Key Takeaways:
- The Montreal Screwjob was a controversial incident in professional wrestling involving Bret Hart and the WWE.
- It occurred during a match in Montreal in 1997, where Hart was scheduled to drop the WWE Championship but refused to do so.
- The incident resulted in Hart leaving the WWE and sparked lasting animosity between him and the company.
- The Montreal Screwjob remains one of the most talked-about and debated moments in wrestling history.
Hey there! Have you ever been betrayed by someone you trusted?
Well, imagine that happening on a global stage, in front of millions of viewers.
That’s precisely what unfolded in the world of professional wrestling on that infamous night at Survivor Series 1997.
We’re diving deep into the captivating and controversial story of Bret Hart’s Montreal Screwjob incident.
From Bret’s early career to his rise to fame in WWE, and ultimately, the shocking events that unfolded in Montreal, this incident left an indelible mark on the wrestling industry.
So, buckle up, because we’re about to take you on a wild ride through one of wrestling’s most shocking controversies.
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Event | The Montreal Screwjob incident |
| Date | November 9, 1997 |
| Location | Molson Centre, Montreal, Canada |
| Wrestlers Involved | Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels |
| Description | The incident involved Bret Hart (WWF Champion) and Shawn Michaels during a match at the Survivor Series pay-per-view. The match outcome was changed without Hart’s knowledge, leading to tension and controversy. |
| Key Moments |
|
| Impact |
|
The Background of Bret Hart
Bret Hart’s Early Career and Rise to Fame in WWE.
Bret Hart’s Early Career
Bret Hart’s early career was marked by his dedication to professional wrestling and his family’s wrestling legacy. He trained rigorously at the legendary Hart Dungeon and eventually made his debut in the late 1970s.
Hart quickly gained recognition for his technical prowess and ability to tell compelling stories in the ring.
He became a mainstay of Stampede Wrestling, where he captured several championships. Bret’s hard work and talent eventually led him to sign with WWE (then WWF), where he would go on to become one of the most beloved and iconic wrestlers of all time.
Rise to Fame in WWE
Bret Hart’s rise to fame in WWE was nothing short of impressive.
He captivated audiences with his in-ring skills, technical prowess, and undeniable charisma.
Hart’s journey began as part of the legendary Hart wrestling family, but he quickly carved out his own path to success.
His memorable rivalries, including his iconic matches with Shawn Michaels, solidified his status as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time.
With multiple championship reigns and a loyal fanbase, Hart’s time in the WWE spotlight was well-deserved.
The Move to WCW
When it comes to Bret Hart’s career, one significant event was his move to WCW. After the controversial Montreal Screwjob incident in WWE, Bret decided to leave and join their rival promotion.
The move to WCW brought new opportunities for Bret to showcase his talent, but it was not without its challenges.
He had to adapt to a different environment and wrestling style, which took some time. Nonetheless, it allowed him to continue his career and contribute to the wrestling industry in a new setting.
Overall, the move to WCW marked a significant chapter in Bret Hart’s journey as a professional wrestler.
The Montreal Screwjob Incident
The Montreal Screwjob Incident: A controversial moment in professional wrestling history.
Setting the Stage: Bret Hart’s Departure
Back in November 1997, the wrestling world was shaken by the events of the infamous Montreal Screwjob incident involving Bret Hart. But what led to this highly controversial departure?
Earlier that year, Bret had signed a lucrative contract with rival promotion WCW, set to take effect in 1998.
However, due to financial difficulties, Bret’s long-time employer, WWF (now WWE), was unable to honor his contract. This created a tense situation between Bret and WWF management, setting the stage for the drama that unfolded in Montreal.
The Controversial Booking Decision
The controversial booking decision refers to a highly debated choice made by the wrestling promotion regarding a match’s outcome or storyline direction.
This decision often angers fans and can cause backlash in the wrestling community.
It can impact the careers of wrestlers and alter the course of storylines.
Some controversial booking decisions include unexpected title changes, disputed match finishes, or controversial character development.
These choices can generate both excitement and frustration among fans, leading to intense discussions and debates within the wrestling community.
The Lead-Up to Survivor Series 1997
In the lead-up to Survivor Series 1997, tensions between Bret Hart and Vince McMahon were at an all-time high.
Bret, the reigning WWF Champion, was set to leave for WCW after the event.
However, Vince was concerned about Bret taking the championship belt with him.
This led to a secretive plan, known as the Montreal Screwjob, to ensure Bret didn’t leave with the title.
The incident unfolded during the main event match between Bret and Shawn Michaels, causing controversy and changing the landscape of professional wrestling forever.
The Controversial Ending
The Controversial Ending of Bret Hart’s Montreal Screwjob incident left fans and wrestlers alike shocked and divided.
The Sharpshooter Heard ‘Round the World
When it comes to iconic moments in professional wrestling, few can surpass “The Sharpshooter Heard ‘Round the World.” This legendary move was popularized by wrestler Bret Hart, who executed it to perfection during his matches. The Sharpshooter involves applying pressure on an opponent’s legs and lower back, leading to excruciating pain.
It has become synonymous with Hart’s wrestling style and contributed to his enduring legacy in the industry.
Its universal recognition among wrestling fans worldwide speaks to its impact as a defining move in the sport.
Bret Hart’s Reaction
Bret Hart’s reaction to the Montreal Screwjob incident was one of shock and betrayal.
As a professional wrestler who had dedicated himself to the industry, Hart felt deeply hurt by the way things unfolded.
The incident strained his relationship with the wrestling community and caused him to take a step back from the spotlight for a while.
Ultimately, however, Hart’s resilience and love for the sport allowed him to move forward and continue making contributions to the wrestling world.
Vince McMahon’s Involvement
Vince McMahon, the owner of WWE, played a significant role in the controversial Montreal Screwjob incident. He was aware of the plan to deceive Bret Hart by abruptly ending the match without his consent.
McMahon believed it was necessary to protect the company’s interests and avoid the risk of losing the WWF Championship.
However, this decision caused a major rift between McMahon and Hart, leading to legal disputes and strained relationships within the wrestling industry.
The Aftermath
After the Montreal Screwjob incident, the aftermath included Bret Hart’s fallout with WWE and the creation of the phrase “Bret Screwed Bret.”
Bret Hart’s Fallout with WWE
After the infamous Montreal Screwjob incident, Bret Hart’s relationship with WWE took a significant nosedive.
He felt betrayed and disrespected by the company.
As a result, he publicly criticized WWE and Vince McMahon.
Bret Hart’s fallout with WWE was a bitter one, leading to a strained relationship that lasted for many years.
It wasn’t until much later that they were able to reconcile and mend their differences.
The Creation of “Bret Screwed Bret”
In the world of professional wrestling, the phrase “Bret Screwed Bret” is used to describe a controversial incident involving wrestler Bret Hart.
It refers to the events that unfolded during the 1997 Survivor Series pay-per-view event, where Bret Hart was scheduled to defend his championship title against Shawn Michaels.
However, due to a contract dispute and the impending departure of Hart from the company, a decision was made without his knowledge to have him lose the match in his home country of Canada.
This resulted in a lot of anger and frustration from Hart, as he felt betrayed by his employer and colleague Shawn Michaels.
The phrase “Bret Screwed Bret” has since become synonymous with the incident, symbolizing the sense of injustice that Hart felt in that moment.
It serves as a reminder of the complexities and politics that can arise behind the scenes in the world of professional wrestling.
Bret Hart’s Return to WWE
After the controversial Montreal Screwjob, Bret Hart eventually made his return to WWE. It was a highly anticipated moment for both Hart and his fans.
Despite the past animosity, WWE and Hart were able to reconcile and move forward.
His return led to memorable matches and storylines, showcasing his enduring talent and legendary status in the industry. The comeback of Bret Hart to WWE was a significant milestone that brought joy to wrestling fans around the world.
Legacy and Impact
Bret Hart’s Montreal Screwjob incident left a lasting legacy in the world of professional wrestling, impacting both the industry and his own career.
The Montreal Screwjob’s Influence on Wrestling
The Montreal Screwjob incident had a significant influence on the world of professional wrestling. It changed the way fans viewed the inner workings of the business and heightened the sense of realism in storytelling.
Wrestlers became more protective of their characters and storylines, leading to increased secrecy and unpredictability.
The incident also paved the way for the “Reality Era” in wrestling, blurring the lines between scripted entertainment and real-life drama. It remains one of the most talked-about moments in wrestling history and continues to shape the industry to this day.
The Legacy of Bret Hart
Bret Hart’s legacy in professional wrestling is undeniable.
He was a skilled performer, known for his technical prowess and storytelling ability inside the ring.
Hart’s contributions to the industry go beyond his in-ring accomplishments.
He has inspired countless wrestlers with his passion and dedication to the craft.
His outspoken nature also had a lasting impact.
Hart’s willingness to speak out against the injustices of the wrestling business helped pave the way for change.
Additionally, Hart’s influence can still be felt today.
Many wrestlers cite him as a major influence, and his matches continue to be studied and emulated.
Overall, Bret Hart’s legacy is one of excellence, integrity, and a dedication to the art of professional wrestling.
His impact on the industry is immeasurable.
Lessons Learned from the Montreal Screwjob
The Montreal Screwjob taught us a few important lessons. Communication is key, especially in high-pressure situations.
Respecting and honoring commitments is crucial in maintaining trust.
Transparency and honesty are essential components of any successful working relationship. It’s crucial to consider the impact of our actions on others.
Lastly, it’s important to handle conflicts professionally and avoid personal vendettas.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Montreal Screwjob
What exactly happened during the Montreal Screwjob?
During the Montreal Screwjob, Bret Hart, a professional wrestler, was double-crossed by the WWE.
It happened in 1997 during a match with Shawn Michaels.
The plan was for Hart to retain his championship title, but without his knowledge, the management changed the outcome.
They had the referee end the match early and declare Michaels the winner.
This caused outrage and Hart felt betrayed.
The incident is considered one of the most controversial moments in wrestling history.
Why did Vince McMahon make the decision to change the outcome of the match?
Vince McMahon made the decision to change the outcome of the match because he wanted to maintain control over his company and protect its reputation.
He believed that Bret Hart, the WWE Champion at the time, was planning to leave for rival promotion WCW and didn’t want him to take the title with him.
Changing the outcome allowed McMahon to assert his authority and ensure that the title remained in WWE.
It was a controversial move that sparked the infamous Montreal Screwjob incident.
How did the Montreal Screwjob affect Bret Hart’s career?
The Montreal Screwjob had a significant impact on Bret Hart’s career.
It left him feeling betrayed and caused him to lose trust in the wrestling industry.
It ultimately led him to leave WWE and pursue opportunities in other promotions.
The incident also affected his legacy, with many fans viewing him as a victim of backstage politics.
However, it also showcased his professionalism and resilience in the face of adversity.
Overall, the Montreal Screwjob shaped the course of Bret Hart’s career and left a lasting mark on his legacy.
What was the response from the wrestling community?
The response from the wrestling community to the Montreal Screwjob incident was varied.
Some wrestlers supported Vince McMahon’s decision, believing that it was important to protect the integrity of the business.
Others, like Bret Hart himself, felt betrayed and angry.
The incident created a lot of controversy and discussion within the industry, with many wrestlers expressing their opinions publicly.
It remains one of the most talked about controversies in professional wrestling history.
Are there any similar incidents in wrestling history?
Yes, there have been other incidents in wrestling history that are similar to the Montreal Screwjob. One notable example is the “Mass Transit Incident” that took place in 1996 during an Extreme Championship Wrestling event.
Another incident occurred in 2005 between Edge and Matt Hardy, involving real-life drama and a love triangle.
These incidents show that wrestling can sometimes blur the lines between scripted entertainment and real-life conflicts.
Final Verdict
The Montreal Screwjob remains one of the most controversial and talked-about incidents in the history of professional wrestling.
It forever changed the landscape of the industry and had lasting effects on the careers of those involved, particularly Bret Hart.
This incident highlighted the delicate balance between creative control, business decisions, and personal relationships within the wrestling world.
While it left a bitter taste for many, it also showcased the immense passion and dedication that both wrestlers and promoters have for their craft.
As fans, we can learn the importance of communication, trust, and integrity in any endeavor we pursue.
The Montreal Screwjob will always serve as a reminder of the power dynamics that exist within the wrestling industry and the far-reaching consequences of actions taken in the heat of the moment.
