What WWE Promo Did Bret Hart Want Changed?
"Jeez, that's a bit strong!"
WWE legend Bret Hart wasn't so sure about some of the lines scripted for him during his 'Anti-American' phase in 1997.
During an interview with Fightful, the 'Hitman' admitted that he was specifically worried about suggesting that Pittsburgh was the "enema" of the United States. He told Vince McMahon and WWF writers backstage that he thought that line was "a bit strong".
They didn't care, and told Bret he had to say it.
Hart was worried about p*ssing his fans in the city off permanently, but McMahon pointed out that he was a heel in the US and should want to do so. Still, Bret had reservations about the line for days before saying it on Raw, and he's "not sure [he's] ever been forgiven in Pittsburgh for saying that".
Longtime fans will be used to this kind of reflection from Hart; he always viewed himself as a genuine hero, and he tortured himself by worrying about what wrestling fans might think of his words. This admission was another fascinating glimpse into the man's attention to detail.
23 years on, Bret remains unsure if that "enema" line was worth it.