Bret Hart Calls Modern Wrestling Hokey
The longtime wrestler says today's product leans on spectacle over the realism he values from earlier eras.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Wrestling
Live Poll
Do you still watch wrestling regularly, or have you stopped?
Bret Hart criticized modern professional wrestling as hokey and no longer trying to be real during an interview with The Johnny I Pro Show. He said he is a wrestling fan at heart but does not get the wrestling fix he wants from today's product.
Why it matters
Hart's comments reflect a longstanding debate among fans about whether wrestling should present itself as a competitive, realistic contest or as outrageous entertainment. His remarks add a veteran's perspective to that discussion.
Hart pointed to a match between Buddy Rogers and Killer Kowalski from the 1960s as an example of the style he prefers. He described modern wrestling as relying on explosions and pyro, while it is unclear which current shows or companies his criticism targets.
The players
Bret Hart
Bret Hart is a Canadian professional wrestler and Hall of Famer known as "The Hitman" who became one of the most decorated performers of his era.
Rohan Raja
Rohan Raja is a wrestling journalist and commentator who has interviewed Fightful about the sport.
The details
In an interview with The Johnny I Pro Show, Bret Hart said modern wrestling has moved toward being unreal and outrageous rather than real. He elaborated by citing the 1960s Buddy Rogers versus Killer Kowalski bout as an example of the approach he prefers.
Timeline
October 2026: Rohan Raja praised Bret Hart in an interview with Fightful.
November 10, 2026: Hart's criticism of modern wrestling was published.
Season Trajectory
Hart's remarks echo a long-running fan debate over whether wrestling should be sold as a realistic contest or as spectacle. His comparison to a 1960s bout from the territorial era frames today's product against an earlier standard.
Fans who prefer a realistic presentation may find Hart's criticism a useful reference point when judging current shows. Viewers who enjoy spectacle can weigh his comments against the production style they follow.
The takeaway
Hart's comments show that the question of realism versus spectacle in wrestling remains open for longtime fans. Readers can use that framing to assess which style of presentation they want from the product.
Further reading
Explore more coverage in the Wrestling section.
Live Poll
Do you still watch wrestling regularly, or have you stopped?
