Seth Rollins recently opened up about Bret Hart’s harsh criticism from years ago, admitting the Hall of Famer’s words genuinely hurt him. In an interview with Alex McCarthy for Mail Online, The Visionary shared how the two eventually made peace after a candid backstage conversation.
Bret Hart has never been shy about voicing his opinions. The wrestling legend built his reputation on technical excellence and brutal honesty, both inside and outside the ring. That combination earned him respect, but it also stirred controversy more than once.
Some fans see Hart as overly critical. Others appreciate his willingness to speak his mind regardless of consequences.
The Montreal Screwjob changed something in Bret. After that infamous 1997 incident, Hart became more outspoken about the business and the people in it. He never hesitated to call out what he perceived as carelessness or lack of professionalism.
Rollins found himself in Hart’s crosshairs back in 2016. The criticism came after a series of high-profile injuries involving Rollins. First, John Cena suffered a broken nose during a United States Championship match on Monday Night Raw in 2015. Then Sting got hurt in what turned out to be The Icon’s final WWE match.
Hart didn’t hold back. He publicly labeled Rollins an “unsafe” worker, questioning his ability to protect opponents in the ring.
For a young performer still establishing himself at the top, those words carried serious weight. Coming from someone of Bret Hart’s stature, the accusation could damage a reputation overnight.
How Rollins Confronted His Childhood Hero
Seth Rollins decided he couldn’t let the situation linger. At a WWE Hall of Fame ceremony, he spotted Hart backstage and seized the opportunity. They ended up in the catering line together, and Rollins made his move.
“I love Bret Hart, I’ll preface this. Bret didn’t really critique me, he called me ‘unsafe’. Bret’s going to spit the truth, he’ll tell you from what he saw he thought I was an unsafe worker, and I would say anybody I’ve ever been in the ring with would tell you the exact opposite, including the guys who have got injured during matches with me – that’s a fact I think.”
The conversation went deeper than Rollins expected. He told Hart exactly how the comments made him feel.
“I just said ‘I wanted to tell you as somebody who looked up to you lot and still does – it really kind of hurt my feelings.'”
Rollins admitted vulnerability isn’t his usual approach. But this situation demanded honesty. Growing up, he idolized Bret Hart. Having his hero question his professionalism and empathy toward fellow wrestlers cut deep.
“I felt bad and I don’t say that often. Bret was a hero of mine when I was growing up and so to have someone like that criticise you and your work and your work ethic and your empathy towards other people, that really is painful.”
The honesty caught Hart off guard. According to Rollins, Bret didn’t realize how much his words affected him.
“I don’t think he knew that I had that feeling towards him, I don’t think he knew I cared about him that way and it hit him in a spot and he apologised and we have been friends since then and we’ve had good conversations. I’m happy we did do that as Bret is still someone I look up to to this day.”
Their relationship transformed after that backstage moment. What started as painful criticism evolved into mutual respect and genuine friendship.
Bret Hart will always speak his mind. That’s never going to change, and not everyone will agree with his takes. But in this case, a difficult conversation led to something better for both men.