Professional wrestling has always been shaped by legendary rivalries, but few have left an imprint as deep as the one between Bret “The Hitman” Hart and Shawn Michaels. These two iconic figures not only defined an era in WWE but also changed the landscape of professional wrestling forever. Their careers intertwined in a saga filled with respect, betrayal, personal animosity, and professional excellence. But when it comes to determining who truly wrote WWE’s greatest history, the answer is more complex than a simple comparison of accolades. It is a question of influence, legacy, and impact on the industry.
### **The Rise of Two Legends**
Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels began their WWE journeys in the mid-1980s, both initially working as tag team specialists. Hart, hailing from the legendary Hart family, showcased his technical wrestling skills as part of The Hart Foundation alongside Jim Neidhart. Michaels, on the other hand, started his rise as one half of The Rockers with Marty Jannetty, dazzling audiences with high-flying moves and an unmatched athleticism.
As the 1990s unfolded, both men broke away from their respective tag teams and emerged as top singles competitors. Hart, with his meticulous in-ring psychology and technical prowess, became a fan favorite, earning the nickname “The Excellence of Execution.” Michaels, ever the showman, blended charisma, athleticism, and controversy to build a rebellious image as “The Heartbreak Kid.” Their ascents seemed destined to collide, and when they did, it marked the beginning of one of the most intense rivalries in wrestling history.
### **The Rivalry That Defined an Era**
Their clashes in the early ’90s, including the famous Iron Man match at WrestleMania XII in 1996, showcased two different but equally compelling wrestling styles. Hart was the technician, the master of holds, counters, and in-ring psychology. Michaels was the high-flyer, the innovator, and the show-stealer. Their contrasting personas—Hart as the disciplined, no-nonsense competitor and Michaels as the brash, cocky rebel—only added to the intensity of their encounters.
However, their professional rivalry took a deeply personal turn, fueled by behind-the-scenes tension. Locker room conflicts, creative disagreements, and real-life animosity escalated their feud beyond the squared circle. It all culminated in the infamous Montreal Screwjob at Survivor Series 1997, where Michaels won the WWE Championship under controversial circumstances, marking one of the most shocking moments in wrestling history.
### **Bret Hart: The Technical Genius and Symbol of Integrity**
Bret Hart’s legacy in WWE is built on his commitment to in-ring excellence and his representation of traditional wrestling values. He was the ultimate technician, carrying a philosophy that emphasized realism and storytelling inside the ring. His matches with legends like Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Undertaker, and Mr. Perfect are still studied today for their precision, pacing, and psychology.
Beyond his wrestling ability, Hart was seen as a leader and a role model. He upheld a sense of professionalism that many admired, even when he felt betrayed by the company he dedicated his career to. His departure from WWE after the Montreal Screwjob was a turning point in wrestling history, symbolizing the end of an era. Though he later returned in 2010 to mend old wounds, his exit in 1997 remains one of WWE’s most debated moments.
### **Shawn Michaels: The Showstopper and Wrestling’s Evolutionary Force**
If Hart was the purist who upheld wrestling’s fundamentals, Michaels was the game-changer who revolutionized its presentation. Known as “Mr. WrestleMania,” Michaels consistently delivered some of the greatest matches in WWE history. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations, combined with his unmatched athleticism, made him a once-in-a-generation performer.
After Hart’s departure, Michaels cemented his status as WWE’s top star, albeit briefly, before injuries forced him into early retirement in 1998. His return in 2002, however, led to one of the greatest second acts in wrestling history. His matches against The Undertaker at WrestleMania 25 and 26, his legendary bouts with Triple H, and his role in the formation of D-Generation X solidified his place as one of WWE’s most influential figures.
### **Who Wrote WWE’s Greatest History?**
Determining who wrote the greatest chapter in WWE history between Hart and Michaels ultimately depends on perspective. If technical mastery, consistency, and in-ring psychology define greatness, then Hart’s impact is unparalleled. If innovation, entertainment value, and career longevity measure legacy, Michaels holds the edge.
Yet, their rivalry and contributions cannot be separated from one another. Hart’s steadfast commitment to wrestling’s traditions and Michaels’ boundary-pushing style created a dynamic contrast that shaped WWE’s evolution. The Montreal Screwjob remains a pivotal moment that changed the industry, leading to the birth of the Attitude Era and the rise of Vince McMahon as the ultimate antagonist.
Both men have left an everlasting mark on WWE, influencing generations of wrestlers who followed. Whether it’s Hart’s precision or Michaels’ showmanship, their legacies are forever intertwined. In the end, WWE’s greatest history wasn’t written by one or the other—it was defined by both.