WWE legend “Stone Cold” Steve Austin visited the Opie Radio show on Wednesday morning to speak on a number of topics, one of them being Bret “The Hitman” Hart’s current battle with prostate cancer. Hart revealed this week that he has cancer, and he’s currently scheduled to undergo surgery to help remove tumors.

Steve Austin had nothing but kind words to say about “The Hitman,” and reveled that the two former WWE Heavyweight Champions have been keeping in touch during this troubling time for Hart.

I wish him all the best. I love that guy. I got so much respect for him. He truly is one of the best ever — an absolute artist in the ring. I hold him in very high regard, and he’s a very dear friend.

In 1997, Steve Austin and Bret Hart had one of the most heated rivalries in all of sports-entertainment, their feud culminating in a brawl at WrestleMania 13 that arguably stole the show. The match is famous for turning Austin into the monster star, and one of the most beloved characters to ever step into a pro wrestling ring. Our thoughts and wishes go out to Bret Hart during this trying time, and hopefully the “Excellence of Execution” makes cancer tap out.

(via Opie Radio)