Stu Hart

[9.0] "Certified western Canadian legend. Easy Mount Rushmore for influential figures in the region. His passion for shooting techniques and focus on technical training still shows itself in the local scene here of today. Western Canada loves wrestling that represents old school toughness and realism with a focus on storytelling. Stu Hart is everywhere in our scene."

[8.0] "Stu Hart was the backbone of Canadian wrestling and the architect of one of the most influential wrestling families in history. As a promoter, trainer, and wrestler, he left a mark that stretches far beyond titles or mainstream fame. He wasn't a flashy performer -- in the ring, he was a legitimate shooter who brought a raw, physical style rooted in catch wrestling and amateur technique. His own matches were grounded and gritty, more about dominance than entertainment. But Stu's true legacy is the Dungeon. He trained generations of talent who would go on to become world champions, technical masters, and innovators. Bret, Owen, Dynamite Kid, Davey Boy, Pillman, and many more walked out of that basement tougher and sharper than when they walked in. Stu demanded respect because he lived and breathed wrestling, and he could stretch just about anyone who doubted him. He didn't chase the spotlight, and his time as a performer doesn't hold up the way others from his era might. But what he gave to the industry is undeniable. His influence runs through decades of wrestling styles and stars. An old-school foundation in a business built on flash -- Stu Hart made wrestlers, not just characters."

[10.0] "One of the most prestigious trainers in all of pro wrestling. I've never seen his in ring work but he is the father and founder of the Hart Dynasty that has been around since his debut in the 40s."

"Stu Hart's impact on professional wrestling is undeniable. His legacy is profound and multifaceted, encompassing his roles as a wrestler, promoter, trainer, and patriarch of one of wrestling's most influential families. His skill as a grappler and technical wrestler made him a formidable competitor and a respected figure in the wrestling community. Stampede Wrestling, founded by Stu, was a cornerstone of Canadian professional wrestling and served as a launching pad for many wrestlers who went on to achieve global fame. Stu Hart's influence is perhaps most evident in the impressive roster of wrestlers he trained. Besides his own children, his impact can be seen in wrestlers like Fritz Von Erich, Billy Graham, Roddy Piper, Abdullah the Butcher, Jake Roberts, Dynamite Kid, Bad News Allen, Brian Pillman, Chris Benoit, and Chris Jericho. Hart instilled a respect for the wrestling business along with integrity and a strict sense of discipline. However, while Stu Hart's contributions to professional wrestling are widely celebrated, his legacy is not without its criticisms and negative impacts. In recent years, he has garnered a reputation for being a sadistic figure in his training techniques, known to torture his pupils with legitimate submission wrestling holds until they broke. Buddy Rogers famously called the Dungeon a torture chamber, which explains why it is linked to so many of the tragedies that befell the professional wrestling business. The Dynamite Kid, known for his vicious behavior, was trained and broken in by Stu Hart, suggesting he learned such behavior from his mentor. Fritz Von Erich, who trained under Stu, tragically saw five of his six sons die prematurely, a stark example of the potential long-term effects of Hart's harsh training methods. Other trainees, like Owen Hart, Brian Pillman, Davey Boy Smith, and Chris Benoit, also met tragic ends, indicating a possible link between the brutality of Stu's methods and the numerous tragedies that befell those who trained there. Stu Hart's own family experienced numerous personal conflicts, including divorces and estrangements, highlighting the intense pressures they faced. While Stu Hart's legacy is largely positive and his contributions to professional wrestling are undeniable, it is important to acknowledge the brutality of his training. The intense training methods, the physical and emotional toll on trainees, family pressures, and the challenges faced by Stampede Wrestling all form part of a complex legacy."