Jim Ross addressed the recent, controversial comments by Bret Hart regarding Vince McMahon and Shawn Michaels, specifically Hart’s claim that the two were lovers. Ross, who was close to all parties during the Montreal Screwjob, immediately dismissed the claim during his appearance on Grilling JR. Hart’s comments, made in a separate interview, quickly became a massive topic of discussion online.
Dismissing The Claim
Bret Hart’s full quote alleged that the relationship between Vince McMahon and Shawn Michaels was intimate and sexual, and that he “got caught between two lovers” during the infamous Montreal Screwjob at Survivor Series in 1997. Ross found the statement to be highly amusing, but stated that it was nothing more than Hart attempting to generate conversation.
“That’s great. That’s hilarious. Bret knows how to push the buttons, man. That’s all he’s doing. It’s all he’s doing. And it’s working because we’re talking about it among others.”
When pressed further on the seriousness of the claim, Ross stated that at the time of the Montreal incident, Shawn Michaels was in a different mindset, and he did not believe the allegation to be true.
“That’s bullshit. Shawn in that era, at that point in that time, he was in a different mindset. He was a different guy. I don’t think he…..believes what he just said. I think he just stirred [crap up].”
Ross added when asked if Bret was stirring up drama, “Yeah, and like I said earlier, Bret knows what buttons to push.”
Vince McMahon’s Likely Reaction
Ross was then asked how Vince McMahon would likely react to hearing about the comments, given that Ross last spoke with him roughly a year ago. Ross differentiated between McMahon’s public reaction and how he would internalize the accusation. Ross predicted that McMahon would try to minimize the public impact while being privately angered.
“Well, in front of people, they’ll try to blow it off like it means nothing, because it’s just a bitter guy trying to stir the sh**. And that’s what I would think. But privately, it’ll piss him off a little bit, and he’ll internalize he’ll be angry, but he won’t, I don’t think he’ll publicly, publicly show it, or say anything about it.”
Ross was asked if he considered Bret Hart to be “bitter.” Ross disagreed with that assessment.
“No, he made a fortune, and he’s healthy again. Last time I saw him, he was healthy as a horse, and he was feeling good. And I can tell you from my own personal experiences…it’s all about your health. Man, all about your health. I know it’s not exciting to do a podcast about, but you know, there are times in the last 60 days I didn’t know if I was going to make it. So it’s serious.”
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit Grilling JR with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription. You can watch the full podcast on YouTube or listen on various platforms.
