Sad news today out of the world of the WWE:
Bret “Hitman” Hart, one of the most popular professional wrestlers in history, has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
The 58-year old made the announcement himself this afternoon on Instagram.
“I beat the odds when I suffered my stroke in 2002, but it is now yet again, that I … stand unafraid and face the tough road ahead of me,” Hart wrote, including with his message the photo above.
The WWE Hall of Famer added that he’ll undergo surgery in the next few days.
“I will wage my fearsome fight against cancer with one shield and one sword carrying my determination and my fury for life, emboldened by all the love that’s kept me going this long already,” Hart continued.
Hart, whose brother Owen tragically died in the ring when a stunt went horribly wrong in 1999, won the world heavyweight championship on five occasions in the WWF and twice with WCW.
In addition, he won the WWE U.S. heavyweight title five times.
“My children, grandchildren, and my loving wife Steph have been and will constantly be at my side,” he concluded.
“I refuse to lose, I will never give in or give up, and I will win this battle or die trying. Most important of all, I hope 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.”
We wish Hart the very best of luck.
Here is a rundown of celebrities who have conquered the cancer battle that he is now set to wage: