Anyone who’s a wrestling fan has probably heard of the infamous Montreal Screwjob. It’s a story that’s passed down from generation to generation of wrestling fans as one of the sport’s biggest controversies. But was the Montreal Screwjob real? That’s an argument that’s been going on for years. Some fans believe it was pure fiction, while others are convinced that it actually happened. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what went down on that fateful night and try to determine what really happened.
There’s no denying that the Montreal Screwjob is one of the most talked-about moments in pro wrestling history. It’s a story that seems to get bigger every time it’s told. Some fans swear that it wasn’t just a storyline, but that it actually happened. Others say that it was just a clever work by the WWE. Regardless of which side you fall on, there’s no denying that the Screwjob is enough to get any wrestling fan talking. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the controversy and try to get to the bottom of what really happened.
The Montreal Screwjob is a story that’s been retold countless times over the years. For some, it’s a tale of betrayal and backstabbing. For others, it’s just another example of the WWE’s ability to manipulate its audience. But was the Screwjob real? That’s a question that’s been debated since the night it happened. Some fans believe that it was all part of the script, while others are convinced that it was a genuine screw-up. In this article, we’ll explore the various theories surrounding the Montreal Screwjob and try to determine once and for all what really happened.
The Montreal Screwjob Conspiracy Theories
The Montreal Screwjob is one of the most controversial moments in professional wrestling history, and as a result, conspiracy theories continue to swirl around it. Here are some of the most popular conspiracy theories:
- The plan was always to screw Bret Hart
- Vince McMahon was pressured by the USA Network to change the finish
- Bret Hart and Vince McMahon were in on the screwjob together
- The whole thing was a work (planned and scripted by all involved)
Despite multiple interviews with the parties involved and ample evidence to the contrary, these conspiracy theories persist among wrestling fans and insiders.
One theory suggests that the plan was always to screw Bret Hart, and that the whole thing was an elaborate plan spearheaded by Vince McMahon. However, there is no concrete evidence to support this theory, and in interviews following the incident, McMahon has stated that he did not plan the finish ahead of time.
Another theory suggests that McMahon was pressured by the USA Network to change the finish, as they did not want Bret Hart to take the WWE Championship to WCW (a rival wrestling organization). Although it is true that the USA Network was concerned about Bret Hart taking the title with him, there is no evidence to suggest that they pressured McMahon to change the finish of the match.
Some fans argue that Bret Hart and Vince McMahon were in on the screwjob together and that it was all part of a storyline. However, this theory makes little sense when you consider the real-life animosity between the two men that lasted for years after the incident.
Finally, some fans argue that the whole thing was a work, something planned and scripted by all involved. While it is true that wrestling is scripted and predetermined, the Montreal Screwjob was not planned or scripted in advance. In fact, Bret Hart has stated multiple times that he had no knowledge of the finish until it happened and that he was legitimately screwed over by McMahon and referee Earl Hebner.
| Conspiracy Theory | Evidence |
|---|---|
| The plan was always to screw Bret Hart | No concrete evidence |
| Vince McMahon was pressured by the USA Network to change the finish | No evidence to support this theory |
| Bret Hart and Vince McMahon were in on the screwjob together | No evidence to support this theory |
| The whole thing was a work | The Montreal Screwjob was not planned or scripted in advance |
Despite the lack of evidence to support these conspiracy theories, they continue to be talked about and debated among wrestling fans to this day.
The Buildup to The Montreal Screwjob
On November 9, 1997, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, one of the most controversial moments in the history of professional wrestling took place. This moment would become known as the Montreal Screwjob, a term coined by wrestling fans to describe what they believe to be a double-cross by Vince McMahon, the owner of the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), against Bret Hart, the reigning WWF World Heavyweight Champion at the time. But was the Montreal Screwjob real? Let’s explore the buildup to this infamous event.
- The Beginning of Bret Hart’s Career: Bret Hart began his professional wrestling career in the late 1970s, but it wasn’t until the mid-1980s that he achieved notoriety when he started wrestling for the WWF. He was part of a faction called The Hart Foundation, which consisted of his brother-in-law Jim Neidhart and manager Jimmy Hart. Bret was known for his incredible wrestling ability and was regarded as one of the best technical wrestlers in the world.
- The Rise of Shawn Michaels: Shawn Michaels was another talented wrestler who rose to fame in the WWF around the same time as Bret. He was known for his high-flying and acrobatic wrestling style, which was a stark contrast to Bret’s more grounded and technical style. Michaels often clashed with Bret behind the scenes, as they had different opinions on how a wrestling match should be performed.
- The Montreal Screwjob Dispute: By 1997, both Bret and Michaels were extremely popular with the fans and were slated to compete for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship at Survivor Series, a pay-per-view event. However, Bret had signed a contract with the competing wrestling promotion, World Championship Wrestling (WCW), and was set to leave the WWF after Survivor Series. Bret didn’t want to lose the championship on his way out of the company, so he and McMahon worked out a plan where Bret would retain the title before relinquishing it to Michaels the next night on a live television broadcast. However, in the closing moments of the match, McMahon ordered the referee to ring the bell early, effectively ending the match before Bret could submit to Michaels’ finishing move. Bret was stunned and angry, and the incident led to a bitter feud between him and McMahon, which lasted for many years.
The seeds of the Montreal Screwjob had been sown years earlier, with the clash of two wrestling styles between Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels. Add to that the pressure of Bret leaving the company and the backstage politics of wrestling, and you have a boiling pot that would inevitably overflow in Montreal. The Montreal Screwjob may remain a subject of debate among wrestling fans and insiders, but one thing is for sure – it remains an unforgettable moment in the history of professional wrestling.
The Aftermath of the Montreal Screwjob
The Montreal Screwjob is a controversial event that occurred in the WWE in 1997. It involved a match between Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart for the WWE Championship at the Survivor Series pay-per-view. In the final moments of the match, the referee, Earl Hebner, called for the bell to be rung even though Bret Hart had not submitted or been pinned. This led to Bret Hart spitting on Vince McMahon, the chairman of the WWE, and leaving for a rival wrestling company, WCW.
The Montreal Screwjob had a huge impact on the WWE and the wrestling world as a whole. Here are some of the aftermaths of the Montreal Screwjob:
- Bret Hart’s Departure: The most significant consequence of the Montreal Screwjob was Bret Hart’s departure from the WWE. He had been one of the company’s top stars for over a decade and his departure was a huge loss for the WWE. Bret Hart’s departure also fueled the Monday Night Wars between the WWE and WCW, as he immediately became one of WCW’s top stars.
- Shawn Michaels’ Reaction: Shawn Michaels was heavily involved in the Montreal Screwjob and his reputation was tarnished as a result. Many people believed that he knew about Vince McMahon’s plan to screw Bret Hart and had gone along with it. This led to Michaels receiving a lot of backstage heat from other wrestlers.
- The Birth of the Mr. McMahon Character: The Montreal Screwjob was also the catalyst for the birth of the Mr. McMahon character, which became one of the most iconic characters in WWE history. Vince McMahon had become a hated figure in the eyes of wrestling fans as a result of the Screwjob, and he used that heat to create the Mr. McMahon character.
The Impact on Bret Hart’s Legacy
The Montreal Screwjob had a significant impact on Bret Hart’s legacy in the wrestling world. Prior to the Screwjob, Bret Hart was widely regarded as one of the best wrestlers in the world and had a reputation for being a loyal and trustworthy company man. However, the way he was treated by Vince McMahon and the WWE led to a souring of his relationship with the company.
Following the Screwjob, Bret Hart became one of the most outspoken critics of the WWE and regularly bashed the company in interviews and on social media. He also refused to reconcile with the WWE for many years and didn’t return to the company until 2010, over a decade after the Screwjob. Despite this, Bret Hart’s legacy as a great wrestler and one of the most popular figures in wrestling history remains firmly intact.
The Montreal Screwjob Conspiracy Theories
Ever since the Montreal Screwjob, there have been numerous conspiracy theories about what really happened that night. Some people believe that Bret Hart was in on the Screwjob and that it was all an elaborate work. Others think that Bret Hart never actually signed a contract with WCW and that the whole thing was a work to boost his value when he returned to the WWE.
While these theories may make for interesting speculation, the reality is that the Montreal Screwjob was a very real and very controversial event that had a major impact on the wrestling world. Whether you believe that it was a work or not, there’s no denying that the Screwjob changed the wrestling landscape forever.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Created one of the most iconic wrestling moments in history | Tarnished the reputations of the WWE, Vince McMahon, and others involved |
| Led to the birth of the Mr. McMahon character | Bret Hart’s departure was a huge loss for the WWE |
| Had a significant impact on the Monday Night Wars | Michaels received a lot of backstage heat for his involvement |
Overall, the Montreal Screwjob was a controversial and divisive event that had a major impact on the wrestling world. Whether you view it as a work or a shoot, there’s no denying that it changed the course of wrestling history forever.
The WWE’s Response to The Montreal Screwjob
The Montreal Screwjob remains one of the most controversial incidents in professional wrestling history. After the incident, the WWE had to respond to the backlash from fans and the media. Here are some of the ways the company responded:
- Bret Hart’s Departure – Bret Hart, the victim of the screwjob, left the company and joined its biggest competitor, WCW. This move put the WWE in a difficult position and they had to balance the loss of one of their top stars with the need to protect Vince McMahon’s reputation.
- The Creation of Mr. McMahon – In the aftermath of the incident, Vince McMahon became the on-screen heel character Mr. McMahon, who openly portrayed his real-life persona as the owner and boss of WWE. This character change helped create a new generation of fans and marked the beginning of the Attitude Era.
- The Montreal Theory – WWE started a conspiracy theory that Bret Hart was in on the screwjob, and even had him return to the company to play along with this story. The theory helped to shift the blame for the incident away from Vince McMahon and onto Bret Hart.
Despite these attempts to handle the fallout from the incident, the WWE has never fully recovered. The incident led to a shift away from the “traditional” era of wrestling and paved the way for the edgier, more adult-oriented product that became the Attitude Era.
Here is a table summarizing the WWE’s response to The Montreal Screwjob:
| Bret Hart’s Departure | The loss of one of the top stars, precipitating the need for a narrative change |
| The Creation of Mr. McMahon | Helped create a new generation of fans and set the stage for the Attitude Era |
| The Montreal Theory | Shifted the blame away from Vince McMahon and created a conspiracy theory |
Overall, the Montreal Screwjob and its aftermath were a turning point for the WWE. While the company was able to adapt and create a new narrative, the incident also revealed the dangers of a totalitarian creative process and the challenges of managing the expectations of top talent.
How The Montreal Screwjob Changed Wrestling Forever
The Montreal Screwjob is one of the most controversial events in the history of professional wrestling. It involved the WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) Hall of Famer and former WWE Champion Bret Hart, his rival Shawn Michaels, and WWE Chairman Vince McMahon. The event went down on November 9, 1997, at the Molson Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, and it is still being talked about in the industry 24 years later. The incident has undoubtedly changed the professional wrestling industry forever.
- Wrestlers lost trust in promoters: The Montreal Screwjob made wrestlers lose trust in promoters. Bret Hart had a long-term contract with WWE, and it looked like he would retire with the promotion. However, McMahon went back on his word, as he didn’t honor Hart’s contract and secretly plotted to screw him out of the championship on his last night.
- Bret Hart turned heel: The Montreal Screwjob turned Bret Hart, a Canadian hero, into a villain. Bret was an icon in Canada, his home country, but the incident caused Canada to lose faith in him. He was already scheduled to leave WWE, but his departure after the incident was bitter and sad. He felt disrespected, and his Canadian fans did, too.
- Shawn Michaels became the new face of WWE: Michaels became one of the most hated wrestlers in the world after the incident. His persona as a villain helped the WWE gain popularity among fans. Coming out of the work, Michaels became the new WWE Champion and the face of the company.
Bret Hart has been open about how The Montreal Screwjob impacted his life. He left WWE and went on to join its biggest competitor at the time, WCW (World Championship Wrestling). On the other hand, Vince McMahon has maintained that the incident was not a work staged event but a real situation that had to be dealt with at that moment.
The Montreal Screwjob is still a significant topic in wrestling. It has become a long-standing metaphor for betrayal, politics, and gunning for titles. Numerous documentaries, books, and podcasts have been made about the incident. It had a profound impact not only on the WWE but on professional wrestling overall. Today, wrestlers make sure to read their contracts thoroughly, and trusts between wrestlers and promoters have been strained ever since.
| Wrestler | Comments |
|---|---|
| Bret Hart | He left WWE and never returned until he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2006. |
| Shawn Michaels | He became the company’s top star and went on to have one of the greatest WWE careers of all time. |
| Vince McMahon | He has been trying to move on from the incident but has admitted that it was one of the most challenging moments of his career. |
In conclusion, The Montreal Screwjob is an incident that will always be remembered in wrestling history. The incident had a significant impact on wrestling, as it changed the way wrestlers and promoters interacted, turned Bret Hart into a villain and Shawn Michaels into a legendary star. Vince McMahon stated that the incident was not a work, and till date there are differing views as to whether the Montreal Screwjob was real or staged.
The Role of Bret Hart in The Montreal Screwjob
When discussing the Montreal Screwjob, it is impossible to do so without acknowledging the crucial role played by Bret Hart. As one of the most popular wrestlers of his time, Hart was a household name and a major draw for the WWE. His impending departure for rival company WCW had left WWE owner Vince McMahon in a tricky situation, and it was this situation that ultimately led to the infamous Montreal Screwjob.
- Hart’s Contractual Obligations
- The Creative Differences Between McMahon and Hart
- The Refusal to Drop the Title
One of the most significant factors leading up to the event was Bret Hart’s contractual obligations. Hart had signed a long-term contract with the WWE, but the company was unable to meet its financial obligations to him. As a result, Hart began negotiating with WCW, which was offering him a more lucrative deal.
However, McMahon was unwilling to let Hart leave with the championship title belt. This was a big problem for McMahon, who knew that he risked damaging the credibility of his company if he allowed a departing champion to take the belt with him. McMahon approached Hart and asked him to drop the title to Shawn Michaels, but Hart refused.
| The Montreal Screwjob | Bret Hart’s Role |
|---|---|
| Shawn Michaels wins the WWE Championship | Hart famously spits in McMahon’s face and smashes equipment at ringside after the match |
| Controversy and backlash from fans and community | Hart’s reputation is forever tarnished and he holds a grudge against McMahon and Michaels for years to come |
| WWE eventually acknowledges the Montreal Screwjob as a work | Hart remains bitter and has refused to reconcile with McMahon |
Despite the friction between McMahon and Hart, there were creative differences that led to the event. Hart had creative control over his character and did not want to portray the villain in his home country of Canada. McMahon, however, felt that the storyline demanded it and pushed for a change to the script.
These factors, along with the mounting tension between Hart and McMahon, ultimately led to the Montreal Screwjob. The incident left Hart feeling betrayed and disillusioned with the wrestling industry. While he eventually made peace with Michaels, his relationship with McMahon remained acrimonious for years to come.
The Legacy of The Montreal Screwjob
The Montreal Screwjob was a controversial moment in wrestling history that still holds a place in fans’ minds today. Here are some of the long-lasting effects and legacies of this infamous event.
- It changed the wrestling industry: The Montreal Screwjob was a turning point for the wrestling industry, marking a shift towards reality-based storylines and “shoot” controversies. It was also the catalyst for the formation of both the WWE’s Attitude Era and the rival promotion, WCW’s nWo storyline.
- It solidified the “Mr. McMahon” character: After the Montreal Screwjob, Vince McMahon became the on-screen villain to Bret Hart’s hero, solidifying his character as the powerful, corrupt boss who would do anything to maintain control.
- It added to Bret Hart’s legend: Although the Montreal Screwjob was devastating for Bret Hart at the time, it only added to his legend as a wrestling icon who stood up for his principles. His portrayal as the victim of a corporate conspiracy boosted his reputation among fans and cemented his status as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time.
But the legacy of the Montreal Screwjob goes beyond just these immediate effects. In the years and decades that followed, it continued to be a topic of conversation and analysis, with fans and wrestling insiders alike debating the true nature of what happened that night.
One thing that is certain is that the Montreal Screwjob remains one of the most controversial and talked-about moments in wrestling history, and its impact can still be felt in the industry today.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Created a buzz around the wrestling industry | Caused a lot of emotional pain for Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels |
| Cemented Vince McMahon’s legacy as a villainous character | Undermined the tradition of wrestling and the kayfabe |
| Made Bret Hart a iconic figure among wrestling fans | Caused fans to lose faith in the integrity of wrestling and its storylines |
The Montreal Screwjob is not only a part of wrestling history, but it also holds a powerful lesson for anyone in the entertainment industry: the importance of staying true to your principles and having control over your own image and story.
Frequently Asked Questions: Was the Montreal Screwjob Real?
1. What is the Montreal Screwjob?
The Montreal Screwjob is a wrestling term used to describe the controversial ending of the 1997 WWF Survivor Series main event match between Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels.
2. Was the Montreal Screwjob real?
Yes, the Montreal Screwjob is a real event that took place in professional wrestling history.
3. What happened during the Montreal Screwjob?
During the match between Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels, the referee Earl Hebner called for the bell to ring even though Hart did not submit or give up. It was later revealed that Vince McMahon, the owner of WWF, instructed Hebner to end the match in Michaels’ favor, which led to Hart losing the championship title in his home country.
4. Why did Vince McMahon orchestrate the Screwjob?
There are different speculations about the motives behind the Montreal Screwjob. Some say it was done to prevent Hart from taking the title to rival company WCW, while others say it was done to push Michaels as the new face of WWF.
5. How did Bret Hart react to the Montreal Screwjob?
Bret Hart was furious and hurt by the Montreal Screwjob. He later punched McMahon in the locker room and left the WWF to join WCW.
6. Did the Montreal Screwjob affect professional wrestling?
The Montreal Screwjob is considered one of the most significant and controversial moments in professional wrestling history. It led to changes in booking and storylines, and had a lasting impact on the industry.
7. Is the Montreal Screwjob still talked about today?
Yes, the Montreal Screwjob is still talked about today by wrestling fans, historians, and insiders. It remains a pivotal moment in the history of professional wrestling.
Closing thoughts: Thanks for exploring the Montreal Screwjob with us
We hope that this article helped shed some light on the controversial event known as the Montreal Screwjob. Whether you’re a long-time wrestling fan or new to the industry, understanding the significance and impact of such moments can deepen your appreciation for professional wrestling history. Thanks for reading, and be sure to check back for more wrestling content in the future.