10 Alternative Views On Wrestling's Biggest Scandals

2. Montreal Screwjob Ushered In 'Attitude Era'

Even before he had left the World Wrestling Federation, Bret Hart was growing tired of the promotion's tactics. In 1997, Vince McMahon wanted to push the envelope a little more in an effort to improve ratings and turn the tide in the Monday Night Wars. The WWF had lost the top spot in North America to WCW, and McMahon saw sleaze and controversy as a means to take it back. As it turned out, he was right. Incredibly, the screwing of Bret Hart only helped the WWF look more edgy. At the 1997 Survivor Series, McMahon, Shawn Michaels and others infamously conspired to take the WWF Heavyweight Title from a departing Hart. In the aftermath, Vince played-up his part in the incident, creating the 'Mr. McMahon' character. That persona would go on to be wildly successful, providing an ideal antagonist for top star Steve Austin. After the Survivor Series, the WWF started to move further into this new 'Attitude'. 1998 was the year when they turned the tables on WCW, and smut and sleaze played a major role. The 'Montreal Screwjob', whilst in many ways deplorable, provided a controversial launching pad for this new outlook. Like it or not, Bret's heartbreak only led to more success for Titan Towers.