10 Excellent Reasons Why Bret "Hitman" Hart Is The Greatest Wrestler Of All-Time

If there's one knock on the status of Bret Hart as greatest wrestler ever, many might point to WWE's financial results during the time in which Bret was champion. While Bret Hart was not nearly the draw that Hulk Hogan and Stone Cold Steve Austin were, those that say Bret never drew while on top are flat-out wrong.

For starters, the promotion's declining results that began in the early 90s were as a result of the numerous scandals and lawsuits that impacted the company. From allegations of anabolic steroids and drug abuse to accusations of unwanted sexual advances and molestation by company executives (that included the involvement of underage workers), Vince McMahon's WWF was plagued with bad publicity and had some serious problems in 1992 which played a significant role in the company's struggles.

Not to mention the haemorrhaging of money that was the WBF, ICOPRO and the federal indictment of Vince McMahon. Bret wearing the gold actually kept them afloat in a time where they could've very easily sank.

Once the company had moved past these scandals and lawsuits, Hart was once again the focal point of the promotion which was selling out shows all across Canada and the US in the Summer of '97. These were not papered crowds either, but some of the most raucous and passionate fans, leading to events with incredible atmosphere like In Your House: Canadian Stampede. Bret was also a big draw in the UK and Europe and had a large fanbase there.

Bret's drawing ability in 1997 indirectly lead to the company's reversal of fortunes that came later in the year through 1998 and allowed WWE to surpass WCW as the premier pro-wrestling organisation in the world once again.