As noted, WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart had some harsh words for The Fabulous Freebirds in a recent Forbes interview, and below is an excerpt of what Hart had to say:
“Why have they been overlooked when you can induct the Freebirds, who never did squat in WWE? Ever. Never drew any money, never did anything. When I remember the Freebirds, they were all drunk and passed out at the gate at one of the airports in my first day in WWF. None of them even made the show that day, they were too drunk to make their plane.”
Michael Hayes responded to Hart’s remarks with the following Tweets:
Just read something where BRET put the Birds down, say what U want about me, when U talk about Terry and Buddy, who aren’t here, PROBLEM!!
— Michael PS Hayes (@MichaelPSHayes1) October 8, 2016
Just to clarify, drunk yes, drew more money in MANY places YES, popped Mid South, Atl, Texas to record crowds!! U leave Terry/Buddy alone!!
— Michael PS Hayes (@MichaelPSHayes1) October 8, 2016
It is really sad when a legend was so blessed with a great career, resorts to crapping on others, U’d NEVER say that to Terry or Bud’s face!
— Michael PS Hayes (@MichaelPSHayes1) October 8, 2016
Hart has since apologized to Michael “PS” Hayes, as he posted the following on Facebook:
I’d like to take this opportunity to formally apologize to Michael Hayes. A while back I made comments about the Freebirds not being as worthy of being in the WWE Hall of Fame as others. It was unfair for me to dismiss their contributions to the industry and they certainly did great things in Texas with the Von Erich Family. Michael Hayes always treated me with great respect, as did Terry Gordy, Ronnie Garvin and Buddy Roberts and I’m sorry if I disrespected any of them with my comments. Furthermore I apologize to both Triple H and Seth Rollins for any hurtful comments I made on my podcast. The reality of all this is the reason I quit doing podcasts in general, because they’re for the most part an outlet for negativity, and have left me with a reputation as being angry and bitter. I’m not, I’d spoke candidly and openly but it’s no excuse for minimizing other wrestlers or their contributions. In saying all that, I still believe Jim the Anvil Neidhart of the Hart Foundation, including Owen, Brian Pillman, Davey Boy Smith, The Dynamite Kid, Jimmy Hart, The Rougeau Brothers, The Killer Bees, The Demolition, Rick Rude, King Kong Bundy, and One Man Gang all deserve their place in the WWE Hall of Fame. My apologies to all. Bret Hart x