Bret Hart Takes a Brutal Dig at Bill Goldberg While Comparing Him to a ‘Professional’ Brock Lesnar

Still keeping his wrath fresh from the infamous Starrcade 1999 incident with Bill Goldberg, Bret Hart questions his in-ring ability.

Bret Hart Takes a Brutal Dig at Bill Goldberg While Comparing Him to a ‘Professional’ Brock Lesnar

Bret Hart, Brock Lesnar and Goldberg (via WWE)

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Bret Hart has never been one to hold back. Throughout his legendary career, the Canadian icon has worn his heart on his sleeve and spoken bluntly about what he believes to be the truth. His longstanding criticism of Bill Goldberg, particularly his role in the incident at Starrcade 1999 that effectively ended Hart’s career, is well known. 

Likewise, his candid commentary on the Montreal Screwjob at Survivor Series 1997 has continued to draw widespread attention from fans. Now, it appears that Goldberg has once again landed in Hart’s crosshairs. 

While discussing ‘Da Man,’ Hart also took the opportunity to praise Brock Lesnar, highlighting the former 10-time WWE champion’s professionalism and work ethic in contrast. Hart was recently in Canada on the anniversary of the Montreal Screwjob and reflected on wrestlers he wishes he could have faced in his prime. 

His list included Kurt Angle, Rey Mysterio, Lance Storm, and John Cena. Speaking on the Johnny I Pro Show, the 68-year-old then compared Lesnar and Goldberg and said the following. 

I would like to wrestle Brock Lesnar. I’ve always understood that Brock Lesnar, like I heard that he wished that he had wrestled me one time. And I’ve always heard from different guys that Brock Lesnar is like a professional, like he’s really good. He’s not like Goldberg. I’m just saying, he knows what wrestling is all about, and he does it right, and some guys like Goldberg never understood it ever.

Bret Hart via Johnny I Pro Show

It isn’t just Hart who has criticized Goldberg over the years. The WWE Hall of Famer has also taken heat from names like Chris Jericho and Triple H, who have questioned his limited in-ring ability. 

His infamous match against The Undertaker at Super ShowDown 2019 only fueled that criticism further, as a botched Jackhammer nearly caused a serious injury to Mark Callaway and remains one of the most talked-about moments of his career.

For the unversed, Goldberg officially retired from in-ring competition on Saturday Night’s Main Event on July 12, 2025. Meanwhile, Lesnar continues to compete in WWE and is scheduled to take part in a WarGames match on November 29 as part of Paul Heyman’s team.

Bret Hart takes a harsh shot at Sheamus for his alleged inability to throw a proper punch

Debate will always exist over how different eras of professional wrestling would compare against one another. The 1980s were defined by larger-than-life powerhouses such as Hulk Hogan and The Ultimate Warrior, stars who may not have been the most technically gifted, but whose charisma and physical presence made them massive audience draws.

Bret Hart and Sheamus
Bret Hart and Sheamus (via WWE)

The shift began in the 1990s when performers like Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels revolutionized the industry by prioritizing in-ring technique, athleticism, and storytelling over sheer size. Their influence has shaped generations of wrestlers, and by 2025, many would argue that the standard of in-ring performance is at its highest level ever. 

Modern wrestling blends top-tier athletic action with intricate storytelling, creating a product that appeals on multiple levels. However, Hart does not share that enthusiasm. The former five-time WWE champion has openly expressed that he struggles to watch the current product because it feels too fake, even going so far as to single out current WWE star Sheamus for criticism. 

The Canadian legend took issue with the Irish performer’s striking, calling it a poor representation of the craft while speaking on the Johnny I Pro Show. 

I see guys throwing punches, and they open their hand at the last second and slap the guy, and then close it by the time they pull back. Who’s that Irish guy? Sheamus does those all the time. I see him and I’m like, ‘Why don’t you take 10 minutes and go down to have someone teach you how to throw a punch instead of throwing that embarrassment of a punch?

Bret Hart via Johnny I Pro Show

Hart’s remarks carry weight, considering his own resume includes classics such as the WrestleMania 13 showdown with Stone Cold Steve Austin and the iconic 60-minute Iron Man Match against Michaels at WrestleMania 12. Still, he maintains that today’s wrestlers fall short when it comes to true in-ring realism and execution.

Yet, Sheamus’ supporters strongly disagree. Many regard him as one of WWE’s most consistent and hard-hitting performers. His matches with Gunther and Drew McIntyre have received five-star ratings from Dave Meltzer, and his career boasts multiple world and mid-card championships, credentials that have him firmly on track for a future Hall of Fame induction.

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