Hulk Hogan’s Career Defended After Bret Hart Accuses Him of Holding Back Talent

WWE Hall of Famer Teddy Long isn’t staying silent after Bret Hart’s recent scathing remarks about Hulk Hogan. Hart had claimed that Hogan “never helped anybody else” and would have rather seen the company “sink” than help create new stars — but Long isn’t buying it.

During a recent appearance on WrestleBinge, the former SmackDown General Manager pushed back against Hart’s take, saying he never saw that side of Hogan during his decades in the wrestling business. What truly shocked Long, though, was the timing of Hart’s comments — made after Hogan’s death.

“I never heard that. It may be true. I don’t know. But if the man’s dead, let’s let him rest in peace.”

Before addressing the controversy, Long went out of his way to praise Bret Hart as a person and performer, sharing how much he’s always respected “The Hitman.”

“I love Bret Hart. I mean, I have the most ultimate respect for Bret Hart. I mean, me and him have talked on several occasions. I’ve even walked—I found out that he was at a signing—I’ve even left my table and just went over to him to speak to him. And he done the same for me.”

Long said those simple acts of respect meant a lot to him over the years.

“I pay attention to what people do that they don’t have to do. Bret Hart didn’t have to get up from his table and come over and say not one word to me. So, you know what I’m saying? So I pay attention to that.”

However, when it came to taking shots at Hogan posthumously, Long drew a firm line. He explained that while everyone in the wrestling business has to protect their position — and that some top stars are naturally cautious about their image — Hogan still played a big role in elevating others.

Long pointed to Hulk Hogan’s match with Goldberg in WCW as an example of Hogan doing business the right way, saying that the Hulkster helped make the company money and acted like a true company man.

For Long, the issue wasn’t whether Hart’s comments had merit — it was about respect. Once someone’s gone, he believes, it’s time to stop tearing them down. Teddy Long’s defense of Hulk Hogan offers a veteran’s perspective on the long-running tension between two legends — and serves as a reminder that even in wrestling, there’s a time for silence and respect.

Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.