Bret Hart Vs. Shawn Michaels Complete History | Wrestling Timelines

October 28, 1996 - New Deal

Vince McMahon Alright
WWE

Bret is no longer a free agent. He resists overtures from a white-hot WCW and their astronomical offer of $3 million per year. Bret feels a sense of loyalty to Vince, for making him a star, and is wary of Hulk Hogan’s political manoeuvring. Bret, with his near-photographic memory, also recalls earlier negotiations with WCW some years prior. He knows that, while the explosion in popularity is real, WCW is institutionally dysfunctional.

Bret signs an unprecedented 20-year deal with a cold promotion that hasn’t enjoyed strong business for some many years. The first three years cover his time as an in-ring performer; the remaining 17 will see Bret, and his genius mind, used in a creative capacity. He is in effect going to become the next Pat Patterson after his time as one of the most well-paid stars in wrestling history.

Bret’s promo announcing this on Raw is incredible. Vince, on commentary, is either a really poor actor, or is struck for the first time by the sheer financial commitment he’s just made. There’s something disingenuous about his celebratory response.

Vince will become the best actor on wrestling television within 18 months.

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Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!