10 Backstage Stories We Learned From Jim Cornette

9. Cornette Has The Best Take On The Montreal Screwjob

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VfXWbsFAG8

It's become a bit tedious at this point to recount the Montreal Screwjob — any wrestling fan with even a modicum of backstage knowledge knows the basic details. Bret, the current champion, was leaving for WCW. Vince wanted the belt off of Bret before he left. Shenanigans ensued. Bret got pissed, Shawn became champion, Vince turned heel, and the Attitude Era went into full swing.

What makes Cornette's retelling so engrossing, however, is that he doesn't simplify it. Sure, he hates Shawn and has an axe to grind against Vince. But he doesn't let Bret off the hook either. He calls Bret out for being childish and self-serious, and also for breaking kayfabe by whining to the press.

Contributor
Contributor

Kevin is an AP English Language teacher and freelance writer from Queens, NY. His focus is on American pop culture and American issues. He wrote a weekly column for Complex called "Throwback Thursdays," which spotlighted video games and trends from previous console generations. Kevin has also been published in VIBE, Salon, PopMatters, Joystiq, and Racialicious. Follow him on Twitter to learn more.