Welcome to another discussion of our eWrestlingNews Pro Wrestling History Topic of the Day!
Today, in wrestling history, we take a look back at October 21, 1996, when Bret Hart announced during an episode of Monday Night Raw that he would remain in WWE instead of moving to WCW. He had signed an impressive 20-year deal with the company, which, surprisingly, only lasted over a year due to the infamous Montreal Screwjob incident which ultimately led to his move to WCW. It’s where, unfortunately, his illustrious pro-wrestling career ended.
The significant question for today is “How do you think the pro wrestling landscape would have evolved if Bret Hart had actually fulfilled his 20-year contract with WWE instead of moving to WCW?”
Feel free to share your opinion in the comments section.
Regarding my personal point of view…
Obviously, this is purely speculative and hypothetical. Yet, there are some plausible scenarios worth delving into, considering how the industry works and the outcome of other events during that time.
Most would agree that Hart could have secured one, if not more, world title reigns. The continuation of The Hart Foundation is another likely scenario, which could have brought an intriguing twist for WrestleMania 14.
The implications could have differed for many wrestlers, like Shawn Michaels, Undertaker, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and others if Hart had stayed. Also, it’s interesting to think about how the absence of the Blue Blazer gimmick would have changed Owen’s career and life, possibly preventing his tragic passing.
Considering Bret’s style of wrestling, staying in WWE might have slightly affected the progression of the Attitude Era. Would this have sped up WCW’s downfall, or prolonged it, remains an intriguing question. Nonetheless, WCW’s eventual collapse and McMahon’s acquisition seem inevitable.
One could imagine Hart transitioning into a behind-the-scenes role after retiring, significantly influencing the next generation of wrestling talents. Potential rivalries, gimmicks, and storylines that could have emerged from Hart’s prolonged stay in WWE are countless and intriguing to dwell upon.
This entire alternate timeline invites us to consider everything that could have been different – for better or worse. For all we know, should this timeline have become reality, we might be pondering what we’d miss from the actual course of events. Regardless, it’s interesting, even essential, to contemplate the “what ifs” surrounding pro wrestling’s storied history.
What’s your take on this? Share your thoughts below!