2. Vince Tells Bret That Montreal '97 Finish Will Be A "Schmozz"
Vince McMahon showed no moral conflict when personally telling a lie to Bret Hart in 1997. It was a lie which would lead to one of wrestling's most infamous incidents, and a lie which kick started a wrestling boom. The lie was of course Vince telling Bret that he would not lose in Canada. Vinnie Mac pulled Bret into his office backstage at the Molson Arena on the night of the 'Montreal Screwjob', and the chat was audibly recorded. Vince lied to Bret's face: he informed the Hitman that his creative plans would involve a run in. They agreed they would do a DQ result. Bret would not lose in Canada. "I'm thinking we do a run in, some kind of schmozz", Vince informed Hart. A short while later, Vince was proved to be a liar. The WWE championship match progressed with Shawn Michaels putting Bret Hart into the sharpshooter. McMahon then informed the timekeeper "ring the fu**ing bell", despite Hart not submitting. It was a shocking occurrence, even by wrestling standards this lie was considered to be a low: the relationship between promoter and talent had been compromised by McMahon's lie. Would talent ever be able to trust Vince again? If he could do this to Bret, his friend and 14 year company veteran, then surely Vince could be telling fibs to anyone. The lie could have really hurt and undermined business. Instead it made the company millions of pounds, and was arguably one of the best decisions Vince ever made.
