
Photo by WWE
With the death of Owen Hart, and British Bulldog Davey Boy Smith; as well Bret Hart’s stroke and other health problems, I thought the death of the Empire was finally crumbling. But than WWE bought in Natalya, Tyson Kidd and Harry Smith, which was great but as a Hart fan since birth something just didn’t feel the same. I grew up in a Stampede Wrestling house, my Grandfather walked acrossSaskatchewanwheat fields to watch Stu Hart’s promotion on the neighbours black and white television. My parents would go faithfully to live events inEdmontonto watch a young Bret Hart pave his way in history. The Hart Empire, had world wide appeal but with a localised twist, I never thought that I could witness a return of “Stampede” or a “Hart dynasty return” in such an intimate venue.
But low and behold, Harry Smith received his dismissal from the WWE by violating their so called “Heath and Wellness” program, I always thought it was a cheap way out for lack of creativity on WWE’s part. Than on March 17 2012 I stumbled on a poster in a Casino Lobby, it was Lance Storm’s promotion Prairie Wrestling Alliance. Harry Smith was world champion and I had to go, I enjoyed the matches, the guys were talented and entertaining, they had their gimmicks, the heels were heels and the heroes were the heroes, as each match kept coming I felt like a four year old watching Stampede with my family, shocked and bewildered on how these men could do such amazing moves and still get up to walk out. Than there was an autograph signing during intermission, it was with Harry Smith. As I got my autograph and a picture, I realised this Harry, was much more relaxed, and friendly than the WWE superstar I meet two years prior, who looked tired, and life less like a production puppet he had to be. His match against “M” was very entertaining, I was on the edge of my seat, and yelling “go Harry” and I was happy, excited and nervous but all in all I found my love for wrestling again. Than as the match was done Harry took the time to circle the ring and greet everyone that was ringside, when he got to me I snuck in a hug, in that moment I was hugging a piece of the men I had admired, loved and respected, for I was holding a piece of Bret, Owen and Davey Boy Smith all at once. It was a dream come true to hug a piece of history in my arms. Thank You; Harry.




















