Clarification On Bret Hart's Deal With WWE

Latest on Bret Hart's WWE deal, what it means for AEW, and more.

by Andy H Murray
Bret Hart
WWE.com

Bret Hart's deal with WWE relates to merchandise and merchandise alone.

This is according to the 'Hitman' himself, who, according to Dave Meltzer in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, may not be banned from appearing on AEW programming after all. This follows Meltzer's report in last week's WON stating that word going around backstage in AEW stated Bret had signed a "lucrative" WWE contract stopping him from showing up in AEW, hence why his upcoming match managing FTR against Brock Lesnar and Brian Pillman Jr. isn't taking place on TNT/TBS.

Whether or not Bret can legally appear for AEW is currently unclear. As things stand, it doesn't look like he will be in the house for the finals of the Owen Hart Foundation Tournaments at Double Or Nothing 2022 on 29 May.

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Owen's widow, Dr. Martha Hart, is expected to be at the show.

Bret has previously claimed that AEW has never reached out to him about participating in the ongoing men's and women's tournaments designed to honour his late brother's wrestling legacy. Whether or not this will change following clarification on his contractual status with WWE is unclear.

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.