Why Vince McMahon Feared Bret Hart Would Take the WWE/F Championship to WCW: An In-Depth Analysis
Vince McMahon’s concerns that Bret Hart would take the WWE Championship to WCW have a complex background rooted in the competitive landscape of professional wrestling in the late 1990s and Hart’s contract negotiations. This article delves into the contractual, emotional, and strategic factors that influenced this significant moment in wrestling history.
Contract Negotiations and Loyalty
Bret Hart was at the intersection of significant contract negotiations with WCW, where he was offered a lucrative deal. This led Vince McMahon to be wary of Hart leaving the WWE. McMahon feared that losing the championship to a competing promotion would devalue the title and give WCW a substantial boost. Hart, who had a strong loyalty to the WWE but was also frustrated with the company, might have considered the move. This frustration played a critical role in driving the event known as the Montreal Screwjob, a pivotal moment in wrestling history.
The Montreal Screwjob
The Montreal Screwjob
Vince McMahon, fearing that Hart would leave with the championship, orchestrated a plan where the referee called for a disqualification against Hart without his consent. This event occurred at Survivor Series 1997 and significantly altered the relationship between Hart and McMahon, as well as their respective fans. While this incident is often analyzed as a betrayal, it also serves as a testament to the intense rivalry and personal conflicts that defined the wrestling landscape during that era.
Speculation and Underlying Realities
Speculation often surrounds whether Bret Hart would have taken the championship to WCW. Hart has spoken in interviews, emphasizing his loyalty to the WWE and the championship. However, the Montreal Screwjob and the trust breakdown that followed certainly added an emotional layer to Hart's decision-making process. Despite his avowed loyalty, Hart could have felt compelled to capitalize on the situation, especially if he believed contractually that he had the right to make such a move.
Eric Bischoff’s Role
The Montreal Screwjob was less about Hart taking the title to WCW and more about Eric Bischoff making a strategic statement. Hart actually signed the contract with WCW on November 1, 1997, and BWB (Bischoff) gave Hart up to 45 days to drop the title. This gave Hart the flexibility to stay in WWE until December 15, 1997. However, Bischoff agreed to keep the secret for only 7 days, leading to a scenario that McCarthy describes as a “statement”. Bischoff, who was known for his congenial and generous approach, was likely aiming for a powerful revelation, not a direct transference of titles.
Previous Legal Issues and Evolving Industry Practices
The issue of title transference between promotions was not new in 1997. Similar incidents had occurred in the past, leading to legal battles between WWE and WCW. In August 1991, Ric Flair showed up with the WCW title in the WWE for more than four months. Madusa’s incident in December 1995, where she appeared on WCW's Nitro and threw her WWF Women's title in the trash, also led to legal disputes. Both groups eventually reached an understanding and settled legal battles, agreeing not to engage in such practices again.
The Role of Media and Leaks
The core of the issue was not the actual transfer of the title, but the premature disclosure of Hart's impending move to WCW. This could have been exploited via leaks and media speculation. The Internet’s breaking news capabilities were still developing in September 1998, but dirt sheets and TSN had already begun to share information more broadly. This environment would have made the revelation highly public and potentially damaging to both organizations.
Vince McMahon’s Request and Hart’s Stance
Vince McMahon had approached Hart with scenarios to drop the belt on house shows leading up to the Survivor Series, either against Stone Cold or The Undertaker. However, Hart was adamant about successfully defending the title against Shawn Michaels. His intention was to prove that he would not job (concede a match without fighting) to Shawn Michaels if he did not want to, thereby maintaining his integrity and proving his mettle.
Conclusion
The complex interplay of contractual obligations, emotional tensions, and strategic maneuvers by Vince McMahon and Eric Bischoff set the stage for the Montreal Screwjob and the ensuing controversies. While speculation exists, Bret Hart’s stated loyalty to the WWE and his intentions to maintain the championship’s integrity played a significant role in shaping the narrative. Both Vince McMahon and Eric Bischoff made strategic moves, but the media and leaks ultimately exposed and shaped the public perception of what transpired.