The Montreal Screwjob: How Vince McMahon's Paranoia Led to a Wrestling Legacy

In the complex world of professional wrestling, one event stands out as a pivotal moment that reshaped the entire industry. The Montreal Screwjob, orchestrated by Vince McMahon, remains a controversial and unforgettable memory in the realm of professional wrestling. This incident not only marked a significant turning point in Bret Hart's career but also reflects the dark side of corporate politics in the wrestling world.

The Paranoia of Vince McMahon

Leading into the incident, Vince McMahon, the owner of the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), exhibited a level of paranoia that nobody could have predicted. His actions and decisions were driven by fear and a sense of protectiveness over what he perceived as his intellectual property. This paranoia became the catalyst for one of the most infamous moments in wrestling history.

Alundra Blayze's Ambition

Edward G. LeFebvre, better known as Eric Bischoff, was the president of World Championship Wrestling (WCW). Alundra Blayze, also known as Madusa, was one of his proteges and a rising star in the industry. She had a personal relationship with Bischoff, which explained her seemingly bold move to approach Bischoff about working for WCW. During their conversation, Blayze mentioned that she still held the WWF Women's Title and wondered if she could bring it with her to WCW. Bischoff's response, "Yeah of course", set the stage for a series of events that would culminate in one of the most infamous moments in wrestling history.

Bear Down on the WWF Title

Blayze made her debut with WCW and immediately attracted attention. Using the WWF Women's Title as leverage, she sought legitimacy and controversy. In a shocking and public display, she threw the title fighter down the ramp, into the WCW ring, and then into a garbage can. This act was not just disrespectful but also damaging to Vince McMahon's interests. The title was a tangible asset under the WWF's property, and its unauthorized use by a rival promotion represented a significant threat to the McMahon family's control over their intellectual property.

Vince McMahon's React : Losing Control

The incident in Montreal was the breaking point for Vince McMahon. He was shocked and enraged, reacting in a manner that can only be described as having "lost his mind." This event marked the beginning of a series of actions that would culminate in the Montreal Screwjob. Vince's quick decision-making and rash actions can be attributed to his paranoia and the fear of losing control over the WWF, an entity that he had meticulously built over the years.

The Bret Hart Controversy

The situation with Bret Hart was particularly complicated. As the WWF Champion and a principal figure in the promotion, Bret Hart found himself in a delicate and unsustainable position. WCW, recognizing the power and popularity of Bret Hart, offered him a lucrative contract. Bret, looking to maximize his earnings, signed with WCW. This move created a complex situation, as Bret Hart was now under the employ of a rival promotion while still holding the WWF Championship.

Unraveling the Elements of the Montreal Screwjob

Vince McMahon, aware of the New World Order and recognizing the precarious nature of the situation, had a choice to make. He could resign Bret Hart from his contract, allowing him to join WCW, or he could maintain Bret as his champion, despite the contractual issues. In a masterstroke, Vince McMahon chose the latter. He leveraged Bret Hart's contractual obligations and the impending New World Order to orchestrate the Montreal Screwjob, an event that would become a defining moment in wrestling history.

The Result of the Montreal Screwjob

The Montreal Screwjob itself was a prearranged 'accident.' Bret Hart, in the midst of a match against Owen Hart, was hit illegally with a steel chair. As a result, Bret Hart suffered a severe neck injury, which ultimately led to his retirement from professional wrestling. The Screwjob was widely criticized, with many questioning the true intent and morality behind such an orchestrated event. It remains one of the most controversial moments in wrestling history, leading to a seismic shift in the landscape of professional wrestling.

Legacy and Aftermath

The aftermath of the Montreal Screwjob had far-reaching consequences. The incident not only reshaped the careers of Bret Hart and Vince McMahon but also altered the dynamics within the wrestling industry. It marked the beginning of the WCW falling out of favor and paved the way for the eventual rise of Vince McMahon's WWF, which would eventually become WWE.

Conclusion

The Montreal Screwjob remains a textbook example of the dark underbelly of professional wrestling. Vince McMahon's approach to protecting his interests through paranoia and manipulation ultimately backfired, leading to one of the most infamous moments in the history of wrestling. The event serve as a reminder of the ethical challenges faced by those in the industry and the importance of maintaining integrity and fair play, even under pressure.