During a recent edition of his “Foley is Pod” podcast on AdFreeShows, Mick Foley discussed the Montreal Screwjob from the 1997 Survivor Series pay-per-view event, which saw Shawn Michaels win the WWE Title as Vince McMahon rang the bell during a Sharpshooter on Bret Hart.
Foley shared that his refusal to work RAW in protest led to his realization that the wrestling business is ultimately about forgiveness and business-driven decisions. Despite the personal and professional tensions, he learned that Vince McMahon acted to save his company. He said,
“Ultimately, it’s a business about forgiveness, right? Ultimately, that’s what it turned out to be. But, I mean, that was a harsh reality. It really was a harsh reality for me. When I was in my hotel room watching the TV and realized I was the only guy, I think Rick Rude. Also, Rick Rude and I were the only ones who followed through on not showing up. And then my wife read my contract to me and I realized I just breached it and legally couldn’t work anywhere in the world for five years. So the next day, I came back hat in hand and was welcomed back, no questions asked. But the Hart family appreciated that, right? The one-day walkout was one day longer than most. And Bret really appreciated it as well. But it was a business, but it was also very personal. You know, we had our backs to the wall.”
Foley added that the entire fiasco, perhaps the most controversial incident in WWE history, while unfortunate, contributed to WWE’s success by introducing the Mr. McMahon character and the iconic angle with Steve Austin. He said,
“And I did come to understand that Vince was doing what he thought he had to save his company. It was unfortunate that it happened, but no doubt it was good for WWE business because that was really the origin of the Mr. McMahon character. And then without that, you don’t have the angle with Steve and Vince, which really strapped a rocket to WWE at that time.”
The Montreal Screwjob remains one of the darkest and most-talked-about incidents in the history of the professional wrestling industry, over 25 years after its occurrence.
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The Montreal Screwjob: A Controversial Incident That Shaped WWE History
The Montreal Screwjob is a term that has become synonymous with controversy in the world of professional wrestling. It refers to an incident that took place during the 1997 Survivor Series pay-per-view event, where Shawn Michaels won the WWE Title from Bret Hart in a match that ended in a highly controversial manner. The incident had far-reaching consequences and played a significant role in shaping the future of WWE.
During a recent episode of his podcast, Mick Foley, a former WWE wrestler, shared his thoughts on the Montreal Screwjob and its impact on the wrestling business. Foley revealed that his refusal to work on RAW in protest of the incident led him to realize that forgiveness and business-driven decisions are integral to the industry.
Foley acknowledged that while the incident was a harsh reality for him, he came to understand that Vince McMahon, the owner of WWE, acted in the best interest of his company. Foley and Rick Rude were the only ones who followed through on not showing up for work, which resulted in Foley breaching his contract and being legally unable to work anywhere in the world for five years. However, when Foley returned the next day, he was welcomed back without any questions asked.
The Hart family, particularly Bret Hart, appreciated Foley’s one-day walkout as it showed solidarity and support. Despite the personal and professional tensions surrounding the incident, Foley recognized that it was ultimately a business decision. He realized that the Montreal Screwjob, while unfortunate, contributed to WWE’s success by introducing the Mr. McMahon character and the iconic angle with Steve Austin. This angle propelled WWE to new heights during that time.
The Montreal Screwjob remains one of the darkest and most-talked-about incidents in the history of professional wrestling. Over 25 years later, it continues to be a topic of discussion among fans and industry insiders alike. The incident not only had a profound impact on the careers of those involved but also shaped the direction of WWE as a whole.
The controversy surrounding the Montreal Screwjob led to a shift in the wrestling landscape and paved the way for new storylines and characters. It highlighted the blurred lines between reality and fiction in professional wrestling, captivating audiences and drawing them deeper into the world of sports entertainment.
While the incident may have been controversial and caused significant turmoil at the time, it ultimately played a pivotal role in WWE’s evolution. It showcased the company’s ability to adapt and capitalize on real-life events to create compelling storylines that resonate with fans.
As wrestling fans, it is important to remember and learn from incidents like the Montreal Screwjob. They serve as reminders of the complexities and intricacies of the wrestling business, where personal relationships and business decisions often intersect. The incident serves as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of WWE, which continues to thrive and entertain audiences worldwide.
In conclusion, the Montreal Screwjob remains a significant moment in wrestling history. It not only sparked controversy but also shaped the future of WWE. The incident taught valuable lessons about forgiveness, business-driven decisions, and the ever-evolving nature of the wrestling industry. Despite its dark undertones, the Montreal Screwjob played a crucial role in propelling WWE to new heights and solidifying its status as a global entertainment powerhouse.