WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart didn't hesitate in naming the absolute best wrestler in the world right now.
WWE Legend Bret Hart Names Best Wrestler In the World Without Hesitation originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Just days before the unlikeliest scenario unfolded at SummerSlam last weekend, WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart made headlines of his own by naming the best professional wrestler in the world these days.
Of all possible performers, Hart went with WWE veteran CM Punk, who had a brief moment of glory during the first night of SummerSlam.
“Oh, there’s a lot of really good wrestlers,” Hart told Complex on Friday ahead of the weekend's PLE. “I mean, I’m forever a Rey Mysterio fan. I love watching Rey even now, today, especially as he gets older. But I’m also a big fan of Roman Reigns.
“I think if I had to answer the question, I’d say CM Punk.”
Bret Hart names CM Punk as the best wrestler in the world today.
— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) August 5, 2025
(via @ComplexSports) pic.twitter.com/lSGyXMqNIL
Right after making that statement, Hart pulled off a bigger one that turned out to be true. The legendary wrestler was asked if he believed CM Punk was going to be Gunther at SummerSlam, and he was positive about it.
CM Punk then went on to capture the World Heavyweight Championship in a brutal contest, but he lost the belt just moments later in stunning fashion.
Seth Rollins’ Shocking Return Ends CM Punk’s Reign Early
Seth Rollins, who was thought to be sidelined with a knee injury, appeared on crutches at SummerSlam before making it quite obvious he was healthy all along.
Rollins cashed in his Money in the Bank briefcase on a vulnerable CM Punk just moments after his title win over Gunther, ending Punk’s reign before it truly began.
Seth Rollins throwing down the crutches and cashing in this way was definitely one of the rare unscripted moments of the WWE
— Fraser Porter (@TheFraserPorter) August 3, 2025
pic.twitter.com/KQn9cV8CbX
Two days later, on Monday night during WWE Raw, tensions boiled over when CM Punk stormed Rollins’ title defense against LA Knight.
The interference triggered an all-out brawl, ultimately ending with Rollins, Bronson Reed, and Bron Breakker standing tall, and Roman Reigns knocked out cold.
Despite CM Punk's setback, Hart’s endorsement came as a career full-circle moment for the veteran, who has openly idolized the Canadian legend for years.
CM Punk’s Longstanding Respect for The Hitman
Back in 2022, CM Punk made his admiration for Hart publicly known following an AEW Revolution victory.
“I love Bret Hart and Bret Hart’s career was cut short, and it’s a goddamn tragedy,” Punk said. “I just feel super fortunate and grateful and appreciative that I got a second chance. I’d give it up in a heartbeat to give it to Bret.
“He’s the greatest. Bret Hart is always right.”
The respect seems mutual now, with Hart returning the favor by recognizing CM Punk’s current place atop the wrestling world, even if Rollins blocked him from carrying the belt around for long, or simply at all.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: General Sports
