12 WWE Flashpoints That Led To The Montreal Screwjob

4. An Edgier Product

Throughout his run atop the WWE, Hart had championed a very family-friendly product. He was a hero to millions worldwide and prided himself on the effect he had on children. They looked up to him, idolized him and wanted to be like him when they grew up. He was a virtuous performer, one who did what was right, even when thinks were at their darkest. Even as a pro-Canadian heel in the states, he never really changed who he was. He just became more vocal about his displeasure with an ever-changing society. As 1997 wore on, he noticed a distinct change in the tone of the WWE product. It became more violent, more vulgar and the sexual nature of it increased tenfold. It was a development Hart was not thrilled with and he spoke out about it. Appearing on Off the Record with Michael Landsberg, he was very critical of the attitude injection WWE had undergone. He revealed that he does not allow his children to watch and did not believe the edgy content had a place in the wrestling business. It was quite shocking to see a star of his stature be so openly critical of the product. Had he stuck around WWE, it surely would have drawn the ire of McMahon but seeing as how he was on his way out the door, it was met with little resistance.