WWE: EC3 Picks a Side in the Bret Hart vs. Gunther Chop Debate (Exclusive)

Bret Hart's criticism of Gunther's in-ring style has been a major talking point in the wrestling world lately. EC3, a WWE talent from 2009 to 2013 and 2018 to 2020, recently gave his verdict on The Hitman's remarks.

During an appearance on The Masked Man Show, Hart described Gunther's use of the chop as "bulls**t" and "lazy." He also questioned why The Ring General performs a move that causes legitimate injury to someone's chest.

EC3 joined host Dr. Chris Featherstone and former WWE writer Vince Russo on Sportskeeda's The Wrestling Outlaws. Although he is a fan of Gunther's offense, the one-time NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion explained why Hart makes a good point.

"I do agree with Bret in some aspects, but the argument itself is kinda like his opinion, and he's definitely entitled to it, and he's The Best There Is, The Best There Was, and The Best There Ever Will Be, and he didn't throw chops, but he's also correct," EC3 said. "The point and the purpose in what we do is physicality with purpose that is done safely that you can do over repetition of time."

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Watch the video above to hear Dr. Chris Featherstone and Vince Russo's thoughts on the chop.

EC3's advice for young wrestlers who replicate Gunther's chops

In the same episode, EC3 clarified that Gunther is one of the few wrestlers who use the chop in the right way from a storyline perspective.

The 42-year-old also encouraged up-and-coming talents to perfect the art of punching instead of chopping opponents.

"Where do I stand with chops?" EC3 continued. "Throw them if they mean something and throw them well, but if you don't know how to punch, learn to do that first, young boys and girls. And not them forearms too. They're rotten. They're terrible."

Earlier in the show, Vince Russo speculated whether Bret Hart took a shot at Shawn Michaels and Triple H while criticizing chops.

Please credit Sportskeeda's The Wrestling Outlaws and embed the video 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