It’s a question that has resonated through the annals of professional wrestling history: What truly happened at Survivor Series 1997? The event has become a legend, a defining moment where the lines between scripted entertainment and harsh reality blurred, leaving fans bewildered and wrestlers shattered. The subject? Shawn Michaels, Bret Hart, and the infamous Montreal Screwjob, a planned outcome so shocking it became a landmark event in wrestling history.
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This story is more than just a wrestling match. It is a tale of power, betrayal, and the fragile nature of trust in an industry where the drama is often more real than the athleticism. It is a story that transcends the ring, diving into the personal conflicts and the behind-the-scenes maneuvering that propelled the sport into the headlines.
Bret Hart’s Departure and the Seeds of Discord
The heart of the Montreal Screwjob lies in Bret “The Hitman” Hart’s impending departure from the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). Hart, a Canadian wrestling icon, was leaving the company to join the rival World Championship Wrestling (WCW). Already a legend with a storied career, Hart was set for a final run in the WWF before moving on. This departure was a major blow to the WWF, especially considering Hart’s tremendous popularity.
The agreement between Hart and the WWF was that he would drop the WWF Championship to Shawn Michaels at Survivor Series, but not in his home country of Canada. However, the WWF sought to protect its investment in Michaels and wanted control of the title to remain in their hands. This disparity in interests ignited the spark for a tumultuous final chapter.
Vince McMahon’s Plan: A Legacy of Controversy
The WWF’s chairman Vince McMahon, known for his ruthless business acumen and the driving force behind the company’s success, decided to take control. He was unwilling to let the championship exit the company along with Hart, an unprecedented move that would have ramifications that would reverberate through the industry for years to come.
The plan was simple, yet audacious: Hart would lose the championship to Michaels in Montreal, but the WWF would ensure that Hart wouldn’t technically be pinned. This would be achieved by Michaels hitting Hart with the “Sharpshooter” submission hold, but then a WWF official would ring the bell, ending the match, awarding the title to Michaels. This move, orchestrated behind Hart’s back, would allow Michaels to retain the championship and keep the WWF’s prized asset within the company.
The Secret Meeting: A Whisper of Treachery
Amidst the pre-match preparations, Vince McMahon met with Shawn Michaels and other key officials. In this meeting, the controversial plan was hatched, a clandestine move that would leave Hart, the WWF’s biggest star and a man who was widely considered a company asset, in the dark.
As the event drew closer, the whispers of a potential betrayal spread through the backstage, but Hart was unaware of the magnitude of the manipulation that lay in wait for him.
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Survivor Series 1997: The Night the World Watched History Unfold
The main event match at Survivor Series was a tag team match, pitting Hart, the WWF Champion, and a team of Canadian wrestling legends against Michaels and a team of American superstars. As the match reached its climax, Hart found himself in the Sharpshooter, the submission hold designed to end his reign.
The crowd erupted, unaware of the unfolding drama. Michaels, with anticipation in his eyes, waited for the inevitable tap; a submission that would signify the end of an era. Yet, as Hart reached the brink of the tap, a seemingly random bell echoed through the arena.
Disillusionment and Dismay: The Aftermath of The Screwjob
The world watched in shock as Hart was left in the ring, confused and betrayed. He wasn’t just losing the championship; he was losing a sense of trust, a sense of integrity, a sense of respect that he believed was foundational to professional wrestling.
Hart’s reaction was immediate and visible. He spat in Michaels’ face, ripped off his jacket, and stared down at the stunned crowd, his disappointment and anger palpable. His final moment in WWF was filled with raw emotion, a testament to a career that had been tarnished by a decision made without his consent.
A Legacy of Controversy: The Montreal Screwjob’s Impact
The Montreal Screwjob became more than just a wrestling match; it became a symbol of ruthlessness, a testament to the power struggles that often plague the wrestling world. This act of betrayal pushed professional wrestling into a new level of drama, erasing the lines between reality and fiction.
The incident had a profound impact on both Hart and Michaels. Hart, despite a successful career in WCW, never truly recovered from the emotional betrayal. Michaels, known for his arrogance, was met with criticism for his role in the manipulation.
For the WWF, the Montreal Screwjob was a gamble that paid off. They maintained control of the championship, keeping it in Michaels’ hands and preventing a significant loss. But the long-term effect was a fractured relationship with its audience. Many fans felt betrayed by the lack of transparency and the blatant disregard for Hart’s career. This impact further blurred the lines between reality and the scripted world of professional wrestling, proving that even staged events could hold immense real-world consequences.
More Than Just a Wrestling Match: A Turning Point in History
The Montreal Screwjob wasn’t just a wrestling match; it was a pivotal moment in the history of the industry. It turned professional wrestling into a tabloid sensation, a topic for serious discussion and scrutiny.
It also forced the wrestling business to confront its own limitations. The industry was no longer a simple form of entertainment; it had become a complex world where power struggles, personal rivalries, and real-world consequences seeped into the scripted world of the ring. It showed that wrestling, while staged, is a world of human emotions and real people, capable of delivering a depth of drama that extends far beyond the fictional world it creates.
Survivor Series 1997 Shawn Michaels Vs Bret Hart
The Enduring Legacy: A Story That Continues to Resonate
Years after the event, the Montreal Screwjob continues to be analyzed, debated, and discussed by fans and industry insiders. Its legacy is a complex one, a mixture of betrayal, triumph, and the raw emotion of a moment that defied all expectations.
The story continues to resonate because it transcends the world of wrestling. It is a tale about betrayal, power, and the struggle for control, themes that are universal and timeless. Whether you are a wrestling fan or just a fan of human drama, the Montreal Screwjob offers a glimpse into a world of backstage intrigue and the raw power that lies at the heart of professional wrestling.
