WrestleMania 13, held on March 23, 1997, is remembered for many reasons. It was the first WrestleMania to take place in the Rose Bowl, and it featured several memorable matches, including the main event confrontation between “The Heartbreak Kid” Shawn Michaels and “The Hitman” Bret Hart. But the night is most infamous for the controversial “Montreal Screwjob,” a moment that shook the world of professional wrestling and forever cemented its place in wrestling history.
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As a kid growing up in the late 90s, I was captivated by the WWF. I vividly remember watching this match live on pay-per-view, feeling a combination of shock and awe. While I knew professional wrestling was scripted, the sheer audacity of what happened in that ring felt real. The emotions were tangible, and it left me questioning everything I thought I knew about the industry.
The Buildup to the Match
The story leading up to the match was a classic tale of wrestling animosity. Bret Hart, the WWF Champion, was leaving the company to join WCW. He was unwilling to lose the title to Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania, especially on American soil. This was a major sticking point for Bret, as he was a Canadian hero and wanted to leave the WWF on his own terms.
Vince McMahon, the WWF Chairman, refused to let Hart leave with the title. This led to a heated backstage argument and a series of private conversations that ultimately culminated in a shocking agreement: Hart would lose the title, but not in a way he would be comfortable with.
The Montreal Screwjob
The match itself was a high-quality encounter that saw both competitors put their bodies on the line. Near the end of the match, Michaels applied his signature “Sharpshooter” submission hold on Bret Hart. Following a series of confusing events, Michaels struck Hart with a low blow. This move, which was not supposed to be part of the planned match, would come to serve as a catalyst for the Screwjob’s execution.
To the shock and dismay of the audience, the referee (Earl Hebner) immediately called for the bell, awarding Michaels the victory. This seemingly random decision was the culmination of the secret agreement between Vince McMahon and Michaels: to end the match without Bret’s consent, and thereby end his WWF career in a painful and humiliating way.
The entire event was scripted. Hart was led to believe that he would end up losing to Michaels via submission while maintaining the title. A “worked” finish was discussed in which Michaels would tap out to the Sharpshooter, but the decision to call for the bell, a decision that would cost Bret the title and his pride, was never part of the agreement.
Bret’s reaction was immediate and genuine. He was enraged and betrayed. His emotions were obvious to everyone watching, and it became a defining moment in wrestling history.
The Aftermath of the Montreal Screwjob
The aftermath of the Montreal Screwjob was explosive. Fans around the world felt deceived, and the controversy had far-reaching consequences. It damaged the WWF’s reputation, alienated numerous fans and wrestlers, and led to tension within the company. The WWF eventually apologized for the Screwjob, but the damage was already done.
However, in a strange twist, the Montreal Screwjob would eventually become one of the biggest “angles” in WWF history. The company capitalized on the backlash and used it to fuel larger-than-life storylines for the next couple of years. For example, the Screwjob was a pivotal part of the “Attitude Era,” a period of growth and popularity for the WWF. But the cost was high, especially for Bret Hart, who would never be able to heal from the betrayal he experienced in the ring on that night.
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Tips for Understanding the Montreal Screwjob
If you are interested in understanding the Montreal Screwjob, there are several things you can do:
- Watch the match: It’s essential to see the match for yourself to fully understand the context of the Screwjob. Thankfully, it is readily available on WWE Network and other streaming services.
- Read about the aftermath of the match: Numerous online resources provide detailed information about the Screwjob, the events leading up to it, and its impact on professional wrestling.
- Listen to Bret Hart’s perspective: To understand the true depth of the betrayel, you have to hear Bret Hart’s side of the story. His autobiography, “Hitman: My Real Life in the Cartoon World of Wrestling,” is a very candid and insightful account. It is a raw and honest look at the events that led to the Montreal Screwjob, which gives a truly poignant look at the story from his side
Beyond the intrigue and the drama, the Montreal Screwjob highlights the complex relationship between fans and professional wrestling. It brought to light the disconnect between kayfabe (the theatrical elements of professional wrestling) and the reality of the industry. While wrestling is a form of entertainment, it is also a business, and the Screwjob showed how personal and professional motivations can clash in unpredictable ways.
FAQs About the Montreal Screwjob
Q: What was the Montreal Screwjob?
A: The Montreal Screwjob was a pre-planned finish to a WWF Championship match between Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania 13. The match ended abruptly when the referee, Earl Hebner, called for the bell even though Bret Hart hadn’t submitted. This happened even though Bret was working to lose the title to Shawn via submission, without having to tap out. The decision was made in secret by WWF Chairman Vince McMahon without Bret’s knowledge or consent.
Q: Why did Vince McMahon do it?
A: Bret Hart was leaving the WWF for WCW, Vince McMahon didn’t want him leaving with the title. He also didn’t want to provide Bret with an opportunity to leave the company on his own terms, especially on American soil with an American audience. This would potentially undermine Bret’s credibility as the champion.
Q: How did this affect professional wrestling?
A: The Montreal Screwjob had a significant impact on professional wrestling. It damaged the WWF’s reputation, alienated fans, and created tension within the company. It also led to the “Attitude Era,” a period of growth and popularity for the WWF that leveraged the Screwjob controversy to its advantage.
Bret Hart Vs Stone Cold Wrestlemania 13 Full Match
Conclusion
The Montreal Screwjob is a defining moment in professional wrestling history. It demonstrates the power of business decisions in a world of scripted entertainment. It’s a story of betrayal, intrigue, and ultimately, a shift in the power dynamics of the wrestling industry. It is a reminder that professional wrestling, for all its dramatic spectacle, is also a product of human emotions and corporate ambitions.
If you’re a fan of professional wrestling, or just curious about the controversial history of the sport, then the Montreal Screwjob is a story you need to know. What are your thoughts about the Montreal Screwjob? Did you watch the match live?
