WWE Hall Of Famer Bret Hart 'Embarrassed' He Thought So Highly Of Vince McMahon
As details of former WWE CEO Vince McMahon's alleged misconduct continue to emerge, more and more performers within the industry are sharing their opinions on the matter, such as WWE's own Seth Rollins. Speaking to Slate, former WWE Champion Bret Hart also spoke out, sharing his disgust at the claims.
"I'm going to speak my truth," Hart said. "I'm not worried about Vince's feelings. He's never cared about mine."
Hart said that he's aware McMahon is getting "his head [kicked] around the parking lot," as he put it, but the former WWE star doesn't feel bad. According to Hart, he was made aware a few months ago that some disturbing allegations regarding McMahon were likely to come out soon. Upon reading the text messages from the lawsuit, Hart confirmed that they sounded like McMahon's way of speaking, and stated that McMahon is only part of the problem.
"I don't think this is the only incident of this kind of predatory behavior," Hart continued. "I think you'll find that it's everywhere in [WWE]."
In the past, McMahon has used his money and power to largely stay out of trouble, with Hart stating that the former CEO was "the Teflon guy." Hart acknowledged that McMahon had a massive impact on his career and that he once respected him because of that.
"Now it's tainted," Hart said. "I'm embarrassed that I thought so highly of him."
Hart On McMahon's Past Allegations & More
Hart also addressed the fact that he had once publicly discredited Rita Chatterton, a former WWE referee who accused McMahon of raping her in the 1980s. The WWE Hall of Famer says that he previously believed McMahon had too much at stake to do something as reprehensible as what Chatterton accused him of, but Hart has now come around.
"I apologized from the bottom of my heart," Hart said. "I said, 'I believe that what happened to you happened to you. And I apologize. I was wrong.'"
With WWE's involvement in the death of his brother, Owen, as well as McMahon's own treatment of Hart in 1997, Hart acknowledged that he's always had some issues with McMahon. However, he had grown to respect him.
"Now, knowing what kind of a weirdo he became, I have absolutely zero respect for him," Hart continued. "I do not think I could ever shake his hand if he extended it. Too creepy."
McMahon stepped down from his position as the Executive Chairman of the TKO Board of Directors last month. The former executive is currently under investigation by federal prosecutors. Additionally, the defense attorney for John Laurinaitis, who is also part of the lawsuit involving McMahon, has seemingly taken up a strategy that attempts to implicate McMahon as the only individual responsible for misconduct.
If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit Slate with a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.