A stroke of genius?

If you read the mark sites (which, if you're reading this site we'd have to assume that you do), you've probably seen the rumors circulating about Bret Hart's return to WWE. Apparently, he's shown some interest into working again with McMahon and the boys, and to do so in character, meaning he'd be involved in storylines and so forth. Now, we've taken some shots at Hart in the past on this space, believing that he's not much more than a sanctimonious prick that looks out only for himself. However, that describes a lot of wrestlers, we suppose, and we can't deny that Bret's return to WWE programming would make for some mighty fine television. Especially considering he had a stroke in 2002.

If he does come back, it'll be easy to pick on the guy because he's said time and time again that he would never work for the WWE another second in his life. Considering the stroke, we're willing to give him a pass and say he probably didn't really mean all those things anyway. We can understand if he gets confused occasionally. Really, even if he did mean it, it's doesn't mean he feels that way now. Everyone's allowed a change of heart, and a stroke.

What capacity could he be involved in the product, being a stroke victim and all? From what we understand, the recreation of the Montreal screwjob was done to set the stage for his return, should he decided to do so. It's easy to see him plugged in as a commissioner-type role, or perhaps even General Manager were Teddy Long to have, say, a stroke. Hart could help "right the wrong" that's been done by Long and C.M. Punk. Suffering from a stroke as he has, WWE could even put Bret in a wheelchair, much like they did with Vickie Guerrero.

We doubt he'd do anything physical, since he probably has a hard time getting around, what for the stroke and all, but he could stand in the ring and throw a few punches (with his right hand, of course). Imagine the viewership they could draw by putting he and Shawn Michaels in a program together. Maybe Bret, acting as an authority figure, misunderstands the stipulations of a title match because of the stroke, and he winds up screwing Shawn out of a title! HBK would be upset, naturally, and want to confront Hart in the ring, ending up with Shawn taking a swing at him. But Bret ducks and sends a swift stroke of his fist across Shawn's jaw!! This stuff writes itself.

However they do it, we'd love to see what WWE would have in store for stroke victim Bret Hart. They could even use him to promote the company. Send him to some late night talk shows. We all know how sensitive they are to guys in his condition.