Bret Hart: Parents laugh at Lawler's insults - Owen outraged!

Bret Hart: Parents laugh at Lawler's insults - Owen outraged!

The wrestling world is always characterized by special rivalries, but few are as complex as the one between Bret Hart and Jerry Lawler. In a recent interview with the Rise Guys, Bret Hart spoke in detail about his family's reactions to Jerry Lawler's often cross-border comments at the time. In particular, Lawler's comments about Hart's parents, Stu and Helen Hart, caused a stir in the WWE at the time. Loud Yahoo Sports Hart let his parents know how Lawler had insulted them, and was particularly curious about their opinions on the incidents.

While Bret Hart seemed relieved that his parents took the comments humorously, his brother Owen Hart was not at all amused. Owen felt the comments were too extreme and was particularly concerned about the references to her father, who was suffering from a heart attack at the time. These different reactions within the family reflect the emotional impact that such rivalries can have on personal relationships.

The Jerry Lawler controversy

Bret Hart and Jerry Lawler's rivalry is also complicated by a dark episode in Lawler's career. In 1993, he was indicted on charges of rape and sodomy of two underage girls. This led to his temporary suspension from the WWF, which occurred just before the 1993 Survivor Series Pro Wrestling Stories reported. The incidents that led to the charges took place in Lawler's hotel room and also had a significant impact on WWF storylines.

The charges were made just 12 days before the big event, resulting in last-minute changes to the scheduled match. Vince McMahon, who was under pressure at the time due to a steroids scandal, temporarily handed control of the WWF to his wife Linda. In this tense situation, Shawn Michaels was brought in at short notice to replace Lawler in the match at the 1993 Survivor Series. Bret Hart later commented positively on Michaels' performance and the preparations for the match.

Jerry Lawler initially denied the allegations, but later admitted that the girls had actually visited him. Ultimately, Lawler reached a settlement in February 1994, pleading guilty to molesting a witness. All sexual charges were dropped, and despite the seriousness of the allegations, Lawler served no prison time. After this clarification, he returned to the WWF in March 1994 without the incidents being officially mentioned on the program.

Consequences and legacy of the rivalry

The above events not only contributed to the destruction of Lawler's reputation, but also created the breeding ground for the famous feud between Bret and Owen Hart. This rivalry is one of the most iconic in WWE history and has shaped generations of wrestling fans. The Hart family's varied reactions to Jerry Lawler's provocations illustrate how closely personal and professional conflicts are intertwined in this industry.