Bret Hart
Former professional wrestling star Bret 'The Hitman' Hart draws names from a drum for Ranch Aid, a hay lottery for Alberta drought stricken farmers in Cochrane, Septermber 16, 2002. Reuters/Patrick Price

WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart has revealed on social media that he is diagnosed with prostate cancer.

The 58-year old pro-wrestling legend, known for his ring name “Hit Man,” expressed his remorse while sharing the grim news in his Instagram account. “I've had a great lifelong dance and I'm a survivor of many hard battles. I now face my toughest battle,” he wrote. “With hesitation and fear, I openly declare myself in my fight against prostate cancer. In the next few days, I will undergo surgery with the hope of defeating this nemesis once and for all.”

Hart, who suffered from a stroke in 2002, said he will beat the odds once again. “I stand unafraid and face the tough road ahead of me, I will march toward this destiny with his spirit chanting in my ear,” the retired wrestler wrote.

He promised his fans and those who believed in him that he will face this new health battle head-on. “Love is my weapon and I've got much of it around me all the time, for which I'm truly blessed and eternally grateful,” Hart further wrote. “My children, grandchildren, and my loving wife Steph have been and will constantly be at my side. I refuse to lose, I will never give in or give up, and I will win this battle or die trying.

The former pro-wrestler also expressed hopes of leading awareness on the disease, as well as setting an example for men all who are suffering from the same condition. “Prostate cancer can be beaten,” he concluded.

Upon learning the news, past and present Superstars and Divas posted messages of support on social media. Most of them used the hash tag #GetWellHitman.

WWE wrestler Christopher Keith Irvine, more popularly known as Chris Jericho, also shared his thoughts on his Instagram account. “Since I was a teenager @brethitmanhart has been a hero and an inspiration to me,” he wrote. “And today he continues to inspire me, by going public with his battle with cancer. Join me in standing by him and fighting with him until he beats this disease!!”

Hart was a five-time WWE World Heavyweight Champion, before he reached Hall of Fame status in 2006.

RELATED STORIES