Did Bret Hart Ever Forgive Goldberg? A Look At Their Long Road

Prof. Trace Emmerich 29 Jul 2025

The world of professional wrestling, so it's almost, often brings together incredible athletes. Sometimes, though, real-life events cast a long shadow. Fans often wonder about the personal feelings between stars. One question that still gets asked a lot is: Did Bret Hart ever forgive Goldberg?

This question goes back to a very serious incident. It involved a move that went wrong. That moment had huge consequences for Bret "The Hitman" Hart. It really changed his life and his career path, too.

For years, people have followed the story of these two wrestling legends. Their paths crossed in a way that no one wanted. We will look at what happened. We will also explore the many statements made by both men over time. This story, you know, has many layers.

Who is Bret "The Hitman" Hart?
- Personal Details and Career Highlights
The Incident: A Turning Point
- What Happened on That Night?
- The Impact on Bret Hart's Career
Bret Hart's Initial Feelings
- Public Statements and Resentment
- The Weight of a Career Cut Short
Goldberg's Perspective
- Acknowledging the Mistake
- The Burden of the Injury
Signs of a Shift: Has Forgiveness Happened?
- Moments of Reconciliation
- Recent Interactions and Public Comments
The Lingering Question: What Does Forgiveness Mean Here?
Frequently Asked Questions About Bret Hart and Goldberg
- What injury did Goldberg give Bret Hart?
- Did Bret Hart blame Goldberg for ending his career?
- Have Bret Hart and Goldberg spoken since the incident?

Who is Bret "The Hitman" Hart?

Bret "The Hitman" Hart is a name many wrestling fans hold in high regard. He came from a family deeply involved in wrestling. His father, Stu Hart, ran a famous training dungeon. Bret learned his craft there, basically, from a very young age.

He was known for his technical skill. His matches were often called "five-star classics." He held many championships. People respected his ability to tell a story in the ring. He truly was a master of his art, in a way.

Bret's career reached its peak in the 1990s. He became a top star. He was a champion many times over. Fans loved his strong work ethic. His dedication to wrestling was clear to everyone watching, you know.

Personal Details and Career Highlights

Detail	Information
Full Name	Bret Sergeant Hart
Born	July 2, 1957
Birthplace	Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Ring Name	Bret "The Hitman" Hart
Major Accomplishments	5-time WWF Champion, 2-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion, King of the Ring (1991, 1993), WWE Hall of Famer
Signature Move	Sharpshooter

The Incident: A Turning Point

The moment that changed everything happened in late 1999. It was a match that many remember. Bret Hart was wrestling Goldberg. They were both big names at the time, naturally.

The match took place in World Championship Wrestling (WCW). This was during a very competitive time in wrestling. Both men were trying to prove themselves. The stakes were quite high, in fact.

What happened next was a terrible accident. It had lasting effects. This single moment, you know, altered Bret Hart's life path completely. It is something that has been talked about for decades.

What Happened on That Night?

The specific event happened at WCW Starrcade 1999. Bret Hart was facing Goldberg for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship. During the match, Goldberg delivered a kick to Bret Hart's head. This kick was meant to be part of the action, obviously.

However, the kick landed very hard. It caused a severe concussion for Bret Hart. He continued the match, which was perhaps not the best idea. He even won the championship that night, as a matter of fact.

But the damage was done. That one kick, you know, led to a series of concussions for Bret. These injuries would eventually force him out of the ring. It was a very sad turn of events for his career.

The Impact on Bret Hart's Career

The concussion from Goldberg's kick was not just a minor bump. It was a major injury. It started a chain of health problems for Bret Hart. He suffered from post-concussion syndrome, for instance.

His symptoms were serious. They included headaches, dizziness, and other issues. These problems made it impossible for him to wrestle safely. He had to step away from the sport he loved. This happened in early 2000, as I was saying.

His career, which was still going strong, ended abruptly. Many fans felt a great loss. Bret Hart himself felt a deep sense of unfairness. This was a career cut short, pretty much, at its peak.

Bret Hart's Initial Feelings

After the injury, Bret Hart's feelings were very clear. He felt a lot of anger and sadness. He believed Goldberg was responsible for ending his career. This was a very difficult time for him, you know.

He had lost his ability to perform. He also lost the future matches he could have had. This was a huge part of his identity. Losing that, as a matter of fact, was a crushing blow.

The wrestling community watched closely. They saw Bret's pain. They understood why he felt the way he did. It was a very public and emotional situation, too.

Public Statements and Resentment

For many years, Bret Hart spoke openly about the incident. He often expressed his strong feelings about Goldberg. He would say that Goldberg was careless. He felt Goldberg did not take enough care in the ring, apparently.

Bret often said that Goldberg was a dangerous performer. He would point to the kick as proof. These statements were made in interviews. They were also made in documentaries and public appearances. His resentment was very evident, you know.

He felt his life had been changed forever. This was due to that one moment. The anger seemed to stay with him for a long time. It was a heavy burden, you might say.

The Weight of a Career Cut Short

Imagine being at the top of your profession. Then, suddenly, it's all taken away. This is how Bret Hart felt. He had more to give to wrestling. He had more stories to tell in the ring, you know.

The injury robbed him of those chances. It took away his ability to wrestle. It also took away the closure he might have wanted. He never got to have a proper retirement match, for instance.

This feeling of something unfinished stayed with him. It fueled his feelings towards Goldberg. It was not just about the pain. It was about the loss of his future in wrestling, too.

Goldberg's Perspective

Goldberg also had to live with the aftermath of that night. He knew he had injured Bret. This was not something he intended. He always said it was an accident, you know.

He expressed regret for what happened. He understood the severity of Bret's injury. He also understood the impact it had. It was a difficult situation for both men, actually.

Goldberg carried his own burden. He was the one who delivered the kick. This fact stayed with him for many years. It was a heavy weight to carry, in some respects.

Acknowledging the Mistake

Goldberg has spoken about the incident many times. He has always said he felt terrible about it. He never meant to hurt Bret. He has called it a tragic accident, for example.

He admitted that he was still learning at the time. He was a powerful wrestler. He was still refining his moves, you know. He wished he could go back and change things. That is what he has said, anyway.

His words often showed genuine sorrow. He knew the pain he caused. He knew the impact it had on Bret's life. He has never tried to deny his role in it, to be honest.

The Burden of the Injury

Being responsible for such a serious injury is a tough thing. Goldberg had to face public criticism. He also had to deal with his own feelings. This was a big part of his career, you know.

He continued to wrestle. But the incident with Bret Hart was always a topic of discussion. It was something that followed him. He often spoke about the regret he felt. It was a constant reminder, pretty much.

He wished for Bret's recovery. He also wished for Bret to find peace. This was a heavy burden for Goldberg, too. It showed that he did care about the situation.

Signs of a Shift: Has Forgiveness Happened?

Over the years, the relationship between Bret Hart and Goldberg has seen some changes. Time, you know, can heal some wounds. It can also bring new perspectives. People often wonder if true forgiveness ever came about.

There have been moments where things seemed to soften. These moments were observed by fans. They were also talked about in interviews. The situation, you know, is not as simple as a yes or no answer.

It seems their relationship has gone through different phases. It started with clear anger. Then it moved towards a more complex understanding. This has been a long process, you might say.

Moments of Reconciliation

One notable moment happened at the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony. Both men were present. There was a brief interaction. This was seen by many as a step forward, as a matter of fact.

Later, Goldberg inducted Bret Hart into the National Wrestling Alliance Hall of Fame. This was a huge sign of respect. It showed that some bridge had been built between them, you know. It was a very public gesture.

These were not full embraces of friendship. But they were clear signs of a thaw. They suggested that the intense anger might have lessened. It was a positive development, apparently.

Recent Interactions and Public Comments

More recently, both men have spoken about each other. Bret Hart has sometimes still expressed frustration. He has said that the injury really hurt him. He has never fully forgotten it, you know.

However, he has also acknowledged Goldberg's regret. He has said that he understands it was an accident. This shows a more nuanced view. It is not just pure anger anymore, in a way.

Goldberg continues to express his deep sorrow. He has stated that he respects Bret Hart greatly. He knows the legacy Bret has. He wishes things had been different, you know. Their current relationship seems to be one of mutual respect, but with a lingering shadow of the past.

For more details on Bret Hart's incredible career, you can learn more about Bret Hart's history. His impact on wrestling is truly significant.

The Lingering Question: What Does Forgiveness Mean Here?

So, did Bret Hart ever forgive Goldberg? The answer is not a simple "yes" or "no." It is more complex than that. Forgiveness, you know, can take many forms. It is not always about forgetting what happened.

It might mean letting go of the anger. It could mean accepting the situation. It might also mean understanding the other person's perspective. Bret Hart has certainly moved past the initial rage, you know.

He has acknowledged Goldberg's remorse. He has appeared with him. These actions suggest a level of acceptance. It is a long process, basically, for something so deeply impactful.

Perhaps it is a journey towards peace. It is not a sudden flip of a switch. The effects of the injury are still real for Bret. But his feelings towards Goldberg have evolved over time. It is a very human story, too.

Learn more about wrestling history on our site. You can also link to this page for more wrestling news.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bret Hart and Goldberg

What injury did Goldberg give Bret Hart?

Goldberg delivered a stiff kick to Bret Hart's head during their match at WCW Starrcade 1999. This kick caused a severe concussion. This single incident, you know, led to a series of concussions for Bret. These injuries ultimately forced him to retire from professional wrestling. It was a very serious blow to his career, as a matter of fact.

Did Bret Hart blame Goldberg for ending his career?

Initially, Bret Hart very much blamed Goldberg. He often expressed strong resentment. He felt Goldberg was careless and unprofessional. He believed the injury directly led to his forced retirement. Over time, his public statements have shown a slight shift. He still acknowledges the injury's impact. However, he has also accepted Goldberg's remorse, you know. It is a nuanced situation now.

Have Bret Hart and Goldberg spoken since the incident?

Yes, Bret Hart and Goldberg have had interactions since the incident. They have appeared at wrestling events together. Goldberg even inducted Bret Hart into a Hall of Fame. While their relationship is not one of close friendship, there have been public moments of reconciliation. They have spoken respectfully about each other in interviews, too. This suggests a path towards some level of peace, you know, after many years.

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