The If Factor: Bruce Hart Turns on Bret Hart in 1993

Posted on August 9, 2024 by bdamage1

Brian Damage

The ‘If Factor’ are a series of articles that takes a look at real scenarios in pro wrestling that at one point or another were suggested, planned, considered…but did not get the green light to continue. What would the landscape of professional wrestling look like if these ideas came to fruition?

The If: Bruce Hart Turns Heel on Bret at Survivor Series ’93

According to WWE executive Bruce Prichard, Bruce Hart (older brother of Bret and Owen) used to send Vince McMahon several ideas to use for creative. One such idea, was for himself to turn heel on his brother Bret and set up a long, bitter feud. When the idea was pitched to Pat Patterson, he loved the idea and ran it by Vince and Bret. Both like the idea and McMahon was ready to give it the greenlight.

That is apparently when Bret stepped in and suggested that instead of Bruce getting the storyline, it should be given to their younger brother Owen. At the time, Owen was used as a low to mid card attraction. Vince was not sold on Owen and did not believe he was capable of carrying that angle. Vince McMahon really believed that Owen could not be believable as a heel character. Bret went to bat for Owen as was able to convince McMahon that Owen could be a great heel and was ready for a big push.

So at Survivor Series 1993, it was Owen Hart who turned heel and got the exact storyline push that was originally drafted by Bruce for Bruce. Of course, the angle helped elevate Owen and he proved he could be a great heel. Bruce seemingly disappeared from WWF television for a while after the turn happened. Would the angle have worked the same with Bruce in Owen’s role as originally planned? If it did happen, would Owen ever get an opportunity to shine himself?

Read previous entries of the If Factor Here.