Bret Hart attacked by fan during WWE Hall of Fame ceremony
Wrestling legend Bret “The Hitman” Hart was attacked and taken to the ground during his WWE Hall of Fame induction speech on Saturday night at the Barclays Center.
Hart, who was accompanied by his niece Natalya Neidhart, was speaking after being named to the WWE Hall of Fame alongside his late brother-in-law Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart.
Wild scene at WWE Hall of Fame ceremony w fan attacking Bret Hart during speech. pic.twitter.com/zC4VVKxDlW
— Jimmy Traina (@JimmyTraina) April 7, 2019
Here’s a better angle:
Here's the full exchange of the fan attacking Bret Hart.
Travis Browne (Rousey's husband and former UFC fighter) and the New Day both reacted very quickly and deserve a lot of praise. #WWEHOF pic.twitter.com/T0fzLq5grz— Chris Toplack (@christoplack) April 7, 2019
The surprise attacker tackled Hart to the ground and was immediately swarmed by security and other WWE wrestlers in attendance. The simultaneous broadcast on the WWE Network cut to black before coming back and showing shots of concerned and confused fans in the stands.
The man has been identified as Zachary Madson and was charged with two counts of assault, among others, according to the New York Post. Hart told cops that he does not know Madson, who is scheduled for arraignment later on Sunday in Brooklyn.
While being taken away from the ring, the attacker was allegedly struck in the face by another male appearing to be WWE star Dash Wilder.
Dash Wilder is a legend, that is all. #WWEHOF pic.twitter.com/BwlBoklIro
— Steven (@MrDelabee) April 7, 2019
Once the attacker was subdued and removed, WWE star Drake Maverick stepped to the microphone and instructed the crowd to “pay no attention” to the man who just interrupted the show.
Neidhart also diverted attention by announcing “it’s time for our speech.”
Bret Hart finished his speech and is doing well. No word yet on the status of the guy who rushed the ring and tackled him. pic.twitter.com/JFTS1a2nw6
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) April 7, 2019
Hart regained his composure and continued with his speech.
Shortly after the incident, WWE released a statement:
"An over-exuberant fan surpassed our security at ringside and made his way briefly into the ring. The individual has been turned over to the proper authorities."
According to Arash Markazi of the Los Angeles Times, the attacker has been charged with two counts of third-degree assault and disorderly conduct.
I’ve been told Bret Hart’s attacker has been charged with 2 counts of assault in the 3rd degree and disorderly conduct.
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) April 7, 2019
Following the scuffle, Hart’s family, specifically Neidhart and his nephew Davey Boy Smith Jr., addressed the incident on social media.
I’m so proud of my uncle @BretHart tonight during our HOF ceremony. Bret is a cancer survivor, a stroke survivor and one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. He didn’t deserve to be attacked or have his moment or my dad’s diminished. We got it back on track. Thank you, guys🙏
— Nattie (@NatbyNature) April 7, 2019
Glad I was able to help my Uncle @BretHart tonight at the WWE Hall of Fame. 👊🥊 That “fan” was lucky I was being held back. As Rickson Gracie said “If we fight for money, I’ll stop hitting you when you ask me to. If we fight for honor, I’ll stop hitting you when I feel like it”
— Davey Boy Smith Jr. (@DBSmithjr) April 7, 2019
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