The Montreal Screwjob, the infamous finish to the WWF Championship match at Survivor Series 1997, remains a watershed moment in professional wrestling. It was a culmination of personal animosity, contractual disputes, and backstage politics, involving Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, and WWF owner Vince McMahon.
The Precursors to Betrayal
The seeds of the screwjob were sown over a year prior, in October 1996, when Bret Hart, a top star in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), was caught in the biggest bidding war in pro wrestling history. As Dave Meltzer reported in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Hart was in a San Jose hotel room, wrestling with the decision of whether to stay with the WWF or jump ship to rival promotion World Championship Wrestling (WCW). WCW, with its deeper pockets thanks to media mogul Ted Turner, was aggressively raiding WWF’s talent roster. They offered Hart a lucrative contract, a guaranteed spot at the top of the card, and creative control over his character, along with the allure of potential movie roles.
Despite this tempting offer, Hart ultimately chose to stay with the WWF, swayed by Vince McMahon’s promise of a 20-year contract that would make him the highest-paid wrestler in the company and provide him with a secure future after his in-ring career ended. This decision, as Meltzer noted, was driven by loyalty, a sense of obligation to the company that had made him a star, and a belief in McMahon’s promises. McMahon, in the now infamous words of Arn Anderson, offered Hart not just a spot, but the “top spot” in the company, essentially promising to be the face of the WWF for life.
However, the wrestling landscape shifted dramatically in 1997. WCW’s “nWo” storyline, featuring former WWF stars Hulk Hogan, Scott Hall, and Kevin Nash, was a massive success, driving WCW’s ratings above WWF’s for the first time in years. The WWF was struggling to keep pace, and McMahon, facing financial pressures, began to regret his generous offer to Hart.
Adding to the tension was the growing animosity between Hart and Shawn Michaels, the WWF’s other top star. Their rivalry was intense, both on-screen and off, fueled by clashing egos, differing wrestling styles, and personal animosity. Meltzer documented the escalating tensions between the two, including Michaels’ refusal to “job” (lose) to anyone in the territory and his disparaging remarks about Hart and his family.
By September 1997, the relationship between Hart and McMahon had deteriorated significantly. McMahon informed Hart that he could no longer honor the 20-year contract due to the company’s financial difficulties. This betrayal deeply hurt and angered Hart, who felt that McMahon had gone back on his word. To further complicate matters, Hart’s existing contract included a “reasonable creative control” clause for his final 30 days, which became a major point of contention. Hart, the reigning WWF Champion, was scheduled to face Michaels at Survivor Series in Montreal, his home country. He was adamant that he would not lose the title to Michaels in Canada, believing it would damage his legacy and reputation, especially if he was headed to WCW.
Whispers of Suspicion
Adding to the intrigue, Vader, a veteran wrestler who knew Bret was leaving the WWF, sensed something was amiss and warned Bret about being vulnerable in the ring, particularly about being on his back or in a submission hold for too long. This highlights the underlying tension and suspicion that existed backstage.
Even Earl Hebner, the referee caught in the middle of the controversy, admitted to conflicting loyalties. While he promised Bret he wouldn’t make a false count, he was also pressured by Gerald Brisco to ensure the bell rang during the Sharpshooter. Hebner’s internal struggle reflects the difficult position many found themselves in during this tumultuous time.
McMahon’s Inner Circle
Interestingly, Vince McMahon, known for relying on a close circle of advisors, kept this plan tightly under wraps. Key figures like Pat Patterson, Bruce Prichard, and Jim Ross were all left in the dark. McMahon later explained his reasoning for excluding them, citing concerns about their loyalty to Bret, potential leaks, and the need to maintain trust with the roster. This exclusion further underscores the secrecy and calculated nature of the screwjob.
The Heart of the Matter: Bret’s Refusal
It’s crucial to understand the core reason behind Bret Hart’s refusal to lose the WWF Championship to Shawn Michaels in Montreal. While many factors were at play, including the emotional significance of losing the title in his home country, the primary reason was a matter of principle and professional respect.
Shawn Michaels had explicitly stated that he would not “job” (lose) to Bret Hart, even if the situation were reversed. This refusal to return the favor, especially given their contentious relationship, deeply offended Hart. He felt it was disrespectful and unprofessional, and he refused to be put in a position where he would do a favor for someone who wouldn’t reciprocate.
Furthermore, it’s important to remember that Bret had ample time left on his WWF contract. He was not leaving for WCW immediately after Survivor Series. Therefore, the fear that he would appear on WCW television with the WWF Championship was unfounded. He had offered to lose the title to other wrestlers, including Ken Shamrock and even the Brooklyn Brawler, demonstrating his willingness to do what was best for business, as long as it was done with fairness and respect.
The Screwjob: Execution of a Betrayal
The Survivor Series match took place in Montreal’s Molson Centre, a cauldron of passionate Canadian fans. The agreed-upon finish, according to Hart, was a disqualification, which would allow him to retain the title and relinquish it on the following night’s Raw. However, McMahon, along with referee Earl Hebner, had other plans. They feared that Hart, despite his assurances, might take the WWF Championship to WCW, dealing a devastating blow to the company.
Meltzer’s detailed account of the day of the event paints a picture of chaos and uncertainty. McMahon and Hart argued over the finish, with McMahon even suggesting a “screwjob” finish earlier in the week, which Hart refused. The tension was palpable, and the wrestlers were on edge, aware of the potential for a double-cross.
The match itself was tense and dramatic, with the crowd firmly behind their hometown hero. As Hart was locked in Michaels’s Sharpshooter submission hold, McMahon, lurking at ringside, instructed Hebner to call for the bell, despite Hart not submitting. Hebner, caught in a loyalty bind, followed orders and declared Michaels the winner and the new WWF Champion.
The arena erupted in chaos. Hart, realizing he had been betrayed, spat at McMahon and destroyed television monitors at ringside. Michaels, although aware of the plan, feigned shock and confusion, playing his part in the deception. The crowd, initially stunned into silence, erupted in anger, showering the ring with debris and chanting obscenities at McMahon. The Montreal Screwjob was complete, a shocking act of betrayal that would forever alter the landscape of professional wrestling.
The Immediate Fallout and Years of Estrangement
The Montreal Screwjob had a profound impact on everyone involved. Hart, feeling betrayed and humiliated, left the WWF for WCW, where he continued his wrestling career, albeit with less success. The incident solidified McMahon’s on-screen character as a ruthless, tyrannical boss, willing to do whatever it takes to win. This persona became a cornerstone of the “Attitude Era,” a period of edgier, more adult-oriented content that propelled the WWF to new heights of popularity.
The Screwjob also blurred the lines between reality and fiction in professional wrestling, making audiences question what was real and what was staged. This ambiguity added a new layer of intrigue to the product, captivating fans and driving ratings. However, it also damaged the trust between wrestlers and promoters, creating a climate of suspicion and paranoia backstage.
Meltzer’s reporting captured the immediate aftermath of the Screwjob, including the backstage confrontation between Hart and McMahon, where Hart punched McMahon in the jaw, fracturing it. The incident sent shockwaves through the wrestling world, with many wrestlers expressing their anger and disgust at McMahon’s actions.
Backstage Tensions and Reactions
The Undertaker, known for his respected veteran status, took it upon himself to confront McMahon, demanding he explain his actions to Bret. He then went to Bret’s dressing room to help defuse the situation, asking those not directly involved, including Ken Shamrock, to leave.
Future stars Edge and Christian, present as spectators that night, witnessed the chaos firsthand. As they returned backstage to check on their fellow Canadians, they were instructed by the WWE President of Canada to leave the arena immediately.
Even “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, a top star at the time, was bewildered by the events. He initially believed the drastic measure meant the WWE was going out of business.
The Architect of the Screwjob?
While the exact details of who conceived the Montreal Screwjob remain somewhat unclear, multiple accounts have emerged over the years. Jim Cornette, a prominent wrestling manager and booker, claimed on the “Dark Side of the Ring” documentary series that he suggested the idea to Vince McMahon, drawing parallels to a similar incident decades earlier. Even Vince Russo, a controversial figure in wrestling history, has claimed he suggested the Sharpshooter as the finishing hold for the screwjob, though he denies being the mastermind behind the entire plan. Ultimately, regardless of who initially suggested it, the decision to execute the screwjob rested with Vince McMahon. He was the one who orchestrated the plan and gave the final order to ring the bell, cementing his role in this controversial chapter of wrestling history.
Michaels’ Admission
For years after the Montreal Screwjob, Shawn Michaels denied any prior knowledge of the planned finish. He maintained that he was as surprised as anyone when the bell rang prematurely. However, in 2002, on an episode of “WWE Confidential,” Michaels finally admitted that he was aware of the screwjob beforehand. This admission shed new light on the event and further fueled the controversy surrounding it. It also added a layer of complexity to Michaels’ character, both on-screen and off.
Glimmers of Humanity Amidst the Controversy
Even in the midst of the bitterness and betrayal surrounding the Montreal Screwjob, there were moments that revealed a more human side to the story. Bret and Vince McMahon crossed paths at Owen Hart’s funeral in 1999, a somber occasion that transcended their personal conflict. Furthermore, when Bret suffered a stroke in 2002, Vince reached out to him, offering support and demonstrating a level of compassion that transcended their professional differences. These instances suggest that beneath the animosity, a degree of human connection and empathy remained.
A Tentative Thaw: The 2005 DVD
Despite the bitter fallout from the Montreal Screwjob, the seeds of reconciliation were sown in 2005 when WWE released “Bret ‘Hit Man’ Hart: The Best There Is, The Best There Was, The Best There Ever Will Be,” a three-DVD set chronicling Hart’s career. This marked the first time Hart had collaborated with WWE in an on-camera capacity since the infamous incident.
Interestingly, the project initially began as a more negative portrayal of Hart, tentatively titled “Screwed: The Bret Hart Story.” It was intended to focus on controversial aspects of his career and included disparaging remarks from former opponents. However, Hart’s involvement in the project shifted its direction. He contributed hours of interview footage and ensured a more balanced and positive portrayal of his legacy.
This collaboration was a significant step towards mending the fractured relationship between Hart and WWE. It demonstrated a willingness from both sides to acknowledge the past and move forward.
Reconciliation and Return to WWE
Following the success of the DVD, Hart’s relationship with WWE continued to improve. In 2006, he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, a moment that further solidified the reconciliation. His induction speech was a poignant moment, where he acknowledged the pain of the past but also expressed gratitude to WWE and its fans.
In 2010, Hart made a triumphant return to WWE television, this time confronting Vince McMahon himself. This led to a highly anticipated match at WrestleMania XXVI, where Hart finally got his revenge on McMahon. Due to a concussion Hart suffered in WCW in 2000, his insurance company would not clear him for a traditional wrestling match. This resulted in a No Holds Barred match where Hart, with the help of his family, was able to decisively defeat McMahon in a satisfyingly cathartic moment for Hart and his fans.
This WrestleMania moment was a powerful culmination of years of animosity and a symbolic closing of a difficult chapter in Hart’s career. It allowed him to achieve a sense of closure and move forward with his relationship with WWE.
But perhaps even more significant was Hart’s reconciliation with Shawn Michaels. On that same episode of Raw where he returned, Hart and Michaels met face-to-face in the ring. After years of animosity and bitterness, they finally buried the hatchet, acknowledging their past grievances and expressing a desire to move forward. This emotional moment marked a turning point in their relationship and resonated deeply with wrestling fans who had witnessed their tumultuous history. They remain friends to this day.
It’s also important to note that Hart and referee Earl Hebner have also patched things up. In recent years, they have spoken and appeared together at events, demonstrating forgiveness and understanding. This reconciliation highlights the healing power of time and the ability to move past even the most contentious events.
Continued WWE Presence
Since his return, Hart has made sporadic appearances, participating in storylines and interacting with current superstars. This ongoing relationship demonstrates that Hart and WWE have moved past the Montreal Screwjob and forged a mutually beneficial partnership. Hart’s presence adds a touch of nostalgia and legitimacy to WWE programming, while WWE provides him with a platform to connect with his fans and cement his legacy.
In 2024, Hart appeared on Raw in a memorable segment where he interacted with top WWE star Gunther.
The Montreal Screwjob remains a controversial and divisive event in wrestling history. However, the story of Hart’s return to WWE, his reconciliation with Michaels and Hebner, and his continued presence in the company is a testament to the enduring power of professional wrestling and the ability of individuals to overcome adversity. It is a story of betrayal, forgiveness, and redemption, a reminder that even in the world of scripted drama, real emotions and human relationships can prevail.
