12 WWE Flashpoints That Led To The Montreal Screwjob

8. Stealing Bret's Heat

In April 1997, Bret Hart turned heel for the first time in nearly a decade. Disenfranchised by the shift in attitude of the fans and WWE's edgier product, Hart voiced his displeasure, talking up his home country of Canada and beginning an international rivalry between the United States and its neighbor to the north. It was an interesting time for the grizzled vet, who remained a hero to millions across the globe but a heel to those in the states. His reformation of the Hart Foundation weeks after his turn led to some of the best television WWE has ever produced, even if the company was still getting beat in the ratings by WCW Nitro and the New World Order, which had revolutionized professional wrestling. Hart was riding high as the top villain in the sport until a decision to turn Michaels beginning at SummerSlam 1997 was made. Hart openly questioned the decision, as seen in "Wrestling With Shadows." He understood that turning Michaels and placing him in a high-profile feud with Undertaker was sure to siphon a great deal of the heat he and the Hart Foundation had built in the months prior. He was right. Not only did Michaels steal Hart's heat, he became the centerpiece of the main event scene while Hart, the WWE champion, was shuffled into the midcard via a feud with The Patriot. It was the first hint that McMahon valued Michaels over Hart, something that would become even clearer in the weeks and months to come.