How much is the “Hitman” really worth? Bret Hart, the Canadian wrestling icon who dominated WWE (then WWF) rings throughout the 80s and 90s, has built a sizeable fortune both in and out of the squared circle.
While many fans know him for his technical wrestling brilliance and memorable feuds, fewer understand the financial story behind the pink and black attack.
What is Bret Hart Net Worth?
Bret Hart’s net worth in 2025 stands at approximately $23.1 million, a significant increase from earlier estimates. This updated figure reflects recent financial moves, particularly his stock portfolio performance. Back in 2022, most financial trackers pegged Hart’s worth at around $7 million, meaning his wealth has more than tripled in just a few years.
What caused this dramatic jump? The biggest factor appears to be Hart’s substantial holdings in United Airlines (UAL) stock. Recent reports show Hart owns about 282,582 shares of UAL. As airline stocks recovered post-pandemic, this investment has paid off handsomely for the wrestling legend.
This $23.1 million figure puts Hart in the upper tier of retired wrestling stars, though not quite at the level of mega-wealthy performers like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson or John Cena, who parlayed their wrestling fame into Hollywood careers.
When we look at Hart’s financial journey, it’s worth noting that his wealth has fluctuated over the decades. After his WWE departure following the infamous “Montreal Screwjob” in 1997, Bret Hart signed a lucrative WCW contract reported to be worth $3 million annually—at the time, one of the richest deals in wrestling history.
Wrestling Career
Bret Hart’s path to financial success began in the family business—Stampede Wrestling, run by his father, Stu Hart, in Calgary, Alberta. While Stampede was a regional promotion with modest payouts, it gave Bret his start and built the skills that would later make him millions.
His WWF/WWE career truly launched his earning potential. Starting in the mid-1980s as a tag team wrestler alongside brother-in-law Jim Neidhart (forming “The Hart Foundation”), Bret gradually climbed the ranks to become WWF Champion by 1992.
During the peak of his WWF run (1992-1997), Hart was one of the company’s top earners. Though exact figures from this era aren’t public, top WWF stars typically earned between $500,000 to $1 million annually through base salary, plus additional money through:
- Pay-per-view bonuses (wrestlers received percentages of PPV buys)
- Merchandise sales (action figures, t-shirts, posters)
- Live event percentages (top stars earned cuts of house show gates)
Hart’s merchandise was particularly popular, with his signature sunglasses becoming a bestseller at WWF events. His iconic pink and black color scheme made his gear instantly recognizable, helping drive merchandise sales throughout his career.
After the controversial end to his WWF career, Hart jumped to rival WCW with the aforementioned $3 million per year contract. While financially rewarding, this phase of his career was creatively disappointing and cut short by a career-ending concussion suffered in a match with Goldberg in 1999.
Hart’s 2006 reconciliation with WWE and subsequent Hall of Fame induction brought new income streams. This reconnection with WWE opened doors for:
- Royalty payments from WWE Network footage
- Documentary appearances and productions
- WWE Legends contract (merchandising rights)
- Hall of Fame appearance fees
His 2021 second Hall of Fame induction (as part of the Hart Foundation) further cemented his legendary status and kept his brand relevant to new generations of fans. This ongoing relationship with WWE provides steady, if not spectacular, income through royalties and occasional appearances.
Key Income Sources Beyond the Ring
While wrestling created Hart’s initial wealth, his smartest financial moves happened outside the ring. These non-wrestling income sources now form the backbone of his $23.1 million net worth.
1. Stock Investments and Portfolio
Hart’s single most valuable asset appears to be his stock holdings, particularly his United Airlines shares. With 282,582 UAL shares, Hart has positioned himself well in the transportation sector. As airline travel rebounded from pandemic lows, these shares appreciated significantly.
Beyond UAL, Hart has maintained a diversified investment approach, though specific holdings aren’t publicly disclosed. His investment strategy appears conservative compared to some celebrities, focusing on established companies rather than speculative ventures.
2. Media and Publishing Revenue
Hart’s 2007 autobiography, “Hitman: My Real Life in the Cartoon World of Wrestling,” became a bestseller and critical success. The book earned Hart both an upfront advance and ongoing royalties, while establishing him as a candid chronicler of wrestling’s behind-the-scenes reality.
The success of this book led to additional media opportunities:
- Documentary film rights and appearances
- Speaking engagements and wrestling conventions
- Cameo and personalized video message income
- Podcast appearances and interview fees
Hart has been selective about media appearances, which has helped maintain the value of his brand. Rather than saturating the market with constant content, his occasional projects tend to generate more interest and command higher fees.
3. Real Estate Holdings
Property investments have played a smaller but significant role in Hart’s wealth building. His primary residence in Calgary, Alberta, has appreciated over the decades of ownership. Hart has also owned additional properties, though he hasn’t built a large real estate portfolio like some celebrities.
The Canadian real estate market’s strong performance, particularly in urban centers like Calgary, has benefited Hart’s property investments. His long-term approach to real estate—buying and holding rather than flipping—aligns with his generally conservative financial strategy.
The Martha Hart Lawsuit
Perhaps the most significant legal battle affecting Hart’s finances was the lawsuit filed by Martha Hart, widow of Bret’s brother Owen Hart, against WWE. While Bret wasn’t directly sued, the family rift created by this lawsuit had financial implications for the entire Hart family.
Owen Hart died in a tragic accident during a WWE pay-per-view in 1999, leading Martha to sue the company for wrongful death. The lawsuit was eventually settled for $18 million, but it created lasting tensions within the Hart family. Some family members, including Bret initially, supported Martha’s position, while others maintained relationships with WWE.
These family tensions complicated potential business ventures involving the Hart family legacy. Projects that might have generated revenue for all Hart family members became difficult to organize when family members weren’t on speaking terms.
WWE Disputes and Reconciliation
Bret’s legal disputes with WWE following his controversial 1997 departure limited his earning potential for nearly a decade. During this period, Hart was effectively cut off from:
- WWE merchandise royalties from his past work
- WWE-produced video content featuring his matches
- WWE-affiliated legends’ appearances and conventions
The 2006 reconciliation reopened these revenue streams, though Hart had missed nearly a decade of potential earnings from his WWE legacy. While the exact financial impact is difficult to calculate, industry experts suggest it likely cost Hart millions in lost opportunities.
Hart’s delayed entry into the WWE Hall of Fame also postponed related merchandise pushes and legacy-building that might have generated additional income earlier in his post-wrestling career.
Business Acumen
Unlike some wrestlers who struggled financially after their careers ended, Hart demonstrated solid business judgment throughout his career and retirement:
- He negotiated strong contracts with guaranteed money rather than purely performance-based deals
- He maintained proper insurance coverage throughout his high-risk career
- He invested consistently rather than spending lavishly during his peak earning years
- He diversified income streams beyond just wrestling appearances
These decisions helped Hart avoid the financial troubles that plagued many of his contemporaries. While some wrestlers from his era declared bankruptcy or faced severe financial hardship, Hart maintained and grew his wealth over time.
His conservative approach—focusing on steady investments rather than risky ventures—matched his in-ring persona as “The Excellence of Execution.” Just as Hart was known for technical precision rather than flashy moves, his financial strategy emphasized steady growth over get-rich-quick schemes.
The Future of Bret Hart’s Wealth
Looking ahead, Hart’s financial outlook appears stable with continued growth potential. Several factors will likely influence his wealth in the coming years:
His UAL stock holdings will fluctuate with the airline industry’s performance. Given the cyclical nature of airlines, this represents both opportunity and risk for Hart’s portfolio.
WWE’s continued media deals and streaming rights will affect royalty payments to legends like Hart. As WWE content becomes increasingly valuable to streaming platforms, this passive income stream could grow.
The collectibles market for wrestling memorabilia continues to strengthen, with authentic ring-worn gear and personal items from legends like Hart fetching premium prices. Hart owns significant memorabilia from his career that could appreciate.
His limited schedule of personal appearances helps maintain demand and higher booking fees when he does make public appearances. This scarcity approach has worked well for Hart in maintaining his value to promoters and conventions.
At 67 years old in 2025, Hart has positioned himself for financial security throughout his retirement years. Unlike some athletes who burn through fortunes, his disciplined approach to money management suggests his $23.1 million net worth is likely to remain stable or grow further.
Hart has been married twice, with his current marriage to Stephanie Washington dating back to 2010. While divorces typically impact net worth negatively, Hart appears to have weathered these life changes without devastating financial consequences.
His hobbies—including drawing and art collection—aren’t particularly costly compared to other celebrity pastimes like exotic car collecting or yacht ownership. Hart’s artwork has occasionally been sold or auctioned for charitable causes.
Conclusion
Bret “The Hitman” Hart’s journey from the wrestling rings of Calgary to a $23.1 million net worth in 2025 represents a success story of athletic achievement translated into long-term financial security. Through smart contract negotiations, diverse income streams, and prudent investment strategies, Hart built wealth that has lasted well beyond his in-ring career.
While legal challenges and family disputes created obstacles, Hart’s financial discipline helped him navigate these difficulties while maintaining and growing his net worth. His story offers valuable lessons about career longevity, proper insurance coverage, and the importance of diversifying income sources.
For wrestling fans wondering about the financial fate of their pink-and-black-clad hero, the answer is clear: The Excellence of Execution applied his trademark precision not just to wrestling moves, but to money management as well. At $23.1 million and counting, Hart’s financial legacy appears as secure as his place in wrestling history.