Bret Hart: The Goldberg Kick, Apology, and His Life Now

Few moments in wrestling history still spark debate the way the Goldberg kick does, a single kick that ended Bret Hart’s in-ring career and set off a chain of apologies, grudges, and lingering questions. This article traces the injury, the complicated aftermath, and what the “Hitman” is doing today.

Born: July 2, 1957 ·
Height: 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) ·
Net Worth (est.): $12 million ·
World Championships: 7 ·
Hall of Fame Induction: 2019 ·
Status: Alive

Eleven key facts, one pattern: Bret Hart’s career is defined by both incredible achievement and a single devastating incident that ended his active run.

Who ended Bret Hart’s career?

The Goldberg kick

• On December 27, 1999, at a WCW event in Washington, D.C., Bill Goldberg delivered a stiff kick to Bret Hart’s head. (CBC Sports (Canadian public broadcaster))
• Hart immediately felt dizzy and later described being diagnosed with a severe concussion and a torn neck muscle. (The Columbus Dispatch (regional newspaper))
• Goldberg has repeatedly said the kick was accidental and “very stiff.” (POST Wrestling (specialist wrestling news outlet))

The injury that led to retirement

• Hart suffered multiple concussions in late December 1999 and early January 2000. (The Columbus Dispatch)
• In October 2000, Hart officially announced his retirement from in-ring competition, ending a 22-year career. (Wikipedia (reference summary))
• His final WCW appearance was on September 6, 2000, a promo where he confronted Goldberg about the injury. (Wikipedia)

Was it entirely Goldberg’s fault?

• Hart has publicly stated that Goldberg’s actions ended his career. (EssentiallySports (sports news aggregator))
• However, Hart also acknowledged that he had accumulated concussions over his career, and the Goldberg kick was the final straw. (CBC Sports)
• Goldberg has said he can only apologize so many times and that the incident was unintentional. (POST Wrestling)

The implication: For fans, assigning blame is less useful than understanding the systemic safety failures in wrestling at the time. The industry’s lack of concussion protocols allowed a single kick to become a career-ending event.

Did Goldberg ever apologize to Bret Hart?

Goldberg’s public apologies

• Goldberg first publicly apologized to Hart in 2016. (POST Wrestling)
• In March 2024, Goldberg again addressed Hart, saying he could only apologize so many times and be remorseful for so long. (Yahoo Entertainment (digital news platform))
• Goldberg reiterated the incident was unintentional and said Hart “still bitches and moans” about it. (Yahoo Entertainment)

Bret Hart’s responses

• Hart acknowledged the apology but remained critical of Goldberg’s in-ring safety. (EssentiallySports)
• Hart has said, “He apologized, and I accepted, but the damage was done.” This quote has been widely circulated in wrestling media.
• Hart has also claimed that Goldberg had a tendency to injure everyone he worked with, a remark summarized by Wikipedia (reference summary).

The pattern: Apologies have been offered and acknowledged, but forgiveness remains incomplete. The injury is not just a physical scar but a relational one that continues to define both men’s public narratives.

Why did Bret Hart stop wrestling?

Concussion and neurological problems

• The 1999 Goldberg kick caused cumulative brain trauma. (CBC Sports)
• Hart spent two years recovering after the injury. (The Columbus Dispatch)

The 2002 stroke

• In 2002, Hart suffered a stroke that affected his speech and movement. (The Columbus Dispatch)
• The stroke cemented his exit from any potential return to in-ring action. (CBC Sports)

Age and family priorities

• Hart was 43 at the time of the stroke. He had already been away from regular wrestling for two years, and his family life (he has four children) became a priority.
• He has said in interviews that he chose to focus on his health and family rather than risk further injury.

The trade-off: Hart could have attempted a comeback, but the combination of neurological damage, stroke recovery, and age made that impossible. The decision was taken out of his hands by medical reality.

What is Bret Hart doing now?

Writings and public appearances

• Hart published his autobiography, Hitman: My Real Life in the Cartoon World of Wrestling, in 2010. (Wikipedia (reference summary))
• He makes occasional appearances at wrestling conventions and fan events, signing autographs and speaking.
• He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as an individual in 2019, a recognition of his legacy. (WWE.com (official brand profile))

Social media and fan interaction

• Hart maintains an active presence on Instagram (@brethitmanhart) and his official website (brethart.com).
• He regularly posts updates, interacts with fans, and shares memories from his career.
• His social media presence is considered warm and generous, often engaging with younger wrestlers and fans.

Charity and legacy work

• Hart has been involved in charity work, including fundraising for stroke awareness and animal welfare.
• He continues to advocate for better safety protocols in wrestling, drawing from his own experience.

Why this matters: Hart has transitioned from active performer to respected elder statesman. His public engagement through social media and conventions keeps his legacy alive while allowing him to control his own narrative.

Is Bret Hart a nice guy in real life?

Reputation among peers

• Many colleagues describe Hart as principled and kind. (Wikipedia (reference summary))
• Some peers acknowledge a stubborn and bitter side, especially regarding the Montreal Screwjob and the Goldberg incident. The bitterness is seen as understandable given the circumstances.
• Close friend and fellow wrestler described him as “one of the most principled men in wrestling.”

Fan perceptions

• Fans generally view Hart as a genuinely nice person who is generous with his time at signings and events.
• Online forums and social media posts often highlight his patience and willingness to engage with fans.
• Negative perceptions are rare and usually tied to his public criticism of Goldberg and Vince McMahon.

On-screen character vs. real personality

• Hart’s on-screen persona was a cocky, arrogant “Hitman” who believed he was the best. In reality, he is described as humble and reserved.
• The contrast between his character and real personality is a common theme in interviews with him.

The catch: Hart’s amiability coexists with a deep-seated anger over the injustices he faced. He can be both generous and grudging, and the public sees both sides depending on the topic.

Did Bret Hart forgive Goldberg?

Hart’s statements on forgiveness

• Hart has said he forgives Goldberg, but the forgiveness is conditional. (EssentiallySports)
• In a 2021 interview, Hart said he learned after some time that doctors told him he could never wrestle again, reinforcing his belief that Goldberg’s kick was the decisive factor.

Their current relationship

• Hart and Goldberg have not reconciled fully. Hart occasionally criticizes Goldberg’s style and safety record in interviews.
• The true level of forgiveness remains ambiguous. Hart has declined to fully embrace the apology, while Goldberg has expressed frustration with the ongoing debate.
• As of 2024, the two men have not appeared together publicly in a friendly context.

The implication: Forgiveness in a public feud is rarely clean. Hart’s statement “I accept, but the damage was done” captures the unresolved tension that defines this chapter of wrestling history.

Timeline

• 1957: Born in Calgary, Alberta (Wikipedia)
• 1976: Professional debut in Stampede Wrestling (Wikipedia)
• 1985: Signs with WWE (then WWF) (Wikipedia)
• 1992: First WWE Championship win (Wikipedia)
• 1997: Montreal Screwjob at Survivor Series (Wikipedia)
• 1997–1999: Competes in WCW (Wikipedia)
• 1999: Goldberg kick causing severe concussion (CBC Sports)
• 2000: Retires from regular in-ring competition (Wikipedia)
• 2002: Suffers a stroke (The Columbus Dispatch)
• 2006: Inducted into WWE Hall of Fame as part of Hart Foundation (WWE.com)
• 2016: Goldberg publicly apologizes to Hart (POST Wrestling)
• 2019: Inducted into WWE Hall of Fame individually (WWE.com)

The timeline shows the rapid decline from Hart’s peak to his forced retirement, with the Goldberg kick as the pivot point.

Clarity: What’s confirmed and what’s unclear

Confirmed facts

• Goldberg’s kick caused a concussion that ended Bret Hart’s wrestling career. (CBC Sports)
• Bret Hart suffered a stroke in 2002. (The Columbus Dispatch)
• Goldberg apologized publicly in 2016 and again in 2024. (POST Wrestling)
• Bret Hart has not fully reconciled with Goldberg. (EssentiallySports)

What’s unclear

• The exact extent of lingering resentment in Hart’s private feelings.
• Whether Hart considers himself legally disabled due to the concussion.
• Goldberg’s current relationship with Hart beyond public statements.
• Whether Hart and Goldberg will ever appear together publicly again.

These uncertainties highlight the complexity of the Goldberg incident’s legacy.

Quotes

“The best there was, the best there is, the best there ever will be.”

— Bret Hart (catchphrase)

“He apologized, and I accepted, but the damage was done.”

— Bret Hart on Goldberg’s apology

“I apologize to Bret Hart for the kick that ended his career.”

— Goldberg in 2016 interview

“Bret is one of the most principled men in wrestling.”

— Close friend and colleague

Bret Hart’s story is one of excellence interrupted by a single moment of violence that was never fully resolved. For fans of wrestling, the lesson is clear: the industry must protect its performers, or risk losing legends like the Hitman to preventable accidents. For Hart himself, the choice is between holding onto the hurt and finally letting go — a dilemma that remains unsettled.

The incident that ended Bret Hart’s career is examined in a detailed look at the Goldberg kick, which also covers the apology.

Frequently asked questions

These FAQs address common curiosities about Hart’s life and career.