Top 10 Greatest Bret “The Hitman” Hart Matches

Bret Hart Proved Why He’s the Best There Is, Was, and Ever Will Be

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Few wrestlers in history can match the technical brilliance and storytelling mastery of Bret “The Hitman” Hart. Known for his unmatched in-ring psychology and precision, Bret brought realism and emotion into every match. 

In this list, we count down his Top 10 Greatest Matches in wrestling history — the bouts that not only showcased his skills but defined a generation of wrestling fans.

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10. Bret Hart vs. Mr. Perfect

SummerSlam 1991 – Intercontinental Championship

The Technical Showcase That Crowned a Solo Star

This match was pure technical poetry. Facing the ultra-charismatic Mr. Perfect, Bret had to dig deep to prove he was more than just a tag team star. Their chemistry was incredible — fast reversals, limb work, and an emotional crescendo that ended with Bret winning his first singles title in WWE. The match is often cited as a clinic in mat wrestling and a breakout moment for Bret.

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9. Bret Hart vs. Owen Hart

WrestleMania X – Sibling Rivalry

Brother vs. Brother: A WrestleMania Masterclass

This emotional rollercoaster between brothers opened WrestleMania X with a wrestling masterpiece. Owen came out to prove he was every bit as good as Bret — and he did. The match is filled with technical sequences, sharp counters, and psychological warfare. In a stunning finish, Owen pinned Bret clean, delivering one of the greatest upsets in Mania history.

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8. Bret Hart vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin

Survivor Series 1996 – #1 Contender’s Match

The Forgotten Classic That Sparked a Rivalry

This was the underrated first encounter between the future face of WWE and the seasoned veteran. Austin was still finding his voice, and Bret had just returned after a hiatus. Their chemistry was undeniable. Bret countered the aggressive brawling of Austin with his signature technical style. This match laid the foundation for their iconic rematch at WrestleMania 13.

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7. Bret Hart vs. Chris Benoit

WCW Monday Nitro (Oct 4, 1999) – Tribute Match

An Emotional Tribute in the Shadow of Tragedy

While not in WWE, this match deserves mention. It was Bret’s first match in Kansas City after Owen’s tragic death in the same arena. The emotion was palpable. Benoit and Bret put on a classic with stiff strikes and beautiful chain wrestling. It was a silent tribute — no storylines, just respect and raw wrestling skill.

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6. Bret Hart vs. Roddy Piper

WrestleMania VIII – Intercontinental Championship

When Emotion and Honor Stole the Show

This match stands out for its unexpected intensity and storytelling depth. Piper was rarely this technical, but he matched Bret’s pace step for step. With blood, tension, and near-falls, this was one of Piper’s best matches ever. The moment Piper hesitated to use the ring bell, and chose honor over brutality, remains a classic WrestleMania moment.

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5. Bret Hart vs. The British Bulldog

SummerSlam 1992 – Intercontinental Championship

The Wembley Stadium Classic That Made History

Over 80,000 fans packed Wembley for this emotional main event. Bret carried a concussed Bulldog to one of the most beloved matches in UK wrestling history. The psychology was flawless — Bret played the subtle heel, targeting Davey Boy’s weaknesses, but ultimately lost in front of the Bulldog’s home crowd. A true epic.

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4. Bret Hart vs. The 1-2-3 Kid

RAW – July 1994 – WWF Championship

A Young Star Rises Against The Champion

This match proved that Bret could make anyone look like a million bucks. Facing a young, fast, underdog opponent in 1-2-3 Kid (Sean Waltman), Bret gave him a star-making performance. The pacing was perfect, the near-falls believable, and the ending clean. The sportsmanship handshake after the match cemented this as a RAW classic.

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3. Bret Hart vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin

WrestleMania 13 – Submission Match

The Iconic Double Turn That Changed WWE

This wasn’t just a match — it was a double turn that changed WWE forever. Austin came in as the heel, Bret as the babyface. But as the match wore on, Austin’s defiance and blood-soaked refusal to quit won the fans over, while Bret's relentless assault turned him heel. This bout is frequently called the greatest WWE match of the 1990s and a cornerstone of the Attitude Era.

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2. Bret Hart vs. Shawn Michaels

WrestleMania XII – 60-Minute Iron Man Match

Endurance, Rivalry, and Wrestling Perfection

This marathon match was the first of its kind and remains one of WWE’s most controversial. While not everyone agrees on its pacing, no one denies the technical brilliance both men brought. Bret held Shawn down for most of the match, but HBK snuck out with the win in sudden death. Love it or hate it, this bout helped define an entire generation.

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1. Bret Hart vs. Mr. Perfect

King of the Ring 1993 – Tournament Semi-Final

Two Technicians, One Masterpiece

Yes, this match surpasses even their SummerSlam ‘91 classic. Why? Because both men wrestled with total freedom — no titles, no ego, just pure wrestling. Perfect was at his technical best, Bret was storytelling like no other. Counters, pin attempts, limb targeting — it’s all here. Bret’s win, clean and decisive, propelled him to the finals where he won the tournament and cemented his role as "The Man" in WWE's New Generation Era.

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🏁 Final Thoughts

Bret Hart wasn’t just a wrestler — he was an artist in the ring. Whether facing legends like Piper, perfectionists like Mr. Perfect, or rising icons like Austin, Bret made every opponent — and every fan — believe in the power of wrestling. These matches are not just top-tier performances — they’re chapters in the legacy of a true wrestling pioneer.

Whether you're a long-time fan or a new viewer digging into wrestling history, these 10 matches are must-watch classics.