The Montreal Screwjob is one of the most controversial and intense moments in professional wrestling history. At the 1997 Survivor Series, WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart was controversially removed from the World Championship, because of the great changes in the world of wrestling. Recently, the famous wrestling icon The Undertaker shared his thoughts on the famous event, revealing the controversies behind the scenes and the key decisions that shaped the way of WWE.
The organizer was silent for the first time
In an episode on his “Six Feet Under” podcast, fan The Undertaker also known as “The Phenom” opened up about his thoughts on the Montreal Screwjob. His thoughts offer a distinct perspective, considering his strong connections to both WWE and Bret Hart. The Undertaker started by discussing the main issue that led WWE to plan the controversial conclusion: the worry of Bret Hart departing the company with the World Championship.
Bret Hart’s conflict between loyalty and betrayal
The Undertaker described how Bret Hart, a long-time member of WWE, became embroiled in a financial disagreement which resulted in his exit. The Undertaker pointed out Bret’s loyalty to WWE, saying he didn’t want to go. “It was a money deal. He’d been a loyal soldier man, so there were so many feelings, everybody was just tapped out on the whole thing.”
The Impossible Decision: WWE’s Risk Management
According to The Undertaker, WWE faced an insurmountable dilemma. Allowing Hart to leave with the championship posed an existential threat to the company. “You cannot, absolutely zero way can you take the chance,” he emphasized. “I’m gonna say he probably would have gone on TV and dropped it, but that doesn’t do us any good. We can’t have a guy vacate the title and then go to the other show, it just doesn’t work.”
The Emotional Fallout: Friendship and Disappointment
The Undertaker did not shy away from expressing his personal feelings about the situation. He described his profound disappointment over Hart’s departure, not just as a colleague but as a friend. “I know Bret was really bitter about it,” he said, underscoring the emotional toll the incident took on all involved. “He’d been a loyal soldier man, so there were so many feelings, everybody was just tapped out on the whole thing.”
The Business Side: A Necessary Evil
Despite the personal anguish, The Undertaker acknowledged the harsh realities of the wrestling business. He understood why WWE felt compelled to take such drastic measures. “There was no choice but to try to take the title off Hart,” he admitted. The decision, though painful, was deemed necessary to protect the integrity and future of WWE.
Reflecting on Survivor Series 1997: The Long-Term Influence of the Event
The consequences of the Montreal Screwjob were immediate and widespread. It represented a shift in WWE’s method of storytelling and character growth, introducing the Attitude Era. The insights of the Undertaker illuminate the delicate equilibrium between personal loyalty and professional responsibilities that characterized this pivotal moment.
The Undertaker’s Heritage: Insight from “The Phenom”
The Undertaker holds a lot of influence in WWE due to his respected status, giving weight to his reflections. His readiness to voice his opinions on a divisive subject reflects his lasting dedication to the wrestling community. By revisiting the Montreal Screwjob, he pays tribute to Bret Hart’s memory and offers insights into the intricate dynamics of professional wrestling.
