the WWE Smackdown Live Tour at Westridge Park Tennis Stadium on July 8, 2011 in Durban, South Africa. Getty Images/Steve Haag/Gallo Images

The feud between Hart and McMahon is considered one of the most iconic rivalries in pro wrestling. It can be recalled that it all began in the controversial “Montreal Screwjob,” where Hart took on his longtime WWE rival Shawn Michaels.

Apparently, Hart was set to join the WCW at the time but didn’t want to leave WWE without a title. McMahon, on the other hand, wants him to lose his belt before departing the company. As a result, McMahon reportedly manipulated the outcome of the fight and orchestrated a stunt which saw Hart being submitted by Michaels.

Though Hart never tapped, the referee declared Michaels the winner. Furious by the result, the then-WWE champ started breaking stuff on the set and even spat on McMahon’s face.

“I would have choked Shawn [Michaels] out in the middle of the ring,” Hart said in the “Hitman Hart: Wrestling with Shadows” documentary. “I would have front-face locked him and ended the match.”

After years of having a bitter relationship with McMahon, Hart finally agreed to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2006.

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