Bret Hart Claims Triple H and Shawn Michaels Tried to Get Ken Shamrock Fired from WWE

Bret Hart has always been known for pulling back the curtain on some of the most controversial moments in wrestling history, and his latest reveal is no exception.

In an interview on the 1 Of A Kind podcast, the Hall of Famer shared a story about UFC legend Ken Shamrock’s rocky start in WWE and how backstage politics nearly cost him his career.

Hart, who had a hand in bringing Shamrock into the company, recounted a moment that shocked even him. “When they signed him, Triple H and Shawn [Michaels] tried to get him fired,” Bret revealed, adding that there was no real reason for their push against Shamrock. “They didn’t like him,” he said plainly.

Bret recalled Vince McMahon pulling him into a meeting to discuss Shamrock’s fate. “I just remember Vince called me into his office and he goes, ‘I’m thinking about letting Shamrock go,’” Hart said. The reason? Some wrestlers complained Shamrock was “real stiff” in the ring. But Vince wasn’t convinced yet. “He goes, ‘What do you think? What’s your honest opinion?’”

Hart stood by the former MMA star, advocating for him to stay. “I said, ‘I would keep him. He’s doing alright, he’s doing great,’” Bret told Vince. His support paid off, as just weeks later, Shamrock went on to referee Hart’s legendary match with Stone Cold Steve Austin, solidifying his place in WWE and kicking off a successful run with the company.

Despite the internal drama, Shamrock’s career flourished, proving that talent could indeed outweigh backstage politics. Hart’s loyalty and influence played a key role in ensuring Shamrock’s WWE legacy, adding yet another chapter to the storied history of wrestling’s biggest backstage power moves.

Bret’s appearance on Monday Night Raw in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, further highlighted his enduring connection to the company. He was featured in several segments and even shared a moment with Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque in a digital exclusive.