Bret 'Hitman' Hart Returns to WWE Raw, Clashes with Champion GUNTHER

• Sep 10, 2024

Despite last-minute reports of ill health, the legendary Canadian wrestler Bret "Hitman" Hart made a surprise appearance on the season premiere of WWE Raw in his hometown of Calgary. Hart, known for his outspoken nature, took the microphone to criticize the current WWE World Heavyweight Champion, GUNTHER, and defend his fellow Canadian, Sami Zayn.

After expressing his gratitude to the adoring Calgary crowd and the WWE Universe, Hart was interrupted by GUNTHER. The champion mocked Hart's legacy, referring to him as merely "the best there was," while naming himself as "the best there is" and "the best there ever will be." GUNTHER also invoked the name of Hart's long-time rival, Bill Goldberg, further infuriating the Calgary icon.

Sami Zayn soon arrived on the scene to defend his fellow Canadian, criticizing GUNTHER's reluctance to defend the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Hart echoed Zayn's sentiments, pinning GUNTHER's hesitance as cowardice. This triggered a full-out brawl between the champion and Zayn, with WWE officials ultimately having to pull the two apart.

In the aftermath, Zayn received a heartfelt hug from Hart, as the Calgary crowd erupted in thunderous applause. It remains unclear whether Hart's pointed criticism of GUNTHER will lead to any developments in Zayn's pursuit of the world title. Notably, Zayn wore the Calgary Flames jersey of the late hockey player Johnny Gaudreau during the segment, which was followed by a WWE tribute to Gaudreau and his brother Matthew, who were tragically killed by an alleged drunk driver last month.

This appearance marks Hart's first on WWE programming since his 2022 appearance at Clash at the Castle, where he had criticized GUNTHER's match with Sheamus. It is uncertain whether that previous criticism played a role in the planning of Monday's segment.

The spectacle in Calgary was introduced by Wade Barrett and Joe Tessitore, who welcomed Hart to the Scotiabank Saddledome. The Hitman expressed his pride in being a Canadian world champion, which prompted GUNTHER's interruption and the subsequent confrontation.

After the segment, Triple H took to social media to congratulate Hart on his return, acknowledging that Calgary will always be "Hart Country."

Later in the show, Hart also appeared in a segment congratulating Natalya, who made her return to WWE as a mystery partner for Zelina Vega and Lyra Valkyria. Together, they defeated The Pure Fusion Collective.

The return of the legendary Bret Hart to WWE Raw ignited the Calgary crowd and set the stage for potential developments in the ongoing rivalry between Sami Zayn and the champion, GUNTHER.