12 WWE Flashpoints That Led To The Montreal Screwjob

11. A Lifetime Contract

During the hiatus that Hart took post-WrestleMania XII in the spring and summer of 1996, he was approached by WCW's Eric Bischoff, who wanted to offer him a huge contract to jump ship to the Ted Turner-owned promotion. After all, Hart's obligations to McMahon's WWE were coming to an end. With Michaels holding down the top spot there, perhaps it was time to head over to the competition, make a lot of money and be able to spend more time with his family by working less dates. Bischoff's deal was incredibly flattering from a financial standpoint but loyalty was a major element in Hart's decision. Cameras followed Hart around for the entire year prior to Montreal for the documentary titled "Wrestling With Shadows" and captured very telling footage of Hart wrestling with the idea of leaving the company that made him a star and saying goodbye to McMahon, who he considered a second father. It was extremely taxing for the former three-time heavyweight champion. It took its toll on him emotionally but ultimately, Hart agreed to resign with WWE. The contract that McMahon offered was a 20-year deal that would have made Hart a WWE Superstar for life. It would have paid less than Bischoff's deal but Hart would have remained a part of the WWE family as an ambassador for the company well after his days in the ring were over. On the October 20, 1996 episode of Monday Night Raw, Hart went to the ring to reveal his decision to a worldwide audience, and very anxious boss, who had no idea what way he would lean. The look on McMahon's face when Hart revealed that he was staying was one of the relief. Unfortunately, the smile he flashed when his most beloved babyface announced his decision would not stick around.