12 WWE Flashpoints That Led To The Montreal Screwjob

12. A Clash Of Egos

At the heart of the hatred between Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels that developed in 1997 is a clash of egos that dates back years earlier. In 1992, Hart captured the WWE Championship, defying odds and proving that a smaller, talented in-ring technician could succeed in the land of giants that was Vince McMahon's promotion. Hart's success inspired Michaels to work hard and soon, it was his objective to steal any and all shows he was on. He was determined to impress the boss enough that he, too, could succeed at the level Hart did. Michaels so badly wanted to be champion that he would walk over anyone and do anything, including intentionally showing up best friend Diesel during their match at WrestleMania XI, if it meant taking that next step up the ladder. When Michaels defeated Hart for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania XII, in the iconic Iron Man match, it was the start of a new era in WWE. Michaels was edgier than Hart and did not always show the respect that the Hitman did, drawing his ire. When Hart returned from a hiatus in the fall of 1996, he began hurling insults at Michaels, bringing up his history of posing for Playgirl Magazine and carrying himself as anything but a champion. It was all designed to lead to a return match with Michaels but the problem was that the champion had become quite paranoid and volatile behind the scenes and took the comments personally, despite the fact that they were all designed to set up a heated rematch. From there, the relationship between Hart and Michaels spiraled downward, leading to all of the backstage drama fans are very familiar with today. Hart and Michaels' determination to prove that they were the best, coupled with the shiny prize that was the WWE Championship, not to mention McMahon's affection, led to a scenario in which both men's egos got the best of them and they wound up butting heads numerous times because of it.