The most controversial match in WWE history revisited.

Netflix‘s “Mr. Mcmahon” documentary has been highly anticipated due to the recent allegations set forth to the founder of WWE, Vincent Kennedy Mcmahon Jr. The documentary series consists of many legends and icons who helped to make the industry what it is today.

The Montreal Screwjob is often cited as the catalyst for the “Attitude Era,” a period of wrestling characterized by edgier, more mature storylines and matches. Bret Hart speaks on the incident in more detail than ever before on camera for Netflix.

They’ve told this story about a million times now, yall just hearing this?

— Keanu Pitt (@Keanu_Pitt) September 25, 2024

Today, the Montreal Screwjob remains a pivotal and controversial moment that forever changed the wrestling industry, symbolizing the blurred line between scripted entertainment and real-life conflicts in professional wrestling.

The moment Hart realized he had been deceived, he became enraged. He spat in McMahon’s face, destroyed some of the ringside equipment, and signaled the letters “WCW” to the audience, indicating his departure from the company. Backstage, there was significant tension, and it’s reported that Hart punched McMahon in the face in the locker room after the event.

Vince McMahon used the controversy to his advantage, embracing the role of a villainous boss character, “Mr. McMahon,” which became one of the most iconic personas in wrestling history.

SHAWN MICHAELS VS BRET HART

At the time, Bret Hart was the reigning WWF Champion but had recently signed a lucrative contract with rival wrestling promotion WCW (World Championship Wrestling) after Vince McMahon, the owner of WWF, informed him that the company could no longer afford his contract. Hart, who was leaving WWF, had creative control over his final days due to a clause in his contract.

The real life beef between Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart stemmed from a match the two had at WrestleMania 12. It appeared that Hart did not really want to pass the torch, but did anyways. He would call Stone Cold Steve Austin the best wrestler in the world at the time, despite Shawn Michaels carrying the world title. Apart of Bret’s contract when he returned promised a return match for WM 13. The match never happened due to HBK avoiding the match due to his knee issues supposedly and “losing his smile” performing.  This had led to HBK’s infamous taunt of Bret Hart saying he would not do the same for Bret for what he did for him during the championship victory at WM 12.

Bret Hart did not want to drop the title to HBK in Montreal due to this. Their rivalry is legendary and Kendrick Lamar decided to reference it during his rap beef with Drake.