Bret Hart Claims AEW Stars Are Just Actors Pretending to Be Wrestlers

WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart’s contributions to the pro wrestling industry cannot be understated. He has helped shape the careers of many wrestlers who came after him, but he often speaks out about the current generation of wrestling. In fact, he believes that many people in AEW are more like actors pretending to be wrestlers.

While speaking to Ariel Helwani, Bret Hart revealed his thoughts on AEW, saying that he feels many of the people in the promotion are more focused on acting and trying to pretend to be wrestlers. Hart believes they need to focus more on real wrestling and stop acting so much, saying, “AEW, I find that they’re mostly actors trying to pretend to be wrestlers. They have to get on with the real wrestling and just quit acting so much.”

Bret Hart added that he misses the toughness of wrestlers from his era, like himself, Curt Hennig, and Dynamite Kid, who were influenced by legends like Harley Race and Terry Funk.

Hart believes the 90s was the best era of wrestling, and when he watches matches from that time, they still hold up well. In his view, today’s wrestling focuses more on promos and character development on TV, rather than the in-ring work rate.

“I miss the ruggedness of the characters like guys like myself, Curt Hennig, Dynamite Kid, we were still from the Harley Race, Terry Funk kind of generation, trying to copy and mimic them. I still think the 90s was the best era of wrestling. When I watch 90s wrestling now, it’s still really good. I find that today’s wrestling it’s more about promos and your character on TV and not work rate.”

Bret Hart made it clear he wasn’t coming to AEW anytime soon, especially after the fact that AEW turned down his offer to be an agent. Nonetheless, Hart’s critique of AEW brings attention to the ongoing debate between traditional wrestling fans and those who enjoy the newer, character-focused storytelling. As wrestling continues to change, we’ll have to see if anyone in AEW will respond to what Bret Hart said.

Do you agree with Bret Hart’s views on AEW and today’s wrestling? Do you think the focus on character and promos has overshadowed in-ring work rate? Share your thoughts below!

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