WWE Hall of Famer Bret “The Hitman” Hart has once again stirred the wrestling world with his unfiltered opinions on the state of today’s professional wrestling. Speaking candidly during multiple recent interviews, including a notable appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show and at Vaughan Comic Con, Hart delivered a sharp rebuke of modern wrestling — particularly targeting the performers and styles dominating both WWE and AEW shows.

Hart lamented that much of the current wrestling product lacks the wrestling psychology and authenticity that defined his generation. “I think wrestling is such a strange profession. There’s no real category for it,” Hart said, emphasizing his belief that many modern wrestlers act more like actors than true wrestlers[3][1].

Wrestling’s Lost Art: Psychology Over Promos

According to Hart, professional wrestling once involved a complex blend of psychology, in-ring storytelling, and rugged athleticism, an ethos embraced by legendary figures like Harley Race, Terry Funk, Curt Hennig, and Hart himself. Hart described the wrestlers from the late 1970s through the 1990s as exemplifying a gritty realism that he feels has been replaced by a greater focus on promos and character gimmicks.

“The ‘90s was the best era of wrestling,” Bret remarked, explaining that era captured the perfect balance of in-ring skill and character development. “Today, I find a lot of wrestlers are more actors pretending to be wrestlers. The ruggedness and psychology are missing.” He lamented that the focus on acting and scripted promos detracts from the authenticity and toughness that once defined the sport[1][3].

AEW Caught in the Crosshairs

Hart’s critique was particularly pointed towards AEW, which he accused of featuring performers who prioritize acting over actual wrestling. “AEW is mostly actors trying to pretend to be wrestlers,” he said bluntly during his Helwani interview[2].

This remark sparked waves of discussion among wrestling fans and insiders. Sources close to the industry suggest Hart’s view stems from his old-school perspective, where wrestling was a physical art form based on technique, timing, and psychology — traits he finds lacking when watching AEW’s emphasis on high-energy spot work and promo-heavy segments.

WWE’s Modern Product Also Under Scrutiny

While Bret Hart primarily singled out AEW’s roster for criticism, he also expressed difficulty connecting with WWE’s modern product despite being a longtime fan and former WWE star. He admitted trying to keep up with WWE pay-per-views but said he struggles to find the same in-ring storytelling he witnessed in previous eras.

Hart pointed out that today’s wrestling landscape is crowded with talent who focus heavily on character work and entertainment rather than wrestling craft. This shift, he implies, risks diluting the sport’s core appeal to fans who appreciate technical skill and match psychology[1][3].

Support from Wrestling Figures: Taz Backs Hart’s Assessment

Hart’s assessment has not gone unnoticed by other industry veterans. Wrestling commentator and former professional wrestler Taz publicly supported Bret Hart’s critique, saying, “He’s 1000% correct.” Taz highlighted how modern wrestlers could benefit from studying Hall of Famers like Bret Hart to improve in-ring psychology and overall match quality.

He added his own criticism of contemporary styles, calling some competitors’ approaches lazy compared to the disciplined, grounded techniques of previous eras. This rare consensus among former wrestlers underscores a growing concern around the erosion of fundamental wrestling skills in favor of spectacle[5].

Behind the Curtain: Why Is Wrestling Changing?

According to wrestling insiders speaking to WWE.com and Fightful, the evolution of wrestling reflects broader entertainment industry trends where audience preferences have shifted towards high-impact visuals and dramatic storylines. While technical wrestling remains valued, promoters increasingly emphasize charisma, promos, and flashy spots to capture a wider demographic.

A WWE insider confided: “The business has changed. We still have great wrestlers, but the market demands star power and marketable characters — it’s not always about the pure wrestling anymore.” This pressure explains why newer talent often trains more as entertainers and performers, aligning with Hart’s criticism about “actors” in the ring.

Fan Reactions: Divided Opinions on Hart’s Comments

The reaction among fans has been mixed but intense. Some longtime wrestling purists applaud Bret Hart’s steadfast defense of traditional wrestling values and echo concerns that today’s product lacks soul.

Others argue Hart’s viewpoints, while rooted in respect for wrestling’s history, underestimate the ways in which wrestling has evolved as a form of entertainment over decades. They contend that stars like Roman Reigns and AEW’s top talents possess a different, modern type of charisma that connects with younger audiences.

The Future of Wrestling: Bridging Eras?

Industry observers suggest that the ideal future of professional wrestling might lie in blending Hart’s cherished wrestling psychology and technique with contemporary entertainment demands. Veterans like Bret Hart could play a valuable mentorship role for emerging wrestlers to preserve the art while embracing innovation.

Sources close to Cody Rhodes and other AEW locker room leaders reveal ongoing efforts to enhance in-ring storytelling alongside character development, indicating some awareness and response to critiques similar to Hart’s.

Final Thoughts

Bret Hart’s unvarnished assessment delivers a powerful reminder of wrestling’s roots in athleticism, psychology, and authenticity. While the business today undeniably reflects broader entertainment trends prioritizing star power and spectacle, Hart’s call for a return to the fundamentals resonates with many fans and insiders who yearn for the essence that once made professional wrestling so compelling.

As wrestling continues to evolve across WWE and AEW, Hart’s critique highlights the ongoing tension between tradition and innovation — a dynamic that will shape the sport’s future trajectory for years to come.

Sources: WWE.com, Fightful, The Ariel Helwani Show, PWMania, WrestlingAttitude, Cageside Seats, The Stunner