In reguards to Mr. Hart being present @ WM22...

[NeanderCarl]

Can I just mention that Earl Hebner suffered a severe brain injury in 1998 and he was back refereeing and taking bumps within six months.

Also, nobody believes that Hart will wrestle or take a bump ever again, this is more an argument for whether or not he will play a storyline role at WrestleMania or whether he will simply show up, wave to the crowd on the stage and leave. I call the latter.

[Skippord]

Originally Posted by Kane Knight And Skippord, because I have to take my daily shot at the emo bitch.

I hate you

[Kane Knight]

Originally Posted by Destor LOL, how awesome. I coped out of an argument I never started or presented any defense for.

Copping out still.

[darkpower]

Unlike the stuff about a "possible" Eddie return at WM22 (which I entertained because I thought it was neat to just think about the clouds parting and a miracle happening, even though we ALL know the truth in that one), Bret is still alive. He is still able to change his mind, he's still able to be persuaded (I know, it's not an easy task to do so, but Vince seems to always find a way to persuade people to do stuff for him), and he's still able to decide to try to have some WWE role again.

Nothing that Bret has said about never going back to an (in)active role in the WWE is eched in stone. The TNA thing may end up falling apart in a matter of moments. Bret may see some good in going back to the WWE (maybe to patch up the loose ends, and/or to provide closure for the people who have still not gotten over Montreal, which is a whole ten people outside of Montreal, and the entire city of Montreal).

Did Matt Hardy show any immediate interests to go back to the WWE once he was let go, and then when that whole thing with Lita and Edge really became a mainstream story? And what eventually happened?

I think Joey is wrong in this. I think there is a VERY slight possibility that Bret might decide to have a role in WM22. Though it's improbable that it will happen, it's not IMPOSSIBLE! I myself am hoping that Joey is wrong, because I would love to see it, too.

Besides, it's about the only thing left Vince can do to salvage any kind of a POINT to the Vince/Shawn feud at this point, as I've said before.

[Kane Knight]

I never say never barring death or dismemberment, but realistically, Hart could never have an active role without risking death in even the most simplistic of scenarios. He might appear for a photo op or the like, but the guy has to be limited realistically.

I don't doubt he's in great shape for a guy with TWO sources of brain injury. And believe me, he used to be one of my favorite wrestlers (I say used to in terms of him no longer being contempoorary). Bret had a shitload to offer, but the guy can't be allowed to risk even what JR can.

I'm not saying he's completely fragile, but he's in a situation that's delicate at best. BRet may appear at Mania, but he will not have a role.

...Unless his career ending injuries were a swerve a la the whole "fake Eddie's death" shit.

[darkpower]

Would a non-active role (like to fill in that RAW GM stuff) risk it any? I know he's said he didn't want a role like that, but money does talk in some ways, and I do believe that he would greatly consider that at this point in any wrestling company given his status now.

[NeanderCarl]

I don't understand how you mean, "money does talk" "given his status now"?

Bret Hart is absolutely loaded, and doesn't want to tarnish his legacy as a great wrestler to be remembered as "that manager" or "that commentator". Look at Eric Bischoff. Will modern, casual fans remember him as that guy who nearly put Vince McMahon out of business for real, or will they remember him as the punchbag General Manager of Raw who got thrown in the trash by Mr McMahon?

From interviews I've heard/read with Bret Hart, he takes himself and his reputation VERY seriously (too seriously, if you ask me, but there you go).
Why would he agree to a scenario which, to him, would tarnish the reputation he is so proud of?

And in his case, I doubt the money would make a difference as he has plenty of that, especially from his WCW days. Loyalty to Vince is certainly out of the question (I heard that they had some kind of disagreement or something along those lines, back in 1997? Not sure what happened but apparently there's been tension or something ever since. Quite a strange situation.)

On top of that, even if Vince were to make Bret an offer he couldn't possibly refuse to return to a role in the WWE, how much is Vince REALLY prepared to pay a non-wrestler with head injuries, who (let's be honest here) was never the most charismatic talker in the world, even in his prime. Bret was a hot commodity because of his wrestling ability. That is no longer an asset to any company. Bret making an occasional appearance, fine, great. Show the respect. But as a GM, manager or commentator, he would have a pretty short shelf-life, IMO.

[Kane Knight]

Originally Posted by darkpower Would a non-active role (like to fill in that RAW GM stuff) risk it any? I know he's said he didn't want a role like that, but money does talk in some ways, and I do believe that he would greatly consider that at this point in any wrestling company given his status now.

If he's not taking bumps, he would be able to perform the role fine, yes.

My only criticism is the notion of an active role (Which would be required for most folks' scenarios). He could do commentary or be a GM, provided they didn't make him wrestle for his role or get put through a table like half the announcers.

Like I said, he could return, but any notion of him screwing Vince, or being involved in that match, is offbase and not only naive, but just plain stupid. I want to make sure this point gets driven home, as these are serious injuries with persistent life-threatening consequences.

Otherwise, I'd peg it as "improbable, but remotely possible."

For all realistic intents, it's not going to happen though, beyond a possible HoF appearance.