Who Ended Bret Hart's Wrestling Career? The Story Of Starrcade 1999 And Goldberg
For many wrestling fans, the question of who ended Bret Hart's wrestling career still brings up a lot of talk and emotion. It's a moment that, for some, feels like a real turning point in the late 1990s wrestling scene, especially in WCW. The "Hitman," as many called him, was a true legend, known for his incredible skill and the way he made everything in the ring feel so believable. His time in World Championship Wrestling, though, had a rather rough end, leading to one of the most talked-about and, honestly, quite sad moments in the sport's history. This event, you know, really sticks with people even today.
The whole situation involved a specific match that has been discussed for years, and it centered on two very big names in professional wrestling. It was a clash that had a lot riding on it, and it happened at a major event that many people watched. When we look back, it's clear that what happened that night had lasting effects, not just for Bret Hart but, in a way, for the entire industry. It's a story that highlights how quickly things can change and how one moment can alter a person's path in a very big way.
Even after more than two decades have passed since that night, the feelings about it remain quite strong. There's still a real sense of discussion and, for some, a clear opinion about what went down and why it was so impactful. It's a testament to Bret Hart's standing in wrestling that people still care so much about this particular part of his story, and it's also, you know, a reflection of the intense nature of the sport itself, where real-life consequences can sometimes come from what happens in the ring.
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Table of Contents
- Bret Hart: A Wrestling Icon
- The Event: Starrcade 1999
- The Aftermath: A Career Cut Short
- The Lingering Grudge
- Bret Hart's Storied Past
- Frequently Asked Questions
Bret Hart: A Wrestling Icon
Bret "The Hitman" Hart is, honestly, regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of his generation, perhaps even of all time. His career spanned decades, seeing him achieve legendary status in the WWE, then known as the WWF, before making a move to WCW. His style in the ring was, you know, quite unique, often combining technical precision with a powerful storytelling ability that really connected with fans.
He was a champion many times over, holding various titles and putting on matches that are still talked about as classics. His legacy is built on a foundation of intense dedication to his craft and a deep understanding of how to make a wrestling match feel like a genuine contest. It's almost as if he had a special way of making you believe in the action, every single time.
Personal Details & Bio Data
| Ring Name | Bret "The Hitman" Hart |
| Known For | WWE Legend, One of the Greatest of His Generation |
| Key Matches Mentioned | Defeated Shawn Michaels (WWF's first ladder match, July 21, 1992), Lost to Mr., Faced Goldberg (Starrcade 1999) |
| Career Highlight | Intercontinental Championship (Ladder Match vs. Shawn Michaels) |
| Career Ending Event | Severe Concussion from Goldberg's kick at Starrcade 1999 |
| Later Career Status | Terminated from WCW (October 2000), Retired |
The Event: Starrcade 1999
The specific event that many point to as the beginning of the end for Bret Hart's active wrestling career was Starrcade 1999. This was a very big pay-per-view for World Championship Wrestling, a major show on their calendar, and it took place on December 19, 1999. The venue for this significant night was the MCI Center in Washington, D.C., which, you know, was a pretty grand setting for a main event of this magnitude.
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The main event featured Bret Hart, a reigning champion, going up against Bill Goldberg, a former WCW World Heavyweight Champion and a truly dominant force in the company at that time. There was, in a way, a lot of excitement around this particular match, as both competitors had a reputation for intense, hard-hitting contests. It was, quite simply, a match that many fans were eager to witness, expecting a memorable showdown between two powerhouses of the sport.
The Match
The match itself was for the WCW World Heavyweight Title, adding an extra layer of importance to the already high-stakes contest. Bret Hart and Goldberg were set to clash, and the crowd was, you know, really into it. These two had a history, with a rivalry that had, in some respects, spanned across both Bret Hart's WWF and WCW careers, building up to this moment. It was meant to be a crowning achievement for one of them, a definitive statement in their ongoing story.
As the match unfolded, the intensity was clear. Both wrestlers were giving it their all, trying to gain the upper hand. It was a physical contest, as you would expect from two performers of their caliber, and the action was, naturally, quite fast-paced. The fans in the MCI Center were on the edge of their seats, watching every move, every counter, every powerful strike.
The Unfortunate Kick
During the course of this highly anticipated title match at Starrcade 1999, a moment occurred that would, sadly, change everything for Bret Hart. Bill Goldberg delivered a superkick, which, in the context of the match, was intended as a powerful move. However, this particular kick was, you know, misjudged. It was, in a way, an errant superkick that landed in a very bad spot.
The kick, sometimes described as a mule kick to the head, connected with Bret Hart's head in a way that caused a very severe concussion. This was not just a minor bump; it was a significant blow that had immediate and lasting effects. The impact of that single move, on that night, served as the clear beginning of the end for "The Hitman's" storied professional wrestling career. It was a truly unfortunate incident that, to be honest, nobody wanted to see happen.
The Aftermath: A Career Cut Short
Following that impactful kick at Starrcade 1999, Bret Hart's wrestling career took a very difficult turn. The severe concussion he suffered meant he was forced to step away from the ring, and this wasn't just for a few weeks. He had to stay out of active competition well into the 2000 season, which, you know, is a really long time for a top-tier performer to be sidelined. His ability to compete was, quite simply, gone for a significant period.
This injury, which came from that one specific moment, effectively cut short what was still a very active and important career. For someone who had dedicated their life to the sport, being unable to perform must have been incredibly challenging. It was a sudden and rather definitive halt to his regular appearances, leaving a big void for both him and his fans.
The Concussion's Impact
The severe concussion Bret Hart experienced was, as a matter of fact, the primary reason for his career being cut short. A concussion of that magnitude can have profound and lasting effects on a person's health, especially when it comes to a physically demanding profession like professional wrestling. It meant that his body, and particularly his head, needed a significant amount of time to recover, and even then, the long-term risks were substantial.
The injury made it impossible for him to safely continue wrestling at the level he was known for. It was a situation where his health had to come first, even if it meant stepping away from the spotlight. This sort of injury, you know, can really change a person's life, and for Bret, it meant saying goodbye to the active part of his wrestling life sooner than anyone expected.
WCW's Decision
As a direct consequence of his inability to compete due to the severe concussion, Bret Hart's time with World Championship Wrestling eventually came to an end. He was, in fact, fired later that year by WCW. By the end of October 2000, Bret Hart would be terminated from his contract with the company. This decision, while perhaps understandable from a business perspective given his inability to perform, marked a very sad chapter in his professional journey.
His final WCW appearance was, you know, essentially followed by this termination, solidifying the end of his run with the promotion. It was a rather stark conclusion to what had been a difficult period for him since the Starrcade incident. The company decided to move on, and Bret Hart found himself no longer actively employed by a major wrestling organization, largely because of the lasting effects of that one unfortunate kick.
The Lingering Grudge
Even after more than two decades have passed since that fateful night at Starrcade 1999, the feelings surrounding the incident remain very much alive. Bret Hart has, quite simply, held a strong grudge against Bill Goldberg because of the kick that ended his wrestling career. This "beef," as it's often called, has been a consistent topic of discussion among fans and within the wrestling community for many, many years. It's clear that the emotional impact of that moment has stayed with him.
It's not just a passing disagreement; it's a deep-seated feeling about a pivotal moment that changed his life. The fact that the injury forced him into retirement makes the situation, you know, particularly personal for him. He has been very open about his perspective on what happened and where he believes things went wrong in that match, which, to be honest, has kept the story in the public eye.
Bret Hart's Perspective
Bret Hart has confirmed that former WCW World Heavyweight Champion Bill Goldberg ultimately ended his career. He has often written and spoken about what happened and where things went wrong in that specific match. For Bret, it was a moment that directly led to his forced retirement, and he has, in a way, consistently blamed Goldberg for his career being cut short. His view is that the kick was not just an accident but something that had severe, life-altering consequences for him.
He sees it as the singular event that brought his active wrestling life to a premature close. In his real life, within the often cartoonish world of wrestling, Bret Hart wrote about the experience, detailing the impact and the trajectory his career took afterward. His writings and interviews often reflect a deep sense of loss and frustration regarding that night, and you can, honestly, sense the lasting impact it had on him.
Goldberg's Account
Bill Goldberg, for his part, has also spoken about the incident, especially after drawing the ire of Bret Hart for decades regarding their match at Starrcade. He has tried to set the record straight, offering his side of the story. In an interview with Tim Green for "Nothing Left Unsaid," as reported via Fightful, Goldberg spoke about the errant superkick that basically ended the career of Bret Hart. He acknowledged the kick and its outcome, which, you know, Bret has not forgotten.
While the details of Goldberg's full account are specific to his interviews, the core remains that he acknowledges the kick and its severe consequences for Bret Hart. It's a situation where both individuals have spoken about the event, but the fundamental disagreement or, rather, the lasting impact on Bret Hart, remains a key part of their shared history. It's a very clear example of how a single in-ring moment can have such long-term repercussions for everyone involved.
Bret Hart's Storied Past
Before the unfortunate events at Starrcade 1999, Bret "The Hitman" Hart had already built a truly extraordinary life and career as a wrestling icon. He was, honestly, a cornerstone of the then-WWF for many years, offering an unparalleled look into the competitive world of professional wrestling through his performances. His journey saw him rise to the very top, becoming a fan favorite and a respected figure among his peers.
His career was filled with memorable matches and significant achievements, solidifying his place as one of the most influential performers of his era. He had a way of making every match feel important, every move look genuine, which, you know, is a very special skill in this business. He had, in a way, already cemented his legacy long before his time in WCW began. Learn more about wrestling history on our site, and check out this page for more wrestler profiles.
Early Career Highlights
Bret Hart's career was marked by many significant moments even before his time in WCW. For example, in the first televised contest of a rivalry that would span his WWF and WCW careers, he actually lost to Mr. This early part of his career showed his potential and his ability to engage in compelling storylines. He was, quite simply, building a reputation as a consistent and reliable performer, someone who could always deliver a great match.
One particularly famous moment came on July 21, 1992, when Bret Hart defeated Shawn Michaels in the WWF's first-ever ladder match. This historic match took place at a "Wrestling Challenge" taping, with the Intercontinental Championship belt suspended above the ring. This match is, you know, often cited as a groundbreaking contest that set a new standard for ladder matches in wrestling, showcasing Bret's innovative style and athletic ability. It was a really big deal at the time.
A WWE Legend's Journey
Bret Hart's journey through the WWE, where he truly became a legend, was filled with many title reigns and iconic feuds. He was a multi-time world champion, and his matches were often the highlight of any show. His technical skills were, honestly, second to none, and he had a knack for making his opponents look good while still maintaining his own strong presence. He was, in a way, a master of his craft, always aiming for perfection in the ring.
His time in the WWE is remembered fondly by many fans, and he is often cited as a key figure in the company's success during the 1990s. His influence on wrestling, particularly in shaping the perception of what a main event match could be, is, you know, quite profound. He really helped define an era, and his contributions are still celebrated by those who follow the sport. For more insights into wrestling legends, you can visit a reputable wrestling news site like Wrestling Inc..
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Bret Hart confirm who ended his wrestling career?
Yes, Bret Hart has confirmed that former WCW World Heavyweight Champion Bill Goldberg ultimately ended his wrestling career. He has, you know, been very clear about this in his statements and writings, pointing to the specific incident at Starrcade 1999 as the cause.
What injury did Bret Hart suffer that ended his career?
Bret Hart suffered a severe concussion due to a misjudged superkick, sometimes called a mule kick, to the head by Bill Goldberg during their title match at Starrcade in 1999. This injury forced him to stay out of the ring and eventually led to his retirement. It was, in a way, a very serious blow.
Has Bret Hart held a grudge against Goldberg for the incident?
Yes, Bret Hart has held a grudge against Goldberg because of the kick at Starrcade 1999 that ended his wrestling career. Even though more than 20 years have passed, the "beef" between them is, you know, still a topic of discussion, showing the lasting impact of the event.
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