10 Spontaneous Wrestling Decisions That Became Famous

7. Vince McMahon Says 'Bret Screwed Bret'

Rene Dupree Steve Austin Stunner
WWE

The 1997 Survivor Series will perhaps always be the most famous in the history of the event. It's truly difficult to see anything topping the controversy and fallout from a WWF Heavyweight Title match between Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart. As most wrestling fans know, Vince McMahon was at the centre of the resultant furore.

Calling for the bell whilst Hart was locked in his own Sharpshooter move, McMahon had - for all intents and purposes - screwed over one of his most cherished talents. The wrestling world was left stunned, and Bret's career was never the same again. Somewhere along the line, McMahon made the spontaneous decision to capitalise on the hatred.

Organising an interview with Jim Ross on WWF television, the previously mild-mannered announcer stated to his colleague that he hadn't been responsible for Hart's downfall. Instead, he reasoned, "Bret screwed Bret".

With that one line, the Mr. McMahon character was born, and the WWF never looked back. McMahon decided to go all in on his callous attitude, ushering in 'WWF Attitude' with open arms and going on to star opposite Steve Austin in a mega-feud.

Contributor

Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.