Montreal Screwjob Was A Work

The Montreal Screwjob: A Premeditated Work of Art or a Wrestling Tragedy?

The Montreal Screwjob, a pivotal moment in professional wrestling history, continues to spark debate among fans and insiders alike. The infamous event, which took place at Survivor Series 1997, saw Bret Hart, WWF Champion at the time, seemingly defeated by Shawn Michaels in a controversial finish. This article will delve deep into the events leading up to, during, and after the match, providing evidence to support the widely accepted conclusion: the Montreal Screwjob was a predetermined work, a carefully orchestrated plot by Vince McMahon and his team. While the emotional fallout and the betrayal felt by Hart are undeniable, the meticulous planning and execution strongly suggest this was a planned event, not a spontaneous act of malice.

The Seeds of Discontent: Bret Hart's Contract and the WCW Threat

To understand the Montreal Screwjob, we need to examine the context. Bret Hart, a legendary wrestler and a cornerstone of the WWF (now WWE), was nearing the end of his contract. He had been negotiating with the WWF for a new deal, but discussions had stalled. Hart, a fiercely proud and intensely loyal Canadian, had a strong desire to end his WWF career on his own terms, preferably with a clean victory over a top opponent at a major event in his home country, Canada.

The looming threat of WCW, a significant rival promotion, cast a long shadow over these negotiations. WCW, under the leadership of Eric Bischoff, was aggressively courting top WWF talent, offering lucrative contracts and promises of creative freedom. Bret Hart, feeling undervalued and unappreciated by Vince McMahon, saw WCW as a tempting alternative. This created a high-stakes game of chicken between Hart, McMahon, and the escalating pressure from WCW's aggressive talent acquisition. McMahon, known for his ruthless business acumen, was unwilling to let one of his most valuable assets walk away to a competitor. This tension laid the groundwork for the dramatic events to unfold.

The Negotiations and the Broken Promises: A Breakdown of Trust

The negotiations between Hart and the WWF were fraught with tension. Hart's primary concern was maintaining control over his character and ending his WWF tenure on his terms. He sought assurances that his final match wouldn't involve a loss that would tarnish his legacy. Several accounts suggest that McMahon verbally agreed to these conditions, with the promise that Hart would defeat Shawn Michaels at Survivor Series and then drop the title to Michaels in a rematch in Canada.

However, these verbal agreements, typical in the wrestling business's often opaque dealings, proved unreliable. As the date of Survivor Series drew closer, McMahon's reluctance to commit to a clean victory for Hart became evident. This fueled suspicions within Hart's camp and significantly impacted the level of trust between the two parties. The atmosphere was thick with distrust and fueled by conflicting interests and perceived broken promises. This broken trust became a crucial catalyst in the events of that fateful night.

The Night of the Screwjob: A Detailed Account of the Infamous Match

The main event of Survivor Series 1997 pitted Bret Hart against Shawn Michaels for the WWF Championship. The match itself was a classic, a testament to the in-ring prowess of both wrestlers. Hart, wrestling with intensity and passion, was on the verge of victory. However, as he applied his signature submission move, the Sharpshooter, a critical moment unfolded.

Instead of allowing Hart to win, as previously agreed (allegedly), referee Earl Hebner stopped the match under orders from Vince McMahon. This order was relayed through the headset, completely bypassing the agreement made earlier. The bell rang prematurely, declaring Michaels the champion. This sudden and controversial finish triggered an uproar, confusion and disbelief among the fans in the arena. The audience reacted with a chorus of boos, shocked by the abrupt end to the match and seemingly blatant disregard for Hart's intentions.

Shawn Michaels, despite initially being unaware of the plan, played his part expertly, acting surprised and maintaining his persona as the heel (villain). He was handed the belt, leaving Bret Hart, furious and betrayed, visibly upset. The scene, played out in front of a live audience, created a raw and intensely charged atmosphere that is indelibly etched in wrestling history. This betrayal of trust solidified Hart's feeling of being used and discarded.

The Aftermath: Fallout and Lasting Legacy

The immediate aftermath saw Bret Hart spitting in Vince McMahon’s face, physically assaulting the WWF’s owner. The furious Hart then proceeded to leave the WWF, and shortly thereafter signed a contract with WCW. This significant move shook the professional wrestling world, highlighting the high stakes and intense rivalry between the two major wrestling organizations. The controversy generated significant media attention and cemented the Montreal Screwjob as one of the most discussed events in professional wrestling history.

The impact of the Screwjob on professional wrestling is still felt today. It highlighted the grey areas of the business, the precarious nature of verbal agreements, and the sometimes ruthless nature of those in power. It also showed how closely intertwined professional wrestling's storyline and reality can become. While seemingly a betrayal, many argue that the decision was motivated by pure business considerations, protecting the company's investments and the integrity of the planned storyline. This business-centric approach, however, came at a steep emotional cost.

The Evidence Supporting a Premeditated Work: Dissecting the Conspiracy Theories

Numerous arguments support the theory that the Montreal Screwjob was a premeditated work, not a spur-of-the-moment decision. The following points corroborate this claim:

• The secrecy surrounding the plan: The meticulous planning and the tight secrecy surrounding the screwjob suggest a deliberate attempt to avoid leaks and maintain surprise. Such a coordinated effort, involving multiple individuals (including McMahon, Michaels, and Hebner), wouldn't be possible without prior planning.

• Shawn Michaels’ involvement: While Michaels expressed initial shock, his performance after the bell suggests a calculated response to a planned event. His immediate acceptance of the victory, coupled with the lack of any visible signs of genuine confusion, strongly hints at his participation in the scheme.

• Earl Hebner’s actions: Hebner's role as the referee in the match is crucial. His abrupt stoppage of the match, in direct defiance of the established wrestling rules, directly implements McMahon's plan. His action perfectly demonstrated a pre-arranged signal and obedience to McMahon’s instruction.

• Post-match events: The immediate handling of the situation, including the swift announcement of Michaels as the new champion, further underscores the planned nature of the event. There was no chaos or improvisation; it was a smooth, if controversial, transition of power.

• The business rationale: McMahon’s business-oriented perspective suggests a strategic move to retain the WWF Championship within the company, preventing a prized asset from moving to a competitor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Was the Montreal Screwjob unethical?

A: The ethics of the Montreal Screwjob remain a point of contention. While the action was a breach of trust and hurt Bret Hart deeply, many argue that it was a calculated business decision. It highlights the complex ethical grey areas within the professional wrestling business, where business interests often collide with personal loyalty and integrity.

Q: Did Bret Hart know about the plan beforehand?

A: There’s no definitive proof Bret Hart knew of the plan beforehand. While several accounts suggest he suspected something wasn’t right leading up to the event, he consistently maintained that he was unaware of the complete plan until the bell rang. The depth of his betrayal stems from the fact that he felt misled and betrayed by someone he trusted and worked closely with.

Q: What was the long-term impact on Bret Hart's career?

A: The Montreal Screwjob significantly impacted Bret Hart's career. While he continued to wrestle successfully in WCW, the event cast a long shadow. His return to WWE years later was a symbolic reconciliation of sorts, underscoring the enduring legacy and emotional weight of this pivotal moment.

Q: How did this event shape the wrestling industry?

A: The Montreal Screwjob remains a defining moment in professional wrestling history. It exposed the realities of behind-the-scenes dealings, the power dynamics within the industry, and the sometimes ruthless business decisions that can clash with the performers' desires. It served as a cautionary tale and a reminder of the precarious balance between storyline and reality.

Conclusion: A Work of Genius or a Betrayal of Trust?

The Montreal Screwjob remains a complex and multi-layered event. While the emotional fallout and the betrayal of trust felt by Bret Hart are undeniable and heartbreaking, the weight of evidence strongly suggests it was a meticulously planned “work,” a calculated business decision made to retain control of a vital asset. The level of secrecy, the coordinated actions of several key players, and the efficient execution all point towards a premeditated strategy, not a spur-of-the-moment decision born of malice.

The legacy of the Montreal Screwjob is enduring, a testament to both the artistry of professional wrestling and the often-uneasy relationship between business and artistic integrity. It serves as a constant reminder of the human drama intertwined with the spectacle of professional wrestling, underscoring that even the most meticulously planned works can have unintended and lasting consequences. The controversy, the betrayal, and the enduring debate continue to fuel discussions and keep the Montreal Screwjob firmly entrenched in wrestling lore, forever a topic of fascination and analysis.