Bret Hart admits his real-life feud with former WWE Champion got in the way of potentially countless classic matches 

WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart recently admitted that he wished that both he and Shawn Michaels were able to face off in the ring more than they did.

Hart and Michaels' rivalry is one of the most iconic feuds in wrestling history, as both men aimed to become WWE's top guy. In 1996, their rivalry exploded as the company looked to steal the world title from Hart in what is now known as The Montreal Screwjob. Hart was about to leave the company and sign with WCW, and Vince McMahon aimed to ensure that he didn't take the title with him.

Today, The Hitman and Michaels are on good terms. However, while speaking on A&E's new docuseries WWE Rivals, Bret Hart said that he wished they had made up earlier.

"It's a shame that things got off-track with Shawn and we never got to really finish telling the stories that we could have told," Hart said: "Me and Shawn could have wrestled one time every year for the next 10 years and they'd have been the biggest matches in history. It's a shame that that opportunity was squandered last, probably by both of us." (H/T Fightful)

With the 65-year-old wrestling legend's words in mind, it would have been truly special if both stars were able to put their differences aside. As he noted, they potentially could have delivered many more memorable matches.

Shawn Michaels on eventually making amends with Bret Hart

Despite the fact that many wished the two stars had made up sooner, the Heartbreak Kid sees things differently.

Speaking on WWE Rivals, the Hall of Famer was asked if he wished he had sorted out his issues with Bret Hart before they ultimately did.

"Absolutely, of course, I would love to go back and not make any of the mistakes that I made," said Michaels. "But then, I have to see where I'm at now, and I'm overjoyed with having come out on the other side." (H/T Fightful)

Where does Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels' feud rank amongst other iconic WWE rivalries? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.