Wrestling legend Bret Hart isn’t one to mince words, especially when it comes to the modern state of professional wrestling. And this time, he’s calling out a former WWE champion for what he calls an ’embarrassment’ in the ring—but here’s where it gets controversial. During a recent interview on the ‘Johnny I Pro Show’ in Montreal, Hart didn’t hold back when discussing the flaws he sees in today’s superstars, particularly their in-ring technique. One issue that clearly irks him? The way some wrestlers throw punches—or rather, slap punches.
‘I see guys throwing punches, and at the last second, they open their hand, slap the opponent, and close it by the time they pull back,’ Hart explained, his frustration palpable. ‘It just looks ridiculous.’ And he didn’t stop there. Hart specifically called out Sheamus, the three-time WWE Champion, saying, ‘He does those all the time. I mean, why doesn’t he take 10 minutes to learn how to throw a proper punch instead of that embarrassment?’
But here’s the part most people miss: Hart’s critique isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about authenticity. For a legend who built his career on realism and technical precision, these sloppy moves feel like a disservice to the sport. ‘It’s not just about looking good; it’s about respecting the craft,’ he implied. Yet, this opinion isn’t without its critics. Some argue that modern wrestling prioritizes entertainment over realism, and moves like Sheamus’s slap punches add a unique flair. So, is Hart’s criticism fair, or is he stuck in the past? Let’s discuss in the comments.
Hart’s appearance on the show also coincided with the anniversary of the infamous ‘Montreal Screwjob,’ where he lost his championship to Shawn Michaels in 1997. The incident, which led to a bitter fallout with Vince McMahon, remains a defining moment in wrestling history. Despite eventually reconciling with WWE and earning a spot in the Hall of Fame, Hart has never shied away from speaking his mind—whether it’s about McMahon, modern superstars, or the state of the industry.
Meanwhile, Sheamus, the ‘Celtic Warrior,’ is currently sidelined with a shoulder injury. He was set to compete in John Cena’s ‘Last Time is Now’ tournament but had to withdraw after his first-round victory over Shinsuke Nakamura. With a career spanning multiple championships, Sheamus is no stranger to controversy himself, making Hart’s critique all the more intriguing.
And this is the part that sparks debate: Is Hart’s criticism constructive, or is it an outdated view of a sport that’s evolved? Does realism matter more than entertainment in wrestling? Share your thoughts below—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss.**
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