Bret Hart Speaking Fee: $20,000 to $30,000

Bret "The Hitman" Hart is a Canadian-born professional wrestler, widely regarded as one of the most technically proficient athletes in the history of the sport. Born in Calgary, Alberta, he was immersed in wrestling from an early age, being the eighth of twelve children in the Hart family, often referred to as the "first family of professional wrestling." His father, Stu Hart, a former CFL football player and Olympic hopeful, founded Stampede Wrestling, a promotion that produced its own syndicated TV coverage and trained some of the biggest names in the sport. Bret began his wrestling journey in the family's basement training facility, known as the "Dungeon," where he honed his skills alongside his brothers. Hart's amateur wrestling background laid a solid foundation for his professional career. He won the Calgary city championship in 1974 and later earned a collegiate title while studying filmmaking at Mount Royal College. Initially considering a career in amateur wrestling, Hart transitioned to professional wrestling, joining his father's Stampede Wrestling promotion. His technical prowess and dedication quickly set him apart, earning him the nickname "The Excellence of Execution." In 1984, Hart joined World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), where he first gained prominence as part of the tag team The Hart Foundation with his brother-in-law, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart. The duo won the World Tag Team Titles twice, becoming one of the most popular pairings in WWE. Hart's singles career flourished as he won multiple championships, including five WWE Championships and two WCW Championships. He was known for his disciplined in-ring style, characterized by his signature move, the Sharpshooter, and his commitment to never injuring an opponent. Despite facing significant challenges, including a severe concussion in 1999 that led to his early retirement, Hart demonstrated remarkable resilience. He made a successful return to WWE in 2010, reconciling with former adversaries and continuing to inspire fans worldwide. Off the ring, Hart has been involved in various charitable endeavors and has authored a bestselling autobiography. His legacy extends beyond wrestling, as he continues to be a respected figure in both the sports and entertainment industries.