Was the 1997 Montreal Screwjob Scenario Really Unavoidable?

The 1997 Montreal Screwjob is one of the most famously controversial moments in professional wrestling history. Many fans and critics alike have debated whether it was a planned affair or a spontaneous act fueled by the escalating tensions between Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels. Was it an event that was simply unavoidable given the situation, or did it occur because of decisions made by those in power? Let's explore the context and the factors that contributed to this infamous moment.

Background and Tensions

For a few years, Bret Hart (the Hart Family) and Shawn Michaels (North American X) had been developing a rivalry in the World Wrestling Federation (WWE). Both wrestlers sought to be the face of the organization, with Bret advocating for traditionalism and Shawn pushing the boundaries of storytelling and in-ring tactics. Their match potential was significant: a title match between Bret and Austin, or even a meet-and-greet with the over-the-hill Ric Flair.

Amidst the growing animosity, things escalated outside the ring. During a particularly heated promo, Bret Michaels caused an altercation by ripping out Hart's hair, leading to an incident where Hart allegedly tore Michaels's hair out as well. As the conflicts worsened, both wrestlers faced the prospect of leaving WWE for World Championship Wrestling (WCW).

Vince McMahon, recognizing the potential loss of talent and the resulting negative impact on WWE, had to make a significant decision. He aligns with WCW over Hart partly because he cannot afford the loss of another major star like Razor and Diesel. Meanwhile, Hart's decision to keep the WWF championship without willingly relinquishing it led Vince to believe a title dropping would be impossible.

Complicating Factors and Decisions

At a deeper level, there were several factors that contributed to the unpredictability and uncontrollability of the situation. Firstly, Vince McMahon also showed a fragile ego, likely exacerbating the tension and leading to more extreme actions. When Vince offered Bret Hart a deal to leave and join WCW, he was already concerned with financial constraints, which further colored his decision-making process.

The plan ultimately involved Hart willingly surrendering the title to Michaels in a non-televised match in Canada. However, Hart's refusal to drop the title in Canada or Detroit contributed to destabilizing the situation. Michaels had no control over Hart's fate, leading to further instability.

Was it Unavoidable?

From a hindsight perspective, the Montreal Screwjob appears to be a chaotic and unplanned event. However, in the context of the wrestlers' egos and the high-stakes nature of the WWE, it seems highly likely that the situation was brewing for a confrontation. Despite Vince's intentions, the fragile egos of Hart, Michaels, and even McMahon, meant that the scenario might well have played out as it did or in a similarly chaotic manner.

The question of inevitability reflects a complex web of personalities, motivations, and decisions. It was not a straightforward situation where one action dictated the outcome. Each major figure involved had a part to play, and the fragile nature of their egos made the situation more volatile and unpredictable.

Conclusion and Impact

The Montreal Screwjob is a testament to the complex and often unpredictable nature of professional wrestling. While it may have been regarded as a necessary event to maintain the stability of the WWE, it also highlighted the risks involved in managing large egos and high tensions. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of negotiation and compromise in maintaining the integrity and popularity of any professional sports organization.

For wrestling fans and historians, the Montreal Screwjob remains a significant moment, with its memorabilia, analysis, and controversies continuing to be discussed to this day. It serves as a poignant example of the high stakes and intense competition within the world of professional wrestling.