Imagine a wrestling match, not just any match, one with the weight of a nation on its shoulders, a battle between two titans, one at the pinnacle of his career, the other on the cusp of becoming a legend. This is not just a wrestling match; it’s a moment in time, a pivotal event that forever changed the landscape of professional wrestling. This is the story of Bret “The Hitman” Hart vs. The Undertaker at SummerSlam 1997, a clash of styles, a clash of personalities, and a clash of destinies.
Image: whatculture.com
SummerSlam 1997, held in the heart of wrestling’s hotbed, New York City’s Madison Square Garden, was set to be a night of colossal matches, but none held the same intrigue as the main event. Bret Hart, the “Excellence of Execution,” a Canadian icon with a reputation for technical prowess and in-ring storytelling, was in the twilight of his career, yet still a force to be reckoned with. Opposing him was The Undertaker, a man of mystery, a gothic embodiment of fear, a force of nature who had already carved his place as a legend in the WWF, a company that was on the verge of a seismic shift.
The Story Behind the Match
The Heart of the Matter
Bret Hart, the WWF Champion, was embroiled in a bitter contract dispute with the company. His time in the WWF was coming to an end, and he was set to leave for the rival promotion WCW. However, Vince McMahon, the WWF’s owner, had different plans. He wanted Hart to drop the WWF Championship to Shawn Michaels, a rising star in the WWF, at Survivor Series in Montreal, Canada, Hart’s home country. This would have been a huge blow to Hart’s legacy and credibility, and he refused to lose to Michaels in his home country.
The Undertaker’s Unexpected Role
The Undertaker, initially unaware of the brewing chaos behind the scenes, was seen as a reliable and dependable figure. He was a company man, a loyal performer whose reputation was unblemished. Unbeknownst to him, he would be thrust into the heart of this unfolding drama. McMahon’s plan involved a double-cross: The Undertaker would be the one to betray Hart in the midst of the match and “pass the torch” to Michaels.
Image: www.thesportster.com
SummerSlam 1997: The Night of Infamy
The match began with an air of unease, a palpable tension that hung heavy in the air, a feeling that something was amiss, a sense of impending doom. The crowd, despite their love for Bret Hart, were unsure about The Undertaker, whom they had come to fear and respect in equal measure.
The Match Begins
The match itself was a masterpiece of wrestling drama. Hart and The Undertaker traded blows, locked in a tense, physical battle that captivated the audience. The crowd, usually a boisterous, energetic force, were strangely silent, glued to the action, sensing the gravity of the moment. The Undertaker, playing his role flawlessly, showcased his signature power moves, while Hart, known for his finesse and technique, countered with his signature mat wrestling and submissions.
The Deceptive Turn
The match reached a fever pitch as the tension mounted. Hart, sensing the impending betrayal, tried to reason with The Undertaker, but the Deadman, trapped by his contract and a promise to McMahon, could not betray the WWF. With a sickening “gong” echoing through the arena, The Undertaker unleashed a series of brutal punches on Hart, culminating in a vicious “Tombstone Piledriver.”
The Montreal Screwjob
The audience was in stunned silence. McMahon had delivered a sucker punch: The Undertaker, unwittingly, had become the instrument of betrayal. The ending was predictable: the pin. The match was over. But something was wrong. The crowd was reacting with disbelief, anger, and confusion. The referee, Earl Hebner, the man who was supposed to be impartial, held on to Hart’s hand, preventing him from breaking the pin. The entire arena was left in shock when the “1…2…3” echoed through the arena, signaling a victory for The Undertaker, and most importantly, a victory for Vince McMahon.
The Aftermath
The aftermath of that match was chaotic and filled with controversy. Bret Hart, feeling betrayed by the WWF, was incensed. The Undertaker, while technically victorious, was left grappling with the guilt and shame of the event. The incident became known as “The Montreal Screwjob” and would forever stain the WWF’s legacy, transforming it into a moment both admired and reviled.
The Impact of the Screwjob
The Montreal Screwjob shocked the wrestling world and had a profound impact on the industry. It forever changed the relationship between wrestlers and the company they worked for, sparking distrust and cynicism. The event sparked a revolution, opening the door for the “Attitude Era,” a rebellious, edgy period in wrestling history that changed the game forever. The Undertaker, despite his unintentional involvement, emerged from the event with his reputation intact, cementing his place as a true wrestling icon. However, the Montreal Screwjob would leave an enduring scar on professional wrestling, a constant reminder of a night that forever altered the course of the industry.
Bret Hart Vs Undertaker Summerslam 1997
The Legacy of Bret Hart vs. Undertaker at SummerSlam 1997
While Bret Hart vs. The Undertaker at SummerSlam 1997 is remembered as a controversial match, it is also a testament to the power of storytelling and the incredible talent of these two exceptional wrestlers. The match itself was a technical marvel, a display of athleticism and skill, but it was the betrayal and the drama that unfolded that made the moment unforgettable. The match was a turning point, a harbinger of things to come. It marked the end of the “WWF” and the beginning of the “WWE,” a company that would evolve, change, and grow into the global entertainment phenomenon it is today.
This match, for all its drama and controversy, remains a touchstone in wrestling history, a stark reminder of the passion and loyalty that can fuel the most compelling narratives in wrestling. It stands as a testament to the power of wrestling, a narrative that transcends the limitations of the squared circle, touching on themes of betrayal, triumph, and legacy, resonating with audiences for generations to come. The match may have been a tragic end to Hart’s career in the WWF, but it also marked the beginning of a new era, an era defined by aggression, intrigue, and a willingness to push the boundaries of what wrestling could be.
So, the next time you see The Undertaker emerge from the darkness, or hear the “Hitman’s” unmistakable theme song, remember that night in New York. Remember the betrayal, the shock, and the sheer disbelief. Remember The Montreal Screwjob. It is a moment that has irrevocably changed the world of professional wrestling and will forever be etched in the annals of sports entertainment.
