Bill Goldberg deeply regrets being a factor in the retirement of Bret Hart, but believes he can only say sorry to the Canadian for so long.
A swift kick from Goldberg to Hart at WCW Starrcade 1999 resulted in Hart suffering a concussion. This, among other health issues, would result in Hart retiring.
In the decades since, Bret has constantly blamed Goldberg and criticized the former WWE Universal Champion for his work in the ring.
On a recent edition of the “Nothing Left Unsaid” podcast, Goldberg once again expressed his sorrow but acknowledged that he’s been saying sorry for a very long time. He said,
“This guy was one of the best ever. I was enthralled with him. I didn’t idolize him by any stretch; I don’t idolize anyone, but I put him up on that pedestal to be someone to very much learn from. They put us together and I did learn a lot from the guy. I wouldn’t trade that for the world.
“We had a match, and unfortunately during the match, something went wrong, and I kicked him in the head. It was very stiff, and it was an accident. I never maliciously would try to hurt anyone. Let me rephrase that, I would never hurt anyone in a situation like that where they give me their trust.
“It was a complete accident, but to this day, he thinks that I did it on purpose. I felt horrible for what I did. It just happened. That’s the Bret Hart story. I’ve heard it for 15 years. I’ve heard about him b*tching and moaning about me kicking him in the head. I can only say I’m sorry so many times and I can only be remorseful for so long.”
Bill Goldberg, the former WWE Universal Champion, has expressed deep regret for his role in the retirement of wrestling legend Bret Hart. However, Goldberg believes that he can only apologize to Hart for so long.
The incident in question occurred during WCW Starrcade 1999 when Goldberg delivered a swift kick to Hart, resulting in a concussion. This injury, along with other health issues, ultimately led to Hart’s retirement from professional wrestling.
In the years that followed, Bret Hart has consistently blamed Goldberg for his forced retirement and criticized his in-ring work. Despite this ongoing criticism, Goldberg has continued to express his remorse for the incident.
During a recent episode of the “Nothing Left Unsaid” podcast, Goldberg once again addressed the issue and acknowledged that he has been apologizing for a long time. He spoke highly of Hart, stating that he considered him one of the best wrestlers ever and someone he learned a lot from.
Goldberg emphasized that the kick to Hart’s head was unintentional and purely an accident. He stated that he would never maliciously try to hurt anyone, especially in a situation where they have placed their trust in him. He expressed his deep regret for what happened and explained that he has felt horrible about it ever since.
However, despite his repeated apologies, Goldberg revealed that Hart still believes he intentionally kicked him in the head. The former WWE Universal Champion expressed frustration at hearing about Hart’s complaints and grievances for over 15 years. He stated that he can only say sorry so many times and be remorseful for so long.
The incident between Goldberg and Hart has been a topic of discussion among wrestling fans for years. Many have debated whether the kick was intentional or accidental. Regardless of the intentions behind the kick, it is clear that both Goldberg and Hart have been affected by the incident.
Goldberg’s regret and willingness to take responsibility for his actions demonstrate his character and integrity. It is important to remember that accidents can happen in any sport, and it is crucial for athletes to learn from their mistakes and strive to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As for Bret Hart, while it is understandable that he may still harbor resentment towards Goldberg, it is also important to recognize that forgiveness and moving forward can be beneficial for both parties involved.
In the world of professional wrestling, where physicality and risk-taking are inherent, accidents are bound to occur. It is essential for wrestlers to prioritize safety and trust in their colleagues. While incidents like the one between Goldberg and Hart are unfortunate, they serve as reminders of the importance of caution and respect in the ring.
Ultimately, it is up to both Goldberg and Hart to find a way to reconcile their differences and move forward. Whether that involves a face-to-face conversation or simply accepting that accidents happen, it is crucial for both parties to find closure and focus on their respective careers and legacies in the wrestling industry.