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Wrestling great Bret Hart diagnosed with cancer

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(Photo Credit: http://www.tensports.com/)

 

Inside the ring, wrestling legend and WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart faced many tough opponents over the course of his 35+ year career. But now, it has been made clear that Hart’s toughest battle will be taking place… outside the ring.

On Monday, it was announced by Hart, 58, that he was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer.

“With hesitation and fear, I openly declare myself in my fight against prostate cancer,” Hart said on social media yesterday. “In the next few days, I will undergo surgery with the hope of defeating this nemesis once and for all.”

In 1984, Hart, nicknamed the “Hitman” and a member of the famed Hart wrestling family, joined World Wrestling Entertainment (then named the World Wrestling Federation) along with his brother Jim Neidhart, nicknamed “The Anvil”. After seven years as a tag team, Hart began his singles career within the WWF. He won the WWF Intercontinental Title at the Summerslam in 1992 against “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig.

But no rivalry with the WWF was more popular (and controversial) than his one with “The Heartbreak Kid” Shawn Michaels. And the rivalry, during which coined Hart’s moniker as “the best there is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be”, culminated at 1997 Survivor Series. It ended with one of the most controversial moments in wrestling history. Dubbed “The Montreal Screwjob”, Hart had a falling out with Michaels and WWF Chairman Vince McMahon, which led to him leaving and going to World Championship Wrestling (WCW).

He retired in 2000 due to a severe head injury, and suffered a stroke after a motorcycle accident in 2002.

In 2006, Hart returned to WWE to be inducted into their Hall of Fame, and returned on a part-time basis in 2010, even wrestling McMahon at Wrestlemania 26.

Hart finished off his statement on Monday with the following words of encouragement:

“I make a solemn vow to all of those that once believed in me, the dead and the living, that I will wage my fearsome fight against cancer with one shield and one sword carrying my determination and my fury for life, emboldened by all the love that’s kept me going this long already. Love is my weapon and I’ve got much of it around me all the time, for which I’m truly blessed and eternally grateful.”

I personally send my best wishes to Hart and his family at this difficult time.

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