The year was 1997. The WWF (now WWE) was on the precipice of the “Attitude Era,” a period that would forever change the landscape of professional wrestling. At the heart of this shift was a rivalry that had captivated fans worldwide: Bret “The Hitman” Hart, the WWF Champion, and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, the up-and-coming anti-hero. Their feud culminated at WrestleMania 13, an event that would go down in history for its dramatic ending, an ending that shocked the wrestling world and became known as the “Montreal Screwjob.”
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For those unfamiliar with the story, the Montreal Screwjob was a pre-planned betrayal of Bret Hart by WWF owner Vince McMahon. The story involved Hart’s contract expiring and his desire to return to his home country, Canada, to wrestle for his brother Owen Hart’s company, the Stampede Wrestling. McMahon, however, wanted to keep Hart in the WWF and had plans to have Austin win the title at WrestleMania 13. The issue was that Hart, who had complete creative control over his WWF storylines and character, had refused to lose the title in his home country, Canada, to Austin. The match was set to end with a submission hold, which, according to the agreement, would have meant that Hart would retain the title. However, McMahon had other plans.
The Montreal Screwjob: Behind the Scenes
The night of WrestleMania 13 marked a critical point in Hart’s career and the course of professional wrestling. The WWF title match between Hart and Austin was highly anticipated, with fans eager to see how the rivalry would culminate. The story leading to WrestleMania had been expertly built, culminating in a showdown that had the crowd on the edge of their seats.
As the match began, it unfolded as expected, with both men showcasing their exceptional wrestling skills and engaging in a brutal and hard-hitting encounter. The bout was a back-and-forth battle that kept the audience enthralled, with both Hart and Austin demonstrating their prowess in the ring. The tension was palpable, as it was clear that something significant was at stake: the WWF Championship. The climax of the match arrived when Austin, after executing a devastating “Stone Cold Stunner” on Hart, applied a sharpshooter submission hold. However, the outcome was not as anticipated.
The Controversial Ending: A Betrayal of Trust
The Montreal Screwjob is a unique event in professional wrestling history. While most wrestling fans have come to expect pre-determined outcomes, the element of deceit and betrayal involved in the Montreal Screwjob made it a shocking and controversial moment. Bret Hart was unaware that the ending had been changed behind his back. As he tapped out to the sharpshooter, thinking that he was following the planned finish, McMahon called for the referee to ring the bell. This move, which had been planned without Hart’s knowledge, signaled the end of the match and the official transfer of the WWF title to Austin.
The arena erupted in a cacophony of cheers and boos as the crowd was stunned by the unexpected turn of the events. But the shockwave of the Montreal Screwjob went far beyond the walls of the arena. Bret Hart, enraged and betrayed, spat at McMahon and assaulted him before leaving the arena. The events that transpired that night would have a profound impact on the future of the WWF.
The Aftermath of the Montreal Screwjob: Legacy and Impact
The Montreal Screwjob caused a significant uproar in the wrestling world and beyond. It sparked numerous debates concerning the nature of professional wrestling, the ethics of kayfabe (the illusion that wrestling matches are unscripted), and the power dynamics within the industry. It also led to a period of fan unrest, with many feeling betrayed and disillusioned by the WWF. Some fans even turned their backs on the company, citing the lack of trust fostered by the event.
Hart, who was left in a state of shock and betrayal, continued his wrestling career but never competed for the WWF again. He has since spoken openly about the Montreal Screwjob, calling it a “betrayal of trust.” On the other hand, Austin, who went on to become one of the most popular and influential wrestlers of all time, has expressed regret for the incident but also defended McMahon’s actions.
In the years since, the Montreal Screwjob has become an integral part of wrestling lore. It has been studied, analyzed, and debated by fans and historians. The event has been depicted in movies, documentaries, and even video games. It remains a testament to the high stakes of professional wrestling and the complex relationships that exist within the industry.
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Tips for Understanding the Montreal Screwjob: A Fan’s Perspective
For fans who are interested in delving deeper into the events of the Montreal Screwjob, here are some helpful tips:
- Watch the match: While the audio is muted, it’s still possible to witness the events unfold and appreciate the dramatic context of the match.
- Read Bret Hart’s account: Bret Hart has written extensively about the incident in his autobiography “Hitman: My Real Life Story.” His account offers a personal and revealing perspective on the event.
- Consider the broader context: It’s important to consider the broader context of the Montreal Screwjob, including the WWF’s “Attitude Era,” the rise of “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, and the decline of traditional wrestling.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Why did Bret Hart refuse to lose the title to Steve Austin in Montreal?
A: Bret Hart had complete creative control over his character and storylines. He was a strong believer in kayfabe and refused to lose the WWF title to Austin in his home country, Canada.
Q: What was the WWF’s motivation for the Montreal Screwjob?
A: The WWF wanted to propel Steve Austin to the top of the card and believed that a victory over Bret Hart in his home country would catapult Austin to superstardom.
Q: Was the Montreal Screwjob a work, or was it a legitimate betrayal?
A: The Montreal Screwjob was a work in the sense that the outcome was pre-determined. However, some consider it a betrayal because Hart was unaware of the change in plans, which led to a real sense of anger and resentment.
Q: What was the impact of the Montreal Screwjob on professional wrestling?
A: The Montreal Screwjob had a profound impact on the wrestling industry. It questioned the nature of kayfabe and highlighted the power dynamics within the business. It also fueled the WWF’s “Attitude Era” by introducing elements of realism and controversy into the programming and contributed to Austin’s rise to superstardom. It also cemented the WWF’s dominance over World Championship Wrestling (WCW), the company’s main competitor at the time.
Bret Hart Stone Cold Wrestlemania 13
Conclusion:
The Montreal Screwjob remains one of the most controversial events in the history of professional wrestling. It serves as a reminder of the business’s complex narratives and the ever-shifting landscape of the industry. It is a story that continues to be told and debated by fans, historians, and wrestlers. It is a fascinating example of how the events of professional wrestling can have real-world consequences, leaving a lasting impact long after the curtain is closed.
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