‘Trying to Kill me’: Bret Hart Hated WCW Legend’s Finisher

Bret Hart’s issues with Goldberg are well documented, and their legitimate heat remains intact years after the former WCW stars’ falling out. A significant amount of tension ensued following an in-ring incident that occurred at WCW Starrcade in December 1999.

The Hitman was on the receiving end of a stiff kick from the former three-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion, which led to a concussion. This eventually resulted in post-concussion syndrome, forcing him to call time on his career a year later.

The 68-year-old still holds a grudge and has constantly taken aim at his longtime rival in interviews, calling him one of the most “unprofessional” and “dangerous” wrestlers in history. The response from Goldberg was that the situation saddens him and that Hart needs to “stop being such a prick” and to “grow up”.

He isn’t the only one of Hart’s former in-ring foes who has been criticised by the only three-time WWE Hall of Famer. He recalled an incident in which he warned a WWE and WCW legend not to continue using his “really dangerous” finisher.

Bret Hart Banned WCW Legend’s Finisher

“I had to tell him to stop”

Hart was never afraid to let his opponents know when he felt they were unsafe in the ring and that was the case for Booker T during an incident back in the pair’s WCW days. They battled it out on several occasions, including for the WCW World Television Championship at Bash at the Beach.

The Canadian had previously spoken highly of their time together, sharing the ring, calling it a “privilege” and their matches “top notch”. But he was less than impressed by Booker’s finisher and explained why he ended up banning it during an appearance on Signed By Superstars (via ITR Wrestling):

Booker’s trademark scissor kick remained in his moveset during his time in WCW and WWE but Hart ensured he didn’t use it on him:

Hart has long advocated for pro wrestling companies to take responsibility for protecting their talent from such injuries. In 2019, he reflected on his career-ending injury suffered against Goldberg by saying (via The Columbus Dispatch):

WWE has taken significant measures to avoid risking concussion, with several high-profile stars forced into retirement with such problems. Daniel Bryan (now known as Bryan Danielson in AEW) initially called time on his career in 2016 due to multiple concussions but returned to in-ring competition in 2018.

Referees are seen pausing matches if they feel a competitor has a concussion, and if so, the X is thrown up to call it off. The current pro wrestling environment is a safer one than the one Hart encountered during his in-ring career.

Booker T: I Couldn’t Mess My Finisher Up

The two-time Hall of Famer defended the move

While Hart was evidently concerned about the risk involved in Booker T’s Axe Kick, the one delivering the finisher was more than confident he’d always land it to perfection. He gave former WWE star turned AEW wrestler Ricochet the green light to add it to his arsenal (via WrestlingINC):

Booker’s Axe Kick somewhat went under the radar when it came to finishing moves that left fans in awe. He would jump up and drive his leg down on the back of an opponent’s head and neck as they fell onto the mat face-first.

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