Starrcade 1997: The Infamous Montreal Screwjob

Hey wrestling fans, let's dive deep into one of the most talked-about, controversial, and downright infamous events in professional wrestling history: Starrcade 1997. This wasn't just any wrestling show, guys; this was the night that birthed the legend of the Montreal Screwjob. When we talk about Starrcade 1997, we're talking about a pivotal moment that not only shaped the careers of Bret "The Hitman" Hart and Shawn Michaels but also fundamentally altered the landscape of the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), now known as WWE. The tension leading up to this match was thicker than a concrete milkshake, fueled by backstage politics, contract disputes, and a passionate fan base who were deeply invested in the outcome. The main event pitted WWF Champion Bret Hart against challenger Shawn Michaels in a bout that was supposed to be the culmination of a long and storied rivalry. However, the real drama, the stuff of legends, unfolded outside the squared circle, making Starrcade 1997 a must-watch, even decades later, for its sheer, unadulterated wrestling drama.

The Backstage Brouhaha Leading to Starrcade 1997

The Starrcade 1997 event is inextricably linked to the contract saga and the controversial finish involving Bret Hart. In 1997, Bret Hart, a Canadian icon and the heart and soul of the WWF for years, was in a precarious position. His contract was expiring, and he had received a lucrative offer from World Championship Wrestling (WCW), the WWF's fiercest competitor at the time. Vince McMahon, the owner and creative force behind the WWF, desperately wanted to keep Hart, but financial realities and creative differences were mounting. The story goes that McMahon asked Hart to do the honors and lose the WWF Championship to Shawn Michaels at Starrcade 1997 in Montreal, Hart's hometown, as a way to help the company and transition the title before his potential departure. Hart, a professional with immense pride, was deeply uncomfortable with the idea of losing his world title in his homeland to his rival, Michaels. This wasn't just about ego; it was about respect and how he was perceived by his loyal Canadian fanbase. The discussions became heated, and a compromise seemed impossible. This internal turmoil was the powder keg, and Starrcade 1997 was set to be the explosion. The pressure on McMahon was immense; he needed to secure his company's future, and Hart's departure could have been a devastating blow. The decision to book the finish the way it happened wasn't a spur-of-the-moment thing; it was a calculated, albeit highly controversial, move born out of desperation and a desire to regain control of a situation that was slipping through his fingers. The loyalty of the WWF roster was also a factor, with many wrestlers looking to Hart as a benchmark for how talent should be treated. The entire situation surrounding Starrcade 1997 highlighted the complex interplay between business, personal relationships, and the art of professional wrestling. It was a powder keg of emotions, contractual obligations, and the ultimate test of loyalty.

The Infamous Montreal Screwjob: The Climax of Starrcade 1997

Now, let's talk about the main event, the match itself, and the infamous finish that cemented Starrcade 1997 in wrestling lore. The match between Bret "The Hitman" Hart and Shawn Michaels was technically sound, a classic encounter between two of the best performers of their generation. However, the real drama, the Montreal Screwjob, was unfolding outside the ring and in the minds of those involved. As the match neared its conclusion, and with Bret Hart in control, applying his signature Sharpshooter submission hold, Vince McMahon made a call to the referee, Earl Hebner. On McMahon's signal, Hebner controversially blew the whistle and signaled for the bell to be rung, indicating a submission victory for Shawn Michaels, even though Hart had not tapped out. The crowd in Montreal was stunned into silence, then erupted in boos. Bret Hart, utterly bewildered and furious, realized he had been double-crossed. Shawn Michaels, who had been complicit in the plan, quickly seized the opportunity, locking in his own Sharpshooter on a disoriented Hart before celebrating with the newly won WWF Championship. The immediate aftermath was electric with tension. Hart, feeling betrayed by McMahon and the WWF, spat in McMahon's face and stormed out of the arena. This act of defiance became iconic, symbolizing the end of an era for Hart in the WWF. The Starrcade 1997 Screwjob wasn't just a booking decision; it was a real-life betrayal that bled into the storylines, creating a level of authenticity that wrestling fans had rarely witnessed. The animosity between Hart and Michaels, and particularly between Hart and McMahon, became the focal point of WWF television for months to come, driving ratings and creating a compelling narrative that resonated deeply with the audience. This event, more than any other, showcased the blurred lines between kayfabe (the fictional reality of wrestling) and reality itself, leaving fans questioning what was real and what was scripted.

The Aftermath and Legacy of Starrcade 1997

The Starrcade 1997 Montreal Screwjob had profound and lasting repercussions, guys. It wasn't just a moment; it was a catalyst that reshaped the wrestling world. For Bret Hart, it marked the end of his illustrious WWF career and his immediate jump to WCW, where he would go on to have a significant, albeit controversial, run. The feeling of betrayal lingered, and it took years for him to reconcile with Vince McMahon and the WWF. The Screwjob became a cornerstone of his legacy, a symbol of his professionalism and the loyalty he commanded from his fans, who felt they were also betrayed. For Shawn Michaels, the Screwjob propelled him to greater heights as a top heel (villain) in the WWF. His win, achieved through dubious means, added a layer of arrogance and undeniable charisma to his character, solidifying his status as one of the greatest performers in wrestling history. He would go on to have a legendary feud with Undertaker and continue his reign as a main event player. The WWF, under Vince McMahon's leadership, leveraged the real-life animosity created by Starrcade 1997 into compelling storylines. The