Bret Hart told the Calgary Herald that WWE didn't bring him back because TNA was running head-to-head with Raw. "(TNA is) playing it up like that," Hart said. "Like WWE was scared of whatever Hulk Hogan was going to do, so they went and got Bret Hart to compete." Hart insisted that's not the case.

Hart was also asked whether he returned because he needed the money. "Like a lot of people, I got a little worried about my finances last year when the stock market crashed," he said. "But it's kind of rebounded and I was in a position where I could either walk away from this deal or I could do it. . . . I'm not opposed to making a little money . . . but I still don't need to do it." To read the full story, visit CalgaryHerald.com.

Powell's POV: I believe the Hart talks started long before TNA announced that it was going head-to-head on January 4, but I still wonder whether Hart's storyline would have started last week if WWE were running unopposed. It's possible, but I am somewhat skeptical. Given the ratings for last week's shows,

Either way, one can only assume that WWE is taking TNA and Hogan more seriously than they were last week at this time. The article also noted that Bret is dating a 27 year-old woman who is studying criminal justice at Mount Royal University. Plus, WWE is working on a DVD on Stampede Wrestling and The Hart family, which could be a lot of fun.

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