Bret Hart Reveals He Didn’t Know What AEW Was Before His 2019 Debut

Wrestling legend Bret Hart is pulling back the curtain on how his 2019 AEW debut at Double or Nothing came to be—and it turns out, the Hitman didn’t even know what AEW was at the time.

In a conversation with Inside The Ropes, Hart shared that his appearance wasn’t part of some grand plan. Instead, it was a chance to work with a new wrestling company while he happened to be in Las Vegas for a separate event. “What happened with AEW was, I didn’t really know much about AEW,” Hart admitted. “But I have a lot of respect for Chris Jericho and a lot of the guys that are there.”

Hart explained that the opportunity arose casually. “I was actually going to Las Vegas for just a personal appearance and doing a signing there, and they called me and asked me if I would show up at the AEW show. I didn’t even know what it was,” he said. “They basically told me, ‘If you walk across the street from your hotel, walk into the building, and walk out to the ring and hold the belt up, we’ll pay you x amount of money.’”

For Hart, it wasn’t about rivalries or industry politics. “It wasn’t really an intended slight to anybody,” he said. “It was just a chance to work with a new wrestling company and maybe give them a little boost with my name if I can and maybe meet some new wrestlers.”

The Hitman went on to praise AEW’s contribution to the wrestling world. “I very much enjoyed working with them, and I wish them all the best,” he shared. “I think AEW is so important to wrestling today. I think AEW has got a way better approach.”

Bret Hart’s surprise appearance at Double or Nothing remains one of the most memorable moments in AEW’s history, cementing his legacy as a key figure in wrestling’s evolution.

What are your thoughts on Bret Hart’s AEW appearance? Do you agree with his take on AEW’s approach to wrestling? Share your opinions in the comments below!

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