Bret Hart says he has prostate cancer

WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart announced via social media Monday that he was diagnosed recently with prostate cancer.

After enjoying an illustrious career that included winning the WWE World Heavyweight title five times, Hart retired in 1999 after suffering a severe concussion. In 2002, he suffered a stroke while riding a bike in his hometown of Calgary, Alberta.

Despite those setbacks, Hart admitted in his post that this will be his toughest challenge to date.

"I've had a great lifelong dance and I'm a survivor of many hard battles. I now face my toughest battle yet," Hart wrote. "With hesitation and fear, I openly declare myself in my fight against prostate cancer."

Hart, 58, said he will undergo surgery in the next few days with the hopes of beating the cancer.

"My fans have always looked upon me as a hero and I've always done my best to live up to that in and out of the ring," Hart wrote. "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.

"I will march toward this destiny with his spirit chanting in my ear," he added. "I make a solemn vow to all of those that once believed in me, the dead and the living, that 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."

Shortly after Hart's announcement, WWE released a statement in support of the former champion.

"WWE extends its support to Bret and his family in his fight with prostate cancer."