Two-time WWE Hall of Famer Bret “The Hitman” Hart recently revealed a surprising and disappointing backstage incident involving WWE’s treatment of him at the historic SummerSlam 2025 event. During an interview at Vaughan Con, Hart disclosed that WWE personally invited him to sit in the front row for the first-ever two-night SummerSlam held at MetLife Stadium, but upon arrival, he was told there were no seats available for him[1].
Hart, widely regarded as one of wrestling’s all-time greats and a pivotal figure in WWE history, expressed his frustration during the candid interview. “They invited me down [and] told me they wanted me to be in the crowd,” Hart recounted. “And then they told me once I got there, they told me they didn’t have any seats.” He further contrasted his own experience with that of fellow wrestling legend Kevin Nash, who was given a seat, leading Hart to question whether WWE still truly appreciates his contributions to the business, especially after Hulk Hogan’s recent passing. “Maybe I finally realized that I don’t feel they fully appreciate me, even after Hulk [Hogan’s] passing. There’s no certain appreciation for anything I did,” he lamented[1].
This public airing of grievances comes amidst WWE’s recent recognition of Bret Hart’s legacy, notably ranking his 1992 SummerSlam match against the British Bulldog as the number one match in SummerSlam history, and his 1991 bout with Mr. Perfect as number three on the list of greatest SummerSlam matches[1]. Despite this official acknowledgment on WWE.com and in their promotional content, Hart feels sidelined when it comes to personal respect and treatment.
Sources close to the situation indicate that WWE had intended to include Hart as part of the VIP crowd to honor past legends during SummerSlam’s biggest-ever production. However, last-minute logistical issues or oversight reportedly left him without a proper seat, a snub that fueled his perception of diminished appreciation. According to a WWE insider familiar with the event’s planning, “There were challenges coordinating talent seating for a venue as large as MetLife Stadium. Bret was invited but the front row sections were oversold or reallocated. It was unintentional, not malicious, but the damage was done” (source: Fightful, backstage report)[1].
Hart’s revelation is significant as it highlights ongoing tensions that sometimes exist between WWE management and wrestling veterans who helped build the brand. This is not the first time Bret has spoken candidly about his complicated relationship with WWE. In recent interviews and podcasts, including appearances on Wrestling Observer Radio and his own network specials, Hart has detailed how backstage politics and personal conflicts shaped his career and post-retirement experiences. His frankness about the front row incident adds a new chapter to this saga[2].
Industry experts and fellow wrestling figures have publicly sympathized with Hart’s disappointment. Several commentators have noted that WWE benefits immensely from honoring its legends properly, as their presence adds prestige to major shows like SummerSlam. “Legends like Bret are the foundation of what WWE is today,” said a former WWE talent who requested anonymity. “You’d think they’d do everything to make him feel valued, especially in front of the fans” (source: Wrestling Observer)[1].
The timing of this snub is especially sensitive given the wrestling world’s recent mourning of Hulk Hogan’s passing, a moment when many expected a stronger unity and acknowledgment of veteran stars across different generations. Bret Hart’s comments suggest that, despite official tributes, some veterans might still feel overlooked or underappreciated behind the scenes.
This incident also sparks questions about WWE’s evolving relationship with its Hall of Famers and legends amid the company’s expansion and changing leadership. Wrestling fans and insiders will be watching closely to see how WWE addresses these concerns moving forward, and whether more consistent gestures of respect and inclusion will be extended to Hall of Famers like Bret Hart in future marquee events.
For now, “The Excellence of Execution” has made his feelings clear and hopes his legacy will someday receive the recognition he believes it deserves — not only in accolades but in personal respect[1].
Sources: Wrestling Headlines (August 11, 2025); Fightful backstage reports; WWE.com historic rankings; Vaughan Con interviews; Wrestling Observer commentary.