Wrestling Memories (The Hart Foundation)

The world of wrestling has certainly changed and evolved over the years and for the most part I think that it is much better now than it was back then.  And that is no disrespect to the glory days, because I loved that time too and it’s what got me hooked on this crazy stuff in the first place. 

However, there are a few things I do miss from days gone by.  One of those is a meaningful tag team division.   I love tag team wrestling!!   I loved it when teams were teams and they entered the ring together, had their own entrance music and a unique team finisher.  It was a rare thing for one of them to compete in singles competition.  Days of the Hart Foundation, The British Bulldogs, Demolition, The Road Warriors and The Rockers will be hard to beat.  Recently we had Kofi Kingston and Evan Bourne win the titles after just a brief time teaming together.  This type of scenario has not been uncommon over the years.  I am sure the two and their opponents will bring some exciting moments but old school tag teams just worked for me much better. 

In honour of Bret Hart’s appearance on Smackdown tonight a few words about one of my all time favourite tag teams.

In the mid 80’s the original Hart Foundation consisted of tag team partners Bret “The Hitman” Hart and Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart managed by “the Mouth of the South”, Jimmy Hart.  The wrestlers complimented each other well and young stars had Jimmy Hart to take care of a lot of the mic skills, although the guys weren't too shabby either.  Bret always had it in him and Jim had the trademark and almost psychotic laugh as he stroked his lengthy goatee.  I loved their promos.   They had a great finisher when the more powerful Jim would hold up an opponent in bear hug fashion and Bret would fly off the ropes connecting with the clothesline.  The two went on to hold the titles twice.  The first happened on television when they defeated the British Bulldogs and the second happened during 1990’s Summerslam with a two out of three falls victory over Demolition.  Through much of their time teaming together they were classic heels making cheating an art.  Later they would often be found with other members of Jimmy Hart’s stable including crooked referee turned wrestler Danny Davis and the Honky Tonk Man.  Of course this was only the beginning of what would be a legendary and hall of fame career for Bret Hart.

Always look forward to seeing Bret on T.V. and WWE announced on its website earlier this week that The Hitman would be the special GM for this week’s edition of Smackdown in his hometown of Calgary.  It should make for an entertaining program.  Of course later this weekend I hope to post thoughts on the show. 

Have a good one!