Bret Hart Undergoes Surgery for Prostate Cancer

WWE legend Bret Hart has prostate cancer and recently underwent surgery.

He shared an update on his Instagram page Thursday and thanked those who have supported him:

Hart is 58 years old and also suffered a stroke in 2002. He was a seven-time world champion and one of the faces of the then-WWF in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

He posted a lengthy Facebook update Feb. 1: 

"

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. ... Most important of all, I hope I can take the fight to prostate cancer. To be a leader in awareness and to set the example for men everywhere who find themselves in my very same shoes, that prostate cancer can be beaten.

"

Adam Silverstein of CBS Sports recalled the wrestler’s career, noting he was famous for his “sharpshooter submission finishing maneuver, pink-and-black ring attire, leather jacket and for handing his glasses out to young fans before entering the ring.”

Hart and WWE had a falling out, and the Hart family battled the organization legally after the death of his brother, Owen. However, “Hart and WWE have made amends with the former wrestler now on a legends contract with the company," according to Silverstein. "His niece (Neidhart's daughter) currently wrestles for WWE as Natalya.”

James Montgomery of Rolling Stone discussed Hart’s impact on the sport and said Stone Cold Steve Austin became a megastar in part because of his battle with Hart at WrestleMania 13 in 1997:

"

Hart locked in his Sharpshooter submission is instantly identifiable to a generation of wrestling fans, and his refusal to tap out – or receive any help making his way back up the ramp following the match – only added to the burgeoning "Stone Cold" legend, and sent him rocketing up the WWE roster.

"

Austin offered his support for Hart following the news of his prostate cancer, per Montgomery:

"

I know he's a very tough guy, and he's determined to fight this to the very end, and he's going in for surgery. I threw a call down to him, I got his voicemail and I left him a message. He returned my call and left me a message. We're playing phone tag right now, but I love Bret Hart, I respect Bret Hart and I wish him all the best as he goes into his surgery.

"

Many in the wrestling world and beyond likely feel the same way about Hart as the wrestling legend works his way toward a hopeful recovery.