Bret Hart posted an emotional essay on social media Monday to reveal that he is fighting prostate cancer. The pro wrestling icon, known as the Hitman and respected for his "excellence of execution," says he will have surgery this week.
"My fans have always looked upon me as a hero and I've always done my best to live up to that in and out of the ring," Hart wrote. "I beat the odds when I suffered my stroke in 2002, but it is now yet again, that I ... stand unafraid and face the tough road ahead of me."
Here is the complete post:
Here is some of the support Hart received from the wrestling community:
Thoughts and prayers with @BretHart and his family. Let's all get in his corner to help him win this fight!!! #GetWellHitman
— Triple H (@TripleH) February 1, 2016
Everyone gets knocked down...but the BEST get through it. Prayers are with @BretHart ... We're all with you. #GetWellHitman
— Roman Reigns (@WWERomanReigns) February 1, 2016
Just learned my friend @BretHart is battling prostate cancer....sending out prayers and support. pic.twitter.com/Du0B1RPcFQ
— Jerry Lawler (@JerryLawler) February 1, 2016
Love, Prayers, & Good Vibes to @BretHart. There lies a battle ahead but in knowing who's fighting it, I don't like the enemies chances.
— Samoa Joe (@SamoaJoe) February 1, 2016
BRET HART I LOVE YOU FOREVER
— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) February 1, 2016
I'm so proud of @brethart for coming forward about his battle with cancer and using his voice to… https://t.co/enmM45AgzC
— Nattie (@NatbyNature) February 1, 2016
Just heard my bro @BretHart has cancer. Sending you love & energy my man. Love you bro pic.twitter.com/ZBdEEPs8wn
— Virgil (@TheRealVirgil) February 1, 2016
Hart, 58, retired from wrestling in 1999 because of a concussion. A native of Calgary, Hart was one of the founders of the Hitmen junior team that plays in the Western Hockey League. Hitmen alums that have made it in the NHL include Ryan Getzlaf, Andrew Ladd, Martin Jones, Brad Stuart, Johnny Boychuk and Karl Alzner.