Bret Harts career came to a sudden end, courtesy of a stiff kick from Bill Goldberg. Although, on television, the kick didnt look particularly devastating, it would indeed lead to Brets permanent retirement. The two faced off at Starrcade 1999 for Brets World Heavyweight Championship in a hard-hitting contest. Later in the contest, Bret rebounded off the ropes and came charging at Goldberg, who threw his leg in the air for a sidekick. The kick legitimately connected with Brets head, causing it whiplash violently. It was later determined that the kick gave Bret a concussion. The match continued from that point, however, and throughout the contest The Hitman would suffer another handful of concussions. Hart was forced to walk away from active competition due to the injury and was ultimately released from his WCW contract in 2000.Beyond the concussions, the whiplash effect actually created a small hole in Brets neck, which The Hitman claims will never fully heal. In the years following, Bret would suffer a devastating stroke after falling off a bicycle. He did, however, make a grand recovery. Still, Hart would never compete inside a wrestling ring again -- save for a few matches upon his return to WWE.