10 Unbelievable Wrestling Fan Theories
5. The Montreal Screwjob Was A WORK
It wasn't, of course, but it's such a fascinating, complex and dramatic tale that more people than you might think believe it to be a work. Because it was worthy of an adaptation, it had to be a work of fiction in itself.
Whether they're just demented carnies who have existed in the bubble for too long, or simply love the mischief of it all, Kevin Nash and Scott Hall have circulated the exact same sentiment on the shoot interview circuit - and even the Dark Side of the Ring - in recent years.
The theory has taken hold because the events of November 9, 1997 suited every party - that is, until WCW botched the living sh*t out of Bret Hart. Hart's career wasn't meant to get ruined and brought to a devastating, abrupt halt. He was meant to earn a sh*tload of money as a star. Shawn Michaels was meant to take the heat and use it to further inform his transgressive degenerate character. Mr. McMahon was meant to - and to incredible effect, did - emerge as Steve Austin's arch nemesis. The WWF itself generated considerable buzz - deliberately, per the theory - to launch a new, more "real" era of storytelling.
The perfect aim of the spittle, the shocking backstage fight, the broadcast continuing through Bret's post-match rampage...it was all too perfect, no?
It's b*llocks - Bret Hart is a better method actor than Daniel Day-Lewis if it isn't, and the WWF amid war handed WCW more publicity than to itself - but weirdly prevalent.