Greetings.
This week, during the dog days of summer, I’d like to render some random wrestling reflections.
I was pleased to see the WWE pay homage on their RAW anniversary show to a myriad of former stars, including Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Pat Patterson, Degeneration X (Hunter, HBK, X-Pac, Razor, Diesel), Stone Cold Steve Austin, Madusa and Sgt. Slaughter, many of whom brought back fond memories.
While it was nice to see those superstars being recognized, I was disconcerted that many other equally auspicious stars were overlooked, including Road Warrior Animal, Bob Backlund, Hillbilly Jim, my brother Bret, Jim Ross and Chris Jericho, among others. Regardless of whether some of them are now working for other promotions, they still were a major part of RAW and should have been given their due respect.
I also thought it would have been fitting if the WWE had seen fit to pay tribute to iconic former RAW wrestlers and personalities who are no longer with us, including: my brother Owen, my brothers-in-law Davey Boy Smith and Jim Neidhart, Dynamite Kid, Macho Man Randy Savage, Mr. Perfect, Ravishing Rick Rude, Road Warrior Hawk, Eddie Guerrero, Ultimate Warrior, Yokozuna, Umaga, Mean Gene and Bobby Heenan.
To each and every one of them, thanks for the memories.
Also conspicuous by his absence was Vinnie Mac – the visionary behind RAW. Love him or hate him, there’s no arguing that he should have been front and centre, taking his bows. I also was chagrined to see that Shane O’Mac and Stephanie – both of whom have also been integral parts of RAW were also overlooked.
On another note, I’m pleased to see that my niece Natalie (aka Natalya), is being given a women’s title match against Becky Lynch at the upcoming SummerSlam pay per view.
Nattie’s been one of the most underrated performers on the WWE roster for years and for whatever reason has invariably had to take a back seat to other far less talented divas. It’s nice to see her finally get a chance to shine, especially in front of her Canadian fans up in Toronto. I’m expecting her and Becky to have a great match.
I’m also told that my nephew Harry, better known as David Hart Smith, who’s been a huge star in Japan the past few years, is being pursued by both the WWE and AEW.
Harry certainly has an impressive pedigree – what with his father Davey Boy, his grandfather Stu Hart, and uncles Bret and Owen, all being iconic stars. Whatever promotion he chooses to work for, I have no doubt that he’ll rise to the occasion.
I also hear that another of my nephews, Ted Hart – who’s the son my sister Georgia’s and has been working on the indy circuit for several years in the States and Canada, is also being pursued by a several of the major promotions, including AEW.
If you’ve ever seen Ted wrestle, I’m sure you’ll agree with me that he’s one of the most dynamic and charismatic performers out there. He’s been through more than his share of trials and tribulations and it would be nice to see him finally get a break and have an opportunity to showcase his awesome talent.
I’d like to wish Nattie, Harry and Ted the best of luck – I’m proud to relate that they all trained with me back in the day in the Dungeon and they’re all testimony to hard work and dedication and have been a credit to the Hart legacy. I’m sure that somewhere up yonder my dad is beaming with pride.
In closing, just as I was about to post this, I was informed of the passing of my old and dear friend, Harley Race.
The term has been overused frequently, but Harley was truly a legend – not only one of the greatest workers of the modern era, but one of the great individuals ever to grace our sport. He was a larger than life character, who gave his heart and soul to the wrestling business and inspired countless young wrestlers to follow in his giant footsteps. Harley worked many a time up here in Calgary for my dad’s legendary Stampede Wrestling promotion and was a huge inspiration for myself, my brothers Bret, Keith and Owen and others, including Dynamite Kid, Davey Boy Smith, Brian Pillman and my nephew Harry.
I’m extremely proud to have been a friend and colleague of Harley and, on behalf of the entire Hart family – who all thought the world of him, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Somewhere up yonder, I know that Harley, my dad, my brothers Dean and Owen, Dynamite Kid and Davey Boy and countless others are embracing the King and congratulating him on an epic journey.
Rest in peace, my friend, and thanks for the memories.
On that note, I’ll call this a wrap but will look forward to catching up with you all next time.