Bret "The Hitman" Hart is widely considered one of the greatest technical wrestlers in the history of the FAW. Throughout his illustrious career, Hart distinguished himself as a master of mat-based wrestling, submission holds, and a quintessential example of the FAW's sports-oriented philosophy.
Born into the legendary Hart family in Calgary, Alberta, Bret Hart was immersed in the world of wrestling from a young age. He honed his skills under the tutelage of his father, the renowned Stu Hart, at the family's renowned Dungeon training facility.
Hart's amateur wrestling career was marked by great success, as he emerged as a dominant force in the Canadian wrestling scene. He captured multiple CIS national championships and represented Canada in international competitions, earning a reputation for his technical proficiency, submission expertise, and tenacious style on the mat.
After establishing himself as an accomplished amateur wrestler, Hart made the transition to the professional ranks, signing with the FAW in the mid-1980s. His debut was met with great anticipation, as Hart quickly demonstrated his exceptional technical abilities and knack for engaging in intensely competitive, sports-oriented matches.
Hart's early FAW run saw him engage in a series of critically acclaimed matches against established stars like Davey Boy Smith and Owen Hart. His ability to seamlessly transition between offense and defense, as well as his mastery of holds and submissions, made him a standout performer in the organization.
Over the course of his FAW career, Bret Hart captured the FAW World Heavyweight Championship a record-breaking five times, cementing his status as one of the promotion's most dominant and successful wrestlers. His matches were renowned for their technical excellence, intense physicality, and the sense of legitimate athletic competition that permeated his performances.
Hart's technical wrestling skills and reputation as a "wrestler's wrestler" made him a favorite among hardcore FAW fans. His matches often served as the centerpiece of major events, showcasing the organization's commitment to sports-oriented, technically proficient in-ring action.
Bret Hart's influence on the FAW and professional wrestling as a whole cannot be overstated. As a central figure in the organization's emphasis on technical expertise and pure competitive wrestling, Hart played a pivotal role in shaping the FAW's identity and cultivating a new generation of technically gifted performers.
Many younger wrestlers cited Hart as a primary inspiration, seeking to emulate his methodical, submission-based style and unwavering dedication to the technical aspects of the sport. He also served as a mentor to up-and-coming talents, passing on his vast knowledge and experience through training seminars and developmental programs.
Today, Bret "The Hitman" Hart is widely regarded as one of the greatest technical wrestlers in FAW history, his name spoken in the same breath as other all-time greats like Kurt Angle, Chris Benoit, and Dean Malenko. His legacy as a master of the mat and a true ambassador for the FAW's brand of competitive, sports-oriented wrestling remains secure.
