The wrestling world is built on fabricated narratives, larger-than-life characters, and thrilling matches. But there are moments that transcend the scripted drama, moments that become etched in wrestling lore, leaving a lasting impact on the industry and the fans. One such moment, a turning point that sent shockwaves through the wrestling universe, was the infamous Montreal Screwjob. This is not just a story about a controversial finish, it’s a narrative about betrayal, power struggles, and the unraveling of a wrestling legend’s career.
Image: superluchas.com
The Montreal Screwjob wasn’t just a wrestling match; it was a calculated act of defiance. It was a statement about power dynamics, pushing the boundaries of what was acceptable, and ultimately, it was a dramatic ending to one of professional wrestling’s most beloved eras. It involved a pivotal figure in wrestling history, Bret “The Hitman” Hart, a legend renowned for his technical prowess and fierce intensity. And at the heart of this controversy stood a man with a name that resonates with both reverence and scorn – Vince McMahon. The Montreal Screwjob was a moment of calculated betrayal, leaving an indelible mark on the sport, and raising questions about the lines between entertainment and reality.
A Story of Broken Trust
To truly understand the significance and the lasting impact of the Montreal Screwjob, one must delve into the context surrounding it. The year was 1997, and the wrestling world was in the midst of the “Monday Night Wars,” a fierce battle between the two titans of the industry, WWF (World Wrestling Federation) and WCW (World Championship Wrestling). Bret Hart, at this time, was the WWF Champion, a title he carried with an aura of invincibility and undisputed skill. However, Hart’s contract was nearing its expiration, and he had decided to move on to WCW, a move that would shake the foundations of WWF.
The story of the Screwjob begins with the 1997 Survivor Series, a major pay-per-view event, held in Montreal, Canada. The script for the main event, a WWF Championship match between Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels, had Michaels winning the title. However, there was a critical twist: Bret Hart, a Canadian wrestling icon, adamantly refused to lose his title to Michaels on Canadian soil.
The tension between Hart and McMahon was palpable, fueled by a long-standing animosity. McMahon, the WWF’s owner, was known for his iron fist, his uncompromising approach to controlling the narrative and the direction of the company. He was determined to maintain his grip on the WWF, even if it meant disregarding his own talent’s desires. Hart, on the other hand, was a proud wrestler, a man who fought for his own legacy and demanded respect, refusing to buckle under McMahon’s ruthless ambitions.
The Plot Unfolds
The stage was set for the Montreal Screwjob, a betrayal that would forever change the landscape of professional wrestling. Hart was led to believe that he would be involved in a storyline, a carefully crafted narrative that would see him drop the title in a clean match. The story was designed to preserve Hart’s integrity and give him a respectable exit from the WWF. Meanwhile, in a secret meeting, McMahon and Michaels orchestrated a plan to betray Hart’s trust, a decision that would leave him feeling humiliated and betrayed.
On the night of the Survivor Series, the story unfolded with brutal precision. The main event commenced with Hart defending his title against Michaels. As the match reached its climax, Michaels applied Hart’s signature submission move, the Sharpshooter, a move that was designed to force a submission. However, Michaels’ plan wasn’t to force Hart to submit; it was to orchestrate a storyline where he would have to win by disqualification.
This was the part of the plan that Bret still had no knowledge of.
The Turning Point
While Hart was trapped in the Sharpshooter, the real drama was unfolding behind the scenes. Without Hart’s knowledge, McMahon gave a prearranged signal to the referee to call for the bell, signifying a disqualification win for Shawn Michaels. The crowd erupted in confusion as their hero, Hart, was being pinned down by Michaels, with the referee calling for the bell and awarding Michaels the WWF Championship.
With the title in his possession, Michaels celebrated in front of the confused and enraged Montreal crowd, while Hart struggled to understand the betrayal that had transpired. He was blindsided, forced into a title change he had not agreed to. He was handed a microphone, and in fury, he started to deliver a scathing address to the crowd, accusing McMahon and Michaels of ruining his legacy.
Hart’s anger boiled over, leading to a confrontation with McMahon, who calmly addressed the crowd. He went on to justify his decision, claiming that Hart had been planning to leave WWF for a long time, and that he had to take control of the situation. His actions were met with boos and disgust from the crowd, further adding to the chaos of the night.
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A Legacy of Controversy
The Montreal Screwjob became infamous almost instantly, a dark chapter in WWF’s history, a moment that exposed the underbelly of the wrestling industry. Hart’s reaction resonated with fans and wrestlers alike. He was hailed as a victim of McMahon’s ruthless ambition, a stark reminder of the ruthlessness that often lurks beneath the glitz and glamor of the wrestling world.
Hart, who had always been a revered figure, became a symbol of defiance, a reminder that even the biggest stars could be caught in the crosshairs of power struggles. His story was a lesson in the fleeting nature of fame and the importance of standing up for one’s convictions. The Screwjob changed the landscape of wrestling, proving that McMahon was not afraid to prioritize his own business interests over the dignity of his wrestlers. It also underlined the calculated nature of the WWF, its reliance on story-driven narratives and manufactured drama.
Jinsei Shinzaki Holding Bret Harts Head
Looking Back – A Lesson in Resilience and Legacy
The Montreal Screwjob continues to be a captivating subject of discussion, debate, and analysis. It’s a testament to the power of narratives in professional wrestling, the enduring human emotions that make the sport so compelling, and the consequences of betrayal and power struggles. The event’s impact on Bret Hart’s career is significant. He left WWF and started a new chapter in WCW. While it was not as successful as his WWF run, it was a crucial part of his career path.
Despite the controversy that the Screwjob brought, Bret Hart has remained a pivotal figure in the world of professional wrestling. His technical brilliance, his charisma, and his unwavering dedication to the sport have earned him a place in the Hall of Fame, a recognition of his undeniable legacy. The Montreal Screwjob, despite its controversial nature, has only added to Bret Hart’s legend, cementing his status as a man who stood up against the powers that be, refusing to be silenced.
The Montreal Screwjob had a lasting impact on the professional wrestling industry, reminding fans and wrestlers alike that even in a world filled with staged battles and scripted outcomes, real emotions run deep. It was an event that forever changed the power dynamic within the WWF, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the company, a chapter defined by McMahon’s relentless pursuit of success, a journey that would see him rise as a dominant figure in the wrestling industry. It also reminds us all that even in the world of entertainment, decisions have powerful consequences and legacies can be rewritten in an instant.
