In a surprising admission, WWE head of creative Triple H revealed he played an even bigger role than many realize in the infamous 1997 Montreal Screwjob.
There have been so many amazing moments in WWE history. It is why they have millions of diehard fans all over the world. However, there have also been many ugly lowlights over the last 50 years. Such as the Ultimate Warrior holding up management to get a raise. Owen Hart’s tragic fall to his death. And former WWE champion Chris Benoit’s involvement in a murder-suicide.
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However, there is one incident that seems to stand above the rest. And that is the infamous Montreal Screwjob. WWE legend Bret Hart was set to leave the company and depart for WCW in November of 1997. Management wanted him to drop his world title to Shawn Michaels in Montreal at Survivor Series. But the Canadian preferred to do the honors instead for the Undertaker.
Hart had a terrible working relationship with Michaels and did not want to do the honors for someone he personally despised. So, to make sure they got the strap off Hart before he took it to WCW, owner Vince McMahon had the bell rung during a submission attempt by Michaels early in the match and awarded the belt to HBK.
It led to some ugly moments in front of Montreal WWE fans and backstage. Most assume McMahon was behind the tactic and that Michaels and D-Generation X pal Triple H played the role of loyal soldiers that night. However, in an interview this past week on “The Roommates” podcast, Paul Levesque revealed the Screwjob was his idea.
Triple H claims the infamous Montreal Screwjob at Survivor Series ’97 was his idea
“There was a moment when we were all on the phone together, and Vince had come to us and said, ‘Bret is not re-signing, and he won’t drop the title to Shawn.’ Survivor Series was booked. We were maybe a week out, or something like that. It was close,” he recalled. “The conversation was basically, ‘Here’s what he’s willing to do, and it’s going to kill business.’
“There was just silence. Nobody knew what to say. I was probably the least important person on the totem pole at that time, but I was like, I gotta say it. I was like, ‘F*** that. If he won’t do business, do it for him.’ That started a conversation that led to the Montreal Screwjob. That’s kind of like a bold move. I guess that paid off.”
It is an interesting nugget of extra information to add to what is one of the most famous events in WWE history. But it seems to add to Triple H’s legend. He has made many bold but successful moments during his iconic career. That phone call was just another one of them.
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