The Montreal Screwjob, which took place in November of 1997, is a historic and infamous event that is still talked about endlessly today by wrestling fans and pundits. Arguments can be made for both sides of the equation with some believing Vince McMahon made the right decision while others think Bret Hart was screwed. Regardless of what side of the argument one may fall on, the fact remains that the Screwjob took place thanks to Shawn Michaels and The Hitmans inability to work together. In the lead-up to the events of Montreal, things had become very tense between Bret and Michaels behind the scenes. Shawns Kliq had seemingly wielded great power over McMahon and his decisions in the years prior. Meanwhile, Bret also had Vinces ear when it came to his characters on-screen depiction. Also of note, Hart had previously spoken with World Championship Wrestling about jumping ship. McMahon subsequently offered Bret an unprecedented 20-year contract to stay with the Federation. The Hitman accepted and presumably thought he would be with the WWF for life. However, things quickly changed when Vince told Bret that he was financially unable to fulfill his end of the deal. Reportedly, McMahon encouraged Hart to sign with WCW, which he did. Sometime prior to the 1997 Survivor Series, Shawn Michaels had previously stated that while he was champion he would not put over Bret Hart. As such, when Bret again became the WWF Champion, he stated that he would also not do the job for his rival. With Survivor Series and Brets split from the Federation fast approaching, Vince tried to figure out a solution to his current predicament. Hart was the champ and refused to lose to Michaels at the pay-per-view because it was in Canada. Reportedly, Bret wanted to win at the PPV and then show up the next night on Raw and forfeit the title. However, that idea was quickly squashed and Vince found himself back at square one. Sometime prior to the match, the decision was made that if Bret didnt want to lose the title, then he would be forced to do so. At the PPV event, the infamous Montreal Screwjob took place. Bret lost the championship when McMahon forced the end of the match. Hart then left the Federation and joined WCW, but his career would never be the same again.
Douglas Scarpa is a freelance writer, independent filmmaker, art school graduate, and pro wrestling aficionado -- all of which mean he is in financial ruin. He has no backup plan to speak of, yet maintains his abnormally high spirits. If he had only listened to the scorn of his childhood teachers, he wouldn't be in this situation.
