When someone is the victim of a notorious act, it can actually provide them with a unique advantage. They will always have the sympathy of the people in their corner. WWE’s greatest example of this comes from the infamous “Montreal Screwjob” at Survivor Series 1997. The WWE Universe will always side with Bret Hart for being “screwed.” 

In reality, though, that is not the case. The actions against the WWE Hall of Famer – although admittedly underhanded – were completely justified. In spite of all the fences that have been mended in recent years, the fact remains: “Bret screwed Bret.”

Bret Hart always said he had the best intentions in mind during the tumultuous events that led up to the fateful moment at Montreal. But, which intention is he talking about? At various times throughout the newly released DVD/Blu-ray Shawn Michaels vs. Bret Hart: WWE’s Greatest Rivalries (WWEShop), he said he was trying to be “the voice in the locker room,” trying “to make Shawn better,” trying to “make money,” trying to “get Shawn to respect [him]” and trying “to save the company.”

Yet, whether The "Hit Man" realized it or not, the facts suggest that his ultimate goal was actually to do whatever he could to keep himself above water in the face of an industry that had simply outgrown him.

The Kliq and The Canuckosaurus
In WWEGRs, Bret referred to established Superstars from early in his career – names like Andre the Giant, Hulk Hogan and The Ultimate Warrior – as “dinosaurs,” largely because they were standing in the way of change, and threatened by the new, innovative style of young up-and-comers like him.

Years later, however, this self-proclaimed leader in the locker room seemed to be threatened by “The Kliq” – an “isolated” group of Superstars comprised of Michaels, Triple H, Scott Hall and Kevin Nash, who would eventually go on to form both D-Generation X and the nWo. These factions symbolized the future of the entire squared circle.

By opposing these Superstars, Bret was now the one standing in the face of change, one of the very “dinosaurs” he had once rooted against. This “Canuckosaurus” came down on the side of a dying way of doing things, and the death rattle would come in the cold, hard reality of Survivor Series 1997.

The Insult that led to disaster
In WWEGRs, “Hit Man” claimed that he refused to lose to HBK at Survivor Series because when he told Michaels he would be happy to “put him over,” Shawn said he would not be willing to do the same. This comment by HBK was clearly intended to insult his fellow Superstar.

Did Shawn mean it? Was it the ultimate act of disrespect? Who cares?! Bret and Shawn had been throwing extremely personal insults at each other – both in front of and behind the camera – for quite some time. They now both acknowledge that things had “spun out of control.” Why was this any different? Regardless, because Hart felt disrespected, it seemed that he was going to take his bat and ball, and go home.

Bret Hart, The Joker and A-Rod
Above all, Bret deserved to get screwed in Montreal because he let personal feelings prevent him from doing what he was asked to do for the good of WWE. Above all else, WWE is entertainment at its most professional level – not unlike a major motion picture or professional baseball game. People pay money and expect to be entertained. What better story could there be, then, to have the Canadian hero lose the title in his home country to his most-hated rival?

For a Superstar who dedicated his life to the WWE Universe, where’s the problem? In the film The Dark Knight, could Heath Ledger have decided that he didn’t want the Joker to lose to Batman in their final scene because of personal problems they might be having with their trailers? Can Alex Rodriguez refuse to hit in the order his manager laid out if he feels disrespected by Derek Jeter? Of course not! When it’s time to play, it’s time to play. A professional has to get the job done, no matter what. 

What would have come of Hulkamania if nearly three decades ago, The Iron Sheik had acted the same way Hart did? The Iranian Superstar had been offered major money by another promoter to break Hogan’s leg in their WWE Championship Match. If not for him choosing to do the right thing, Hulk Hogan might never have kicked off the incredible legacy that he did – and, in turn, WrestleMania might not have become the global phenomenon it is today.

Bret screwed Shawn
Without a doubt, Shawn Michaels was the true victim of the Montreal incident. Because Bret would not be the bigger man, HBK was put into an impossible situation, one where he knew he would pay a huge price. Already at odds with many, he would suffer indescribable scorn by the WWE Universe and many of his peers. In WWEGRs, he called it the lowest point of his career. And it was all because he chose to do what was asked of him.

Bret Hart is, without question, one of the greatest Superstars ever to step through the ropes. However, when it comes to Survivor Series 1997, Bret “screwed” HBK.

What about Bret Hart's side? Read a pro-"Hit Man" perspective on the infamous rivalry, then share your opinion on Facebook and Twitter.