Bret Hart was a "mark" for himself, ex-WWE manager thinks

Bret Hart is widely viewed as one of the greatest WWE stars ever. Dutch Mantell, formerly known as Zeb Colter in WWE, recently gave his thoughts on The Hitman's mindset toward the wrestling business.

Hart won several titles during his illustrious career, including the WWE Championship five times and the WCW World Heavyweight Championship twice. It has often been said that the Canadian star prioritized titles and the adulation of the fans more than money.

On Story Time with Dutch Mantell, Mantell argued that Hart was a "mark" for favoring individual glory over his own financial future. The word "mark" is often used as a derogatory term in wrestling to describe a fan who is invested in storylines.

"I believe that," Mantell said. "You know what they call that in the wrestling business? Being a mark for yourself. That's exactly what it sounds like to me, because I think he would rather have the accolades and the endearments rather than the money."

Bret Hart is the only three-time WWE Hall of Famer. In April, he and Steve Austin received the inaugural Immortal Moment award for their match at WrestleMania 13.

Dutch Mantell on Bret Hart leaving WWE for WCW

In 1997, Bret Hart joined WCW after the infamous Montreal Screwjob incident at Survivor Series. He previously signed a 20-year contract with WWE in 1996 worth around $1.5 million per year. However, then-WWE Chairman Vince McMahon allowed his top star to join WCW due to the company's financial difficulties.

Dutch Mantell joked that he would have immediately signed with WCW if he received the same $2.5 million annual salary as Hart.

"A lot of times when they go back and say, 'Hey, is that offer still there?' I would say nine times out of 10 the offer wouldn't be there. But, in this case, apparently it was there. Brother, if they'd have said $2.8 million [$2.5 million] to me, I don't care what I was doing. I'd have said, well, where do I sign? Let's go. Just tell me where to go and where to catch that plane."

Mantell also addressed whether Vince McMahon could induct his daughter Stephanie into the 2026 WWE Hall of Fame.

Please credit Story Time with Dutch Mantell and give an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription if you use quotes from this article.

About the author

Danny Hart is a journalist who has been reporting on pro wrestling (WWE) at Sportskeeda since 2017. He grew up as a massive fan of football/soccer and wrestling, leading him to pursue a career in sports journalism.

Before assuming his current role, Hart worked as a football writer at Goal.com between 2009 and 2016. He prides himself on writing original content that is fact-based and highly accurate. Hart thoroughly proofreads his work before submitting it and relies only on credible sources for information.

Hart’s favorite pro wrestler is The Undertaker. He admires the 2022 WWE Hall of Famer’s ability to reinvent his character and remain relevant across his decades-long career. If given the keys to WWE’s creative department, he would bring back The Phenom for a farewell bout against AJ Styles in a stadium full of fans. Not only that, but he would love to have the multi-time world champion’s greatest rivals seated at ringside for the spectacle.

When not watching and covering sports, Hart enjoys long-distance running, playing video games, and listening to audiobooks and podcasts.

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Edited by Danny Hart