Shawn Michaels Was Always Better Than Bret Hart — Here's Why

Career Beginnings

Bret Hart wrestled his first match in 1978 while working for his father, Stu. Michaels got his start in professional wrestling at NWA's Mid-South Wrestling in 1984.

Hart debuted in the WWF that same year, while Michaels signed with Vince McMahon's promotion in 1987, but was fired after two weeks. Michaels returned a year later.

Both wrestlers worked in legendary tag teams: The Hart Foundation and The Rockers.

Career Peaks

When Bret Hart won the Intercontinental Championship from Mr. Perfect at SummerSlam 1991, his singles career shot off. Soon after, he won the King of the Ring. The next year, Hart won the WWF Championship from "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair.

Speaking of Mr. Perfect, he gave Michaels the suggestion to become "The Heartbreak Kid." Paired with Sherri Martel and taking on a cocky "sexy boy" persona (which Michaels admits was far from his shy personality in real life), Michaels began his main event rise. By WrestleMania VIII in 1992, Michaels had already kicked Marty Jannety through the barbershop window.

By 1996, when Michaels and Hart's rivalry over the WWE Championship took them to WrestleMania XII, Michaels had already surpassed Hart's charisma and connection with the fans. Hart may have been the role model, but HBK was cool.

Bret may have been the face of the company, but let's be honest: those years weren't great. Sure, Bret's in-ring work was "the best," but the overall product was boring.

Unlike other "larger than life" charismatic superstars who could draw money, but whose matches were lackluster, Michaels brought both. He was wildly charismatic, and the quality of his matches was setting a new industry standard, especially for athletes his size.

When Michaels won the 1996 Royal Rumble and "the boyhood dream came true" at WrestleMania, the WWF shifted to a new gear. The charismatic entertainer who was "not your boy toy" became the new face of the company.

Fans in Montreal may have been angry on November 9, 1997, but the rest of the audience? They moved on almost immediately. With Hart gone, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, Triple H, The Rock, and Shawn Michaels found room to shine. No one is really mad that Bret left WWE in 1997.

Career Legacies

Hart went to WCW in a failed attempt to remain relevant. Michaels was forced into early retirement in 1998 due to a back injury.

By the turn of the century, it looked like both Hart and Michaels would be relics of the '90s.

But then Shawn Michaels came back for asecond run that surpassedhis first.

• Shawn Michaels vs. Triple H
• Shawn Michaels vs. Kurt Angle
• Shawn Michaels vs. Ric Flair
• Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Jericho
• Shawn Michaels vs. John Cena
• Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker

Each of these classic matches and feuds took place between 2002 and 2010.

Now, Michaels is giving back to the company as the Head of NXT, while Bret Hart is complaining about SummerSlam seating.

Bret Hart may rightfully have the claim as the greatest professional wrestler to come from Canada, but when compared to Shawn Michaels, HBK: was, is, and always will be better.