The Montreal Screwjob. It’s a name that echoes throughout professional wrestling history, synonymous with treachery, heartbreak, and a seismic shift in the industry. For those unfamiliar, it’s the moment in 1997 where the WWE, under the iron fist of Vince McMahon, pulled the rug out from under Bret Hart, one of its biggest stars. It was a bold move that shocked the wrestling world, forever etching itself into the annals of wrestling history.
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But what exactly transpired on that fateful night at Survivor Series 1997? What were the motivations behind the infamous “screwjob,” and how did it shape the world of professional wrestling for years to come? Journey with us into the heart of this iconic event, exploring the dramatic story of the Montreal Screwjob and its enduring legacy.
The Fallout from the “Hart Dynasty”
Bret “The Hitman” Hart, the prodigal son of the legendary Stu Hart, was a wrestling icon in his own right. He was a master of technical wrestling, a true embodiment of the “wrestling art” that his father honed for decades.
For years, Bret had been the face of the WWF, captivating audiences with his in-ring prowess and captivating storylines. He was beloved by fans, admired by his peers, and held a level of respect that few could match.
However, as the late 1990s dawned, Bret felt it was time for a change. He had grown disenchanted with the WWE’s direction. He felt his career was stagnating, and the direction WWE was taking with its storylines and presentation conflicted with his vision for the future. His contract was nearing its end, and he wanted to reunite with his brother Owen and pursue opportunities in the burgeoning WCW (World Championship Wrestling)
But Vince McMahon, the visionary leader of the WWE, had other plans. He saw Bret’s departure as a blow to his empire and refused to let his top star walk out the door to a rival organization. This refusal set the stage for a monumental clash between two powerful figures, with the future of professional wrestling caught in the crosshairs.
A Contractual Dispute and the Seeds of Betrayal
The tension between Bret and Vince simmered, fuelled by an intricate contract negotiation process. Bret had entered into discussions with WCW, enticing him with a lucrative offer and the promise of a fresh start. Vince, however, was determined to retain his top star and make him the cornerstone of his vision for the company.
A crucial element of Bret’s contract stipulated that he would be the WWF Champion until the end of his contract.
The stage was set for a heated showdown, and the seeds of betrayal were sown.
The “Montreal Screwjob” and a Night of Betrayal
The pinnacle of this tension came at the 1997 Survivor Series, held in Montreal, Canada. The main event was a WWF Championship match between Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels, the charismatic showman whose star was on the rise.
Bret, on his way out of the WWE, was adamant about keeping the championship until his contract expired. However, Vince McMahon had other plans. He orchestrated a plan to strip the championship from Bret, despite his contractual obligation, a move that would send shockwaves through the wrestling world.
The plan involved a secret agreement between Vince McMahon and Shawn Michaels. During the match, Michaels was to perform his signature “Sweet Chin Music” kick on Bret, setting him up for a pin. But with a pre-arranged signal from the WWE’s corner, the referee would immediately stop the match, granting the victory to Michaels. This would allow WWE to retain the championship, despite Bret’s contractual stipulations.
The world watching, both live in the arena and around the globe through the WWF’s live broadcast, was in for a jaw-dropping experience.
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The Aftermath: A Wrestling World in Uproar
As the match unfolded, the WWE’s plan went into action. Michaels hit Bret with the “Sweet Chin Music,” and the referee proceeded to start the three-count. This was the signal for Vince McMahon to pull the switch. The referee, unaware of the backstage agreement, continued the match until Bret lost the title by a pin.
The crowd erupted into chaos. Bret, shocked and betrayed, was visibly upset, while Shawn Michaels, despite his initial reluctance, was forced to play his part. The Montreal Screwjob had gone down.
The wrestling world was left reeling. The moment was a stark reminder of Vince McMahon’s power and his willingness to disregard even the most stringent contracts to achieve his goals. Bret Hart, the former champion and fan favorite, was left feeling betrayed, his legacy tarnished by the WWE’s calculated move.
The reverberations of the Montreal Screwjob were felt for years to come, changing the landscape of professional wrestling. There were calls for boycotts and protests from fans upset at the betrayal. Trust between wrestlers and the WWE officials was eroded, and the “Montreal Screwjob” became a symbol of the ruthless tactics that would soon become the hallmark of WWE’s programming.
Bret Hart Vs Shawn Michaels Survivor Series 1997
The Legacy of Betrayal
The Montreal Screwjob, though a dark chapter in wrestling history, had a profound impact on the industry’s evolution. It cemented Vince McMahon’s reputation as a ruthless businessman willing to push boundaries, even at the expense of the loyal wrestlers who had supported him. It propelled Shawn Michaels to even greater heights of notoriety, while Bret Hart, though initially left wounded, ultimately found redemption in WCW and continued his storied career.
Decades later, the Montreal Screwjob continues to be a topic of fierce debate among wrestling fans and experts. It serves as a powerful reminder of the blurring lines between reality and entertainment in professional wrestling and its enduring power as a captivating form of storytelling. However, it also raises questions about the ethics and morality involved in using real-life betrayals to create drama and intrigue.
The wrestling world that emerged from the ashes of the Montreal Screwjob was a more cynical, more ruthless one, where story lines were designed to shock and generate controversy. This was a WWE built on McMahon’s vision, a company that would not shy away from pushing boundaries, even if it meant sacrificing the trust of those who had built its foundation.
The Montreal Screwjob is more than just a story of wrestling; it’s a story of power, intrigue, and the lengths to which people will go to achieve their goals. It is a story that continues to be told and discussed by wrestling fans and experts, keeping the memory of that fateful night alive.
