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Hart and McMahon Prepared To Settle Score At WrestleMania

Posted: Mar 3rd 2010 By: Stevie Caballero

There is, perhaps, no event in the history of professional wrestling more talked about than the Montreal Screwjob. It changed the landscape of professional wrestling, ushering in the Attitude Era and launching the Monday Night Wars into a heated frenzy. But even after thirteen years, the bitter feelings between Vince McMahon and Bret Hart had never been addressed. Even when Hart was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, a resolution to that night had not been arrived at.

It appeared that things were moving towards a better feeling when McMahon agreed to allow Hart to guest host Monday Night RAW on January 4. Hart opened the show and made peace with Shawn Michaels. At the end of the show, Hart and McMahon had a public talk about the events of that night and seemed to find some common ground. But, as always, McMahon could not be trusted. He kicked Hart in the groin as the show closed and mocked him over the course of the next few weeks, even going so far as to ban him from the WWE. That ban was lifted by February 1st and Hart again appeared to confront McMahon. Hart declared that he would love nothing better than to ?kick (McMahon?s) ass?, but that didn?t happen as Batista came out to attack Hart. He then held Hart so that McMahon could spit in his face, payback for Hart doing the same thing thirteen years ago. Hart would eventually be saved by John Cena, but it became apparent that he was never going to get any satisfaction from this situation. Initially, McMahon had offered to put Stu Hart into the WWE Hall of Fame, but that offer was rescinded and Bret could see no reason to stick around and continue to be humiliated. So he came to RAW one more time on February 15, thanked the crowd for their reception and announced that he would be leaving the WWE. As he made his way through the back, much of the roster was surprised at his actions. They never saw Bret as a quitter. Bret addressed all their concerns, but firmly and resolutely stood his ground with his decision. After talking to Cena and Gail Kim, Hart went to enter his car and leave the arena. But another car backed into the one he was entering as he was getting in, trapping Hart?s leg in the opened door and causing what was later reported to be a broken left leg, combined with tendon and ligament damage.

This event seemed to soften McMahon?s approach to Bret. He appeared the next week, wanting to make it clear that he had nothing to do with the incident and offered to allow Bret an opportunity to make a proper final farewell when RAW was broadcast from Oklahoma City. Bret agreed to this and as RAW drew to a close that night, the WWE chairman came to the ring and introduced Bret. The former 5-time WWE World Champion, left leg in a cast and on crutches, made his way to the ring as a video recap of the events leading up to this moment was played on the Titantron. Vince once again reiterated that he had nothing to do with Bret?s accident and wanted to clear his name. Bret wasn?t so ready to be forgiving. He wasn?t sure that Vince was telling the truth and said that ever since he came back to the WWE, Vince had treated him like garbage. He went on to say that if Vince was sincere in his words, he would leave the ring and allow Bret to get on with his moment. Vince started to go, then turned around and said that Bret had once referred to him as a ?World class liar?. That, apparently, was the truth. This time, Bret didn?t screw Bret. Vince McMahon screwed Bret.

Sensing weakness and always looking to have the upper hand, Vince now brought up a challenge that Bret had made in the previous weeks to meet Vince in the ring at WrestleMania. Bret couldn?t believe that the challenge was being met now and pointed out the obvious: he had a broken leg. Vince continued to push the idea that Bret didn?t come back to the WWE to make amends. He suggested that for years, Bret had wanted to fight McMahon and Bret confirmed that this was the case. Vince once again suggested that they should do this at WrestleMania. He said it was Bret?s dream. Vince screwed Bret in Montreal, sent him to WCW, spit in his face and lied about inducting his father into the WWE Hall of Fame. Bret still couldn?t see how he could be ready to compete by WrestleMania, which was only a month away. Vince continued to push the idea, saying that even though he wouldn?t be at 100%, he was still a ?Canadian Hero? and perhaps the fans should be the ones to decide. Vince asked the Oklahoma City fans if they thought the match should happen and the overwhelmingly agreed. Still, Bret seemed reluctant, sensing that Vince was trying to goad him into the match. After being called an idiot by Bret, Vince said that he was disappointed because Bret used to stand for something. But now he?s just a coward who has no heart. At that point, Vince kicked the crutch out from under Bret, causing him to collapse to the mat. Vince cockily strutted around Bret, then exited the ring and proceded to walk up the runway.

Humiliated in front of over 14 000 fans, Bret struggled to regain his footing, then loudly announced that if Vince wanted a match at WrestleMania, he would give him a match. This seemed to be all that Vince wanted and an evil smile crept across his face before he once again turned to leave. Then, one more time, he stopped and turned around to address Bret. He said that he wanted to show that he was ready for this match and to prove his condition, he would be facing Hart?s ?biggest fan? John Cena next week on RAW.

One of the points that has been ignored in this entire issue is a deeper question regarding Hart?s physical capabilities. Towards the end of WCW?s existence, Hart suffered a career-ending injury in a match against Bill Goldberg when Goldberg kicked him in the head. The concussion that occurred from that incident would go on to lead to a stroke for Hart just a few years later. Hart fought to regain all his physical abilities, but repeatedly said that it was dangerous for him to ever consider wrestling again. Combine that with Hart?s creed to be remembered as ?The best there is, the best there was and the best there ever will be? and lingering questions hang over whether Bret?s emotions may have gotten the best of him in this situation. Increased age, physical injury, possible lingering neurological issues?all these things seem to prepared to work against Bret. But Bret?s heart has always been devoted to wrestling. And knowing that he has this chance to step in the ring one more time and put on a wrestling clinic as he was known to do may just be enough to overcome the odds and give ?The Hitman? some much needed closure in this situation.

Tags: WWE, WCW, Bill Goldberg