The year 1997 was a watershed moment in professional wrestling. The World Wrestling Federation (WWF), later known as WWE, was on the rise, riding the wave of the “Attitude Era,” an era defined by its edginess and controversies. One event, in particular, would forever change the landscape of professional wrestling – the Montreal Screwjob: a night where backstage shenanigans and betrayal met in the center of the ring.
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The Montreal Screwjob was an incident that unfolded at Summerslam 1997, a major WWF pay-per-view event held in Montreal, Canada. It involved two of the top stars in the wrestling world: the Undertaker, a gothic powerhouse known for his wrestling prowess and chilling persona, and Bret “The Hitman” Hart, a technical wrestling icon celebrated for his in-ring brilliance and Canadian roots. This showdown, however, was not about their wrestling skills; it was a clash of egos, allegiances, and ambitions that would become legendary in pro wrestling folklore for all the wrong reasons.
The Backstory: A Tale of Broken Trust and Backstabbing
The roots of the Montreal Screwjob lay in a complex situation that involved the WWF’s ongoing strategic shift and a clashing of personalities. Bret Hart, feeling increasingly sidelined in the WWF, decided to sign with rival promotion World Championship Wrestling (WCW). However, there was a major catch: Hart’s contract stipulated that he could not lose his WWF Championship title in his home country of Canada.
The WWF, under the leadership of Vince McMahon, had different plans. They wanted to transition the WWF Championship to their rising star, Shawn Michaels, leading to tension between McMahon, Hart, and Michaels. This led to the Montreal Screwjob, a pre-orchestrated plan by the WWF to strip Hart of his title in a way that he would never see coming, a betrayal that would leave him reeling from the shock and leave wrestling fans in disbelief.
The Event: A Night of Betrayal and Infamy
The match started like any other, with both men showcasing their skills. Unbeknownst to Hart, however, the WWF had a secret plan in motion. Hart, under the assumption that he was going to lose the title through a submission, reluctantly agreed to a finish called the “Sharpshooter,” a submission hold that he planned to use to make Michaels tap out.
As the match progressed, Hart, under pre-match instructions from WWF officials that Michaels would not submit, reluctantly applied the Sharpshooter to Michaels. To his astonishment, the referee, Earl Hebner, rang the bell as Michaels appeared to be tapping out. The WWF had betrayed Hart, violating the agreement and stripping him of his title under the guise of a submission. What followed was pandemonium. Hart was furious, visibly angry and upset with the WWF’s actions.
The Aftermath: A Legacy of Controversy
The Montreal Screwjob became a legendary moment in professional wrestling history – an event that shook the industry. It became a symbol of the behind-the-scenes manipulation and power plays that often characterize the world of professional wrestling.
Hart, feeling betrayed and humiliated, left the WWF, joining WCW, where he continued his career. The incident, however, left a permanent scar. It alienated Hart from the WWF and its owner Vince McMahon, and the resentment lingered for years. For years after, the Montreal Screwjob remained a controversial topic, with different perspectives emerging from the various individuals involved in the drama.
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The Impact: A Turning Point in Wrestling’s History
The Montreal Screwjob’s impact extends far beyond its immediate aftermath. It served as a turning point in the WWF’s direction. The “Attitude Era” that followed was bolder, more daring, and leaned into the reality of the industry. The incident, in a way, legitimatized the “kayfabe” of professional wrestling, the illusion of genuine competition, by exposing the complexities of backstage politics and the human element behind the show.
The Montreal Screwjob remains a defining moment for pro wrestling fans and a topic of endless debate. It was a moment that exposed the dark underbelly of the seemingly glamorous world of wrestling, bringing to light the personal struggles, ambitions, and insecurities that fueled the industry.
Understanding the Significance of the Montreal Screwjob
The Montreal Screwjob was a watershed moment for wrestling, marking a shift in the landscape of the industry. It changed the way fans viewed the reality of professional wrestling. While other incidents may have exposed backstage maneuvers, the Montreal Screwjob was a brutal, public example of the complex undercurrents that drove pro wrestling.
Beyond the controversy surrounding the event lies a deeper narrative, a story of betrayal, manipulation, and the human cost of ambition. It exposed the reality of power dynamics in the wrestling industry, where a single decision could have far-reaching consequences. By showing the human side of wrestling, the event served as a harsh reminder that behind the spectacle and personas lies a world of human emotions, vulnerabilities, and complex relationships.
Tips for Understanding the Montreal Screwjob
It is essential to understand the context surrounding the Montreal Screwjob. This incident was not simply a betrayal of one wrestler; it encompassed a range of factors. The incident was deeply entwined with the shifting power within the wrestling industry, the changing landscape, and the emergence of new stars. You might enjoy learning about the impact of the “Attitude Era” that unfolded after this event.
Reading accounts from the wrestlers involved is essential for a comprehensive understanding of their perspective, their motives, and the events that led to the incident. Viewing the match itself, especially looking for reactions and facial expressions of those involved, can shed light on the emotions surrounding the event.
FAQ
Q: What exactly is the Montreal Screwjob?
A: It refers to the pre-arranged ending of the WWF Championship match between Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels at Summerslam 1997, where Hart was stripped of his title against his will.
Q: Why is it so controversial?
A: The incident was controversial because it involved a betrayal of trust, breaking the pre-agreed upon terms of the wrestling match, and stripping a wrestler of his championship in a humiliating way.
Q: What were the repercussions of the Montreal Screwjob?
A: The incident led to Hart’s departure from the WWF, a wave of controversy, and a shift in the wrestling industry, marking the beginning of the “Attitude Era.”
Q: What is its significance?
A: It became a landmark moment, signifying a change in the direction of wrestling, exposing the reality of the backstage maneuvers, and ultimately reshaping the industry’s landscape.
Undertaker Vs Bret Hart Summerslam 1997
Conclusion
The Montreal Screwjob stands as a testament to the power struggles, complexities, and human drama behind the spectacle of professional wrestling. It was a moment that shocked the industry and opened up a dialogue on the realities of professional wrestling, the behind-the-scenes manipulation, and the human cost of ambition in this world. It continues to be a topic of discussion and debates amongst wrestling fans, highlighting the enduring impact of this infamous event.
Are you interested in learning more about the Montreal Screwjob? What are your thoughts on this controversial event in wrestling history?
