The backstage disputes between Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels were so intense that Bret refused to drop the WWF title to Shawn Michaels anywhere in Canada. Further complicating the matter was Vince reneging on a promised 20-year lucrative contract promised to Bret, prompting him to sign with WCW. What Bret didnt know was that there was a plan to screw him over that night, and when HBK put him in the Sharpshooter, referee Earl Hebner ordered the bell to be rung despite Bret never actually submitting. The result was one of the most hotly-debated topics in wrestling history. Bret spat in Vinces face, and wouldnt wrestle for Vince until 2010. Bret was one of Vinces most tenured and trustworthy employees, and his betrayal sent shockwaves throughout the WWF locker room. Some wrestlers quit, others threatened to do so (including the Undertaker), while others would forever vilify McMahon as an untrustworthy person. That night set a lot of things in motion, including the birth of the Mr. McMahon character and the downward spiral of Bret Harts wrestling career. McMahon made a critical personal decision in allowing the screwjob to take place, but in the end it allowed the Austin Era to begin, so at least it has a silver lining. Nevertheless, McMahon will never forget that fateful night in Montreal all those years ago.
Alexander Podgorski is a writer for WhatCulture that has been a fan of professional wrestling since he was 8 years old. He loves all kinds of wrestling, from WWE and sports entertainment, to puroresu in Japan.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Queen's University in Political Studies and French, and a Master's Degree in Public Administration. He speaks English, French, Polish, a bit of German, and knows some odd words and phrases in half a dozen other languages.
