10 Astonishing Times Wrestlers Swore On Live TV

6. Bret Hart

braun strowman bobby lashley
WWE

We learned later that Bret, who clutched to his reputation as a hero for all the family intently, that the Hitman was dismayed at the direction the WWF was hurtling towards.

This was also evident in his unravelling on television.

This wasn't swearing for swearing's sake, which made the segment so incredibly effective; this was Bret's heart bleeding on his sleeve. Just a week ahead of WrestleMania 13, the "Road" to which was a total car crash, Hart lost his last chance to head into Chicago with the winged eagle wrapped around his waist. Defeated by Sycho Sid in a Steel Cage match, via the interference of the Undertaker and Steve Austin, in novel run-ins, this was great, last-ditch storytelling. Putting over the WWF Championship where Shawn Michaels had thrown it away, both men attempted to interfere on behalf of their 'Mania opponents to secure their match as the main event.

Ultimately, Hart, besieged by politics and the rising cultural tide, unleashed his frustrations in an epic, totally believable meltdown. Actually...

"Frustrated isn't the godd*mn word for it! This is bullsh*t!" he roared, flooring Vince McMahon to the ring canvas. Searing stuff that foreshadowed his turn wonderfully, for Hart to swear, he must have lost a part of his soul.

Expert, vital character work from the best storyteller there ever was.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!