Could Bret Hart return to the WWE, even after pledging never to work on-air for Vince McMahon again as recently as seven months ago? It’s a deal that seems to be in the negotiation process. Word has it Hart is interested in returning to WWE as an on-air authority figure – perhaps as the new general manager of SmackDown, replacing Teddy Long.

While his appearance would certainly be memorable and unexpected, the kind of shock that could make this Friday’s ten-year anniversary of WWE SmackDown memorable, it would also be largely disappointing to people who sympathized with Hart over the infamous “Montreal Screw-Job,” as well as the death of his brother Owen and his years since his retirement griping about the McMahon family.

To reverse course at this late date to return as SmackDown GM would, for Hart, largely betray the fans who believed in and sympathized with him for the last dozen years or so. Given that Hart is also incapable of resuming an in-ring career, his return would also be a bit hallow at this point.

Of course, it wouldn’t be the first time a Hart return has been teased by WWE, and while it might still take some long distance moving companies and a lot of money to get Bret to sign, only time will tell if this is actually going to happen or not.

Still, imagine being able to play as Hart in a WWE videogame again after all this time; if he does return, his image could once again be used in SmackDown vs. Raw.