There are many that look at Montreal as the culmination of the feud between Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels but the fact of the matter is that it was Vince McMahon's failure to mediate the growing tensions between them that did more to lead to that fateful night in November 1997 than anything else. Rather than being a hands-on boss that confronted the problem, demanded his employees settle their differences like men and move on, he sat back and watched the hatred and animosity boil to such a point that the two could hardly stand being in the same room as the other, let alone decide on a mutual finish to a match. McMahon failed those two men and failed his company as a whole. He allowed hostility to infiltrate his company, leading to November 9, 1997, when he played favorites and picked one over the other. The success of the Attitude Era and his role as evil billionaire owner during that period, not to mention the entertainment he brought to fans across the globe, has masked his failure to act. So much is made of the many successes McMahon has enjoyed in his time as the top wrestling promoter in the land but his failure to take control of his company, his willingness to allow the inmates to run the asylum in the year prior to the most controversial night in wrestling history, sticks out like a sore thumb. History treats Montreal as if it were about Hart and Michaels and their personal and professional rivalry. In reality, it was about McMahon and his failure as a leader, something he cannot be accused of often.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
