HITMAN: My real life in the cartoon world of wrestling

by: Bret Hart

Published by: Grand Central Publishing

Reviewed by Patty Inglish

Judging from WWE events like folding table matches and pursuits through bingo halls, one does not expect a wrestler to produce a readable autobiography. The surprise is that Bret Hart’s book has the style and heart of survival rising above the mediocrity. While acknowledging pro wrestling as cartoonish, he describes it all vividly, including its terrifying underbelly.

Raised in rural Alberta, Canada among 11 siblings and TV’s “Big Time Wrestling,” Hart and his brothers suffered not spankings, but physical punishment in form of wrestling and fighting attacks from their dad for years. Hart thus learned survival early.

Bret entered his father Stu’s world of competitive pro wrestling, tried to please Stu, and learned to avoid drug abuse and promiscuity, emerging without permanent damage. He later lost two wives, but survived. Many of his brothers and sisters envied his survival skills and consistently behaved poorly toward him, even after his year-long concussion and debilitating stroke. Bret recovered, and wrote his autobiography to inspire others.

That he bears no grudges is a testament to his recovery and faith. However, he is broken hearted over wrestlers Shawn Michaels and Triple H, whom he feels cheapened wrestling with simulated sex acts and other adult material.

Most admirable is Bret’s willingness to expose the world of pro wrestling while highlighting its good side. He feels it is still an honorable profession among the good people involved. Today, he honors long-time fans and handicapped children that have bought into those few wrestling story lines that rise nearly to the level of Chinese opera or Kabuki. Bret’s own performances created a wrestling opera among soap operas and space operas in the 1980s and he preserves these in his book.

Bret Hart 1) took community service as a lifelong commitment and 2) never injured any opponent more than superficially, making him standout in a business that does neither.

Older teen and adult readers will understand pro wrestling through this enjoyable book, despite a bit of harsh language. They will be inspired to be their own heroes.

Armchair Interviews says: If pro wrestling has held some appeal to you, you’ll enjoy Bret Hart’s book. It is also for those who just like to read about good people.

Author’s Web site: http://www.BretHart.com