10 Hometown Heroes That Were Embarrassed By WWE
2. Bret Hart In Montreal
Everybody knows the Montreal Screwjob’s story. It’s the most infamous moment in wrestling history, and served not only as a catalyst for WWE’s industry-defining Attitude Era, but the end of one of the company’s most glittering in-ring careers.
Bret Hart was born in Calgary, but he was always treated like a hometown hero whenever he wrestled on Canadian soil. Survivor Series 1997 was no different, and with a switch to WCW in his future, The Hitman was set to defend his WWE Championship against his bitter rival, Shawn Michaels.
Michaels locked-in that fateful Sharpshooter, Vince McMahon ordered Earl Hebner to ring the bell, and Bret’s WWE career was over. Having previously agreed to retain in his home country before dropping the belt at a later date, Hart was justifiably incredulous, and his rage overcame him.
Montreal was furious, and WWE tried to mask the anger by taking Survivor Series off the air four minutes early. Hart destroyed his surroundings, spat in Vince’s face, and traced WCW’s initials with his fingers. The altercation spilled backstage where Hart reportedly knocked Vince out with a single punch, and its legacy lingered all the way through to 2010, when Hart and the company were finally able to bury the hatchet.
It was the ultimate hometown embarrassment for one of WWE’s ultimate performers, but there’s one man who has him beat when it comes to humiliation...