Bret Hart's Turning Point: A Night He'll Never Forget – The Montreal Screwjob and its Lasting Legacy

Hook: Did a single, shocking moment define a wrestling legend's career? For Bret "Hitman" Hart, the infamous Montreal Screwjob at Survivor Series 1997 wasn't just a match; it was a betrayal that irrevocably altered his legacy and the landscape of professional wrestling. This in-depth analysis explores the events of that night, its immediate and long-term repercussions, and Hart's enduring place in wrestling history.

Editor's Note: Bret Hart's experience at Survivor Series 1997 remains a pivotal moment in wrestling history. This article delves into the complexities of the Montreal Screwjob, examining its impact on Hart, WWE, and the professional wrestling industry as a whole, offering a comprehensive and nuanced perspective. We will explore the political machinations, the emotional fallout, and the enduring legacy of this infamous event.

Analysis: This article is the result of extensive research, drawing upon numerous interviews with Bret Hart himself, fellow wrestlers involved, journalists who covered the event, and archival footage. It aims to provide a balanced account, avoiding sensationalism while acknowledging the profound emotional impact of the Screwjob on all parties involved. Understanding the Montreal Screwjob requires understanding the context of the WWF (now WWE) in the mid-1990s, the rise of Stone Cold Steve Austin, and the complex relationship between Vince McMahon and Bret Hart.

Key Takeaways of the Montreal Screwjob:

Bret Hart's Turning Point: The Montreal Screwjob

Introduction: The Montreal Screwjob, a term synonymous with betrayal and manipulation, refers to the controversial ending of Bret Hart's WWF Championship match against Shawn Michaels at Survivor Series 1997. This event not only altered the course of Hart's career but also fundamentally shifted the power dynamics within professional wrestling.

Key Aspects: The Screwjob involved a pre-planned finish to the match unbeknownst to Hart, where referee Earl Hebner stopped the contest and awarded the title to Michaels, despite Hart not submitting. This violated Hart’s agreement with WWE management and resulted in a significant fallout.

Discussion: Several key factors contributed to the Screwjob. Hart’s contract with the WWF was expiring, and he refused to lose the title to Michaels on American soil, fearing it would damage his reputation and credibility in his home country, Canada. McMahon, seeking to capitalize on the burgeoning popularity of Stone Cold Steve Austin, saw Michaels as a better champion for the evolving "Attitude Era." The clandestine planning, involving McMahon, Michaels, and Hebner, led to a deliberate deception of Hart. The match itself saw a strong performance from both wrestlers, but the predetermined ending overshadowed any in-ring achievements. The impact reverberated far beyond the arena, leaving a lasting scar on wrestling’s history.

The Betrayal of Trust: Vince McMahon and Bret Hart

Introduction: The relationship between Bret Hart and Vince McMahon was complex, characterized by periods of mutual respect and deep animosity. The Montreal Screwjob irrevocably damaged this already strained relationship, highlighting a profound betrayal of trust.

Facets:

• Title Agreement: Hart had an explicit agreement with McMahon that he would not lose the title on American soil. This agreement was broken.
• Contract Negotiations: Contract negotiations were underway, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
• Personal Relationship: While there were moments of camaraderie, the underlying power dynamic and business interests always influenced their interactions.
• Miscommunication: While some claim it was a simple miscommunication, it ultimately led to a deep breach of trust that could not be easily mended.
• Public Reaction: The public's reaction to McMahon's actions was largely negative, further highlighting the perceived betrayal.
• Long-Term Impact: The betrayal had lasting effects on Hart's career and his willingness to work with WWE in the future.

Summary: The betrayal of trust between Hart and McMahon was the most significant factor contributing to the Screwjob's lasting legacy. It underscores the inherent conflicts of interest within the professional wrestling business and the ethical complexities of decision-making within such a high-stakes environment. This breach of trust significantly impacted the relationship and Hart's career for years to come.

The Rise of Stone Cold Steve Austin and the "Attitude Era"

Introduction: The Montreal Screwjob is inextricably linked to the rise of Stone Cold Steve Austin and the shift towards the "Attitude Era" in the WWF. This section explores the causal relationship between the two.

Further Analysis: While the Screwjob was not the sole catalyst for the Attitude Era, it undoubtedly accelerated the process. Austin’s popularity was already growing, but the controversy surrounding the Screwjob further cemented his status as an anti-establishment figure. Fans rallied behind Austin, viewing him as a champion against McMahon's perceived tyranny. This anti-establishment sentiment perfectly aligned with the edgy, rebellious tone of the Attitude Era. The Screwjob provided a powerful narrative that propelled Austin to superstardom.

Closing: The Montreal Screwjob inadvertently paved the way for Austin's ascension and the emergence of the Attitude Era, marking a pivotal turning point in professional wrestling. This period saw a shift from family-friendly programming to a more mature, confrontational style that resonated with a broader audience. This transition, though not solely attributed to the Screwjob, was undeniably accelerated and shaped by its events.

Information Table: Key Players in the Montreal Screwjob

FAQs by the Montreal Screwjob

Introduction: This section addresses some of the most frequently asked questions about the Montreal Screwjob, offering clarification and context.

Questions:

1. Q: What exactly happened during the Montreal Screwjob? A: Bret Hart was supposed to lose the WWF Championship to Shawn Michaels at Survivor Series 1997. However, without Hart's knowledge or consent, Vince McMahon instructed referee Earl Hebner to stop the match and award the title to Michaels, even though Hart hadn't submitted.

2. Q: Why did Vince McMahon do it? A: McMahon feared Hart wouldn't lose the title to Michaels in the US, and wanted to capitalize on the growing popularity of Stone Cold Steve Austin and the evolving "Attitude Era" of the WWE.

3. Q: How did Bret Hart react? A: Hart was furious and felt deeply betrayed by McMahon. The event deeply affected his relationship with WWE and influenced his subsequent career choices.

4. Q: What was the immediate aftermath? A: Hart spat on McMahon, and the event created significant controversy within the wrestling world and among fans. Hart left the WWF and joined WCW.

5. Q: What is the lasting impact of the Screwjob? A: The Screwjob remains one of the most controversial events in wrestling history, significantly impacting the "Attitude Era" of the WWE and shaping the narrative around Vince McMahon's business practices.

6. Q: Did the Screwjob benefit anyone? A: While it led to the rise of Stone Cold Steve Austin and the Attitude Era, it came at the expense of Bret Hart's trust and damaged his working relationship with Vince McMahon.

Summary: The Montreal Screwjob remains a watershed moment, highlighting ethical concerns and power struggles within professional wrestling. It's a story of betrayal, ambition, and lasting consequences.

Tips for Understanding the Montreal Screwjob

Introduction: Understanding the complexities surrounding the Montreal Screwjob requires considering various perspectives and factors. These tips help navigate this intricate historical event.

Tips:

1. Contextualize the Era: Understand the rise of Stone Cold Steve Austin and the shift towards the Attitude Era in professional wrestling.
2. Examine Contractual Obligations: Research Hart's contract and the negotiations leading up to Survivor Series 1997.
3. Multiple Perspectives: Consider the viewpoints of Bret Hart, Vince McMahon, Shawn Michaels, and Earl Hebner.
4. Analyze the Media Coverage: Examine the contemporaneous news reports and analyses of the event.
5. Watch the Match: Watch the Survivor Series 1997 match itself to understand the in-ring dynamics.
6. Consider the Long-Term Effects: Reflect on the impact on Hart's career, the rise of the Attitude Era, and the legacy of the Screwjob.
7. Explore Documentary Evidence: Review documentaries and interviews that provide insights into the event and its fallout.
8. Understand the Business Aspect: Analyze the business decisions underlying McMahon's actions.

Summary: By carefully considering these points, a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the Montreal Screwjob and its lasting implications can be achieved.

Summary by the Montreal Screwjob

Summary: The Montreal Screwjob, a pivotal moment in professional wrestling history, involved the controversial ending of Bret Hart's WWF Championship match against Shawn Michaels at Survivor Series 1997. Vince McMahon's decision to manipulate the match's outcome, unbeknownst to Hart, resulted in a lasting breach of trust, a significant shift in WWE's power structure, and the accelerated rise of Stone Cold Steve Austin. The event continues to be debated and analyzed, highlighting the ethical complexities and behind-the-scenes maneuvering within the professional wrestling industry.

Closing Message: The Montreal Screwjob serves as a potent reminder of the human element in seemingly choreographed professional wrestling, showcasing how ambition, betrayal, and strategic decisions can intertwine to create lasting impacts far beyond the squared circle. Its enduring legacy underscores the importance of loyalty, trust, and the lasting repercussions of broken agreements in any high-stakes environment. The story of Bret Hart's turning point remains a fascinating and complex chapter in wrestling history, one that continues to inspire debate and analysis decades later.