The Unfolding Story: What if the Montreal Screwjob Had Never Happened?

The Montreal Screwjob, one of the most infamous moments in professional wrestling history, had far-reaching implications that reshaped both WWF and World Championship Wrestling (WCW). Imagine if Bret Hart’s victory at Starrcade 97 had remained intact. How would the landscape of professional wrestling be different today if this pivotal moment had never occurred?

Alterations in the WCW Landscape

Had Bret Hart remained victorious at Starrcade, the entire trajectory of World Championship Wrestling (WCW) would have taken a different path. The infamous Montreal Screwjob, in which Bret Hart cheated Shawn Michaels at Starrcade, disrupting his match and cheating his way to victory, would have never happened.

With no Bret Hart to WCW, several key events that defined the company during the 1990s would have altered course. Not only would the finish to Starrcade 97 have been different, but Rick Rude, Jim Neidhart, and other key wrestlers who followed Bret Hart to WCW would have remained with the WWF.

A Different WWE Era

Without Bret Hart, the WWF’s WWE roster would have been significantly different. The storyline following the Montreal Screwjob, particularly surrounding Rick Rude and his back-first exit from the trapdoor during Fall Brawl, would have unfolded in a very different manner.

More importantly, WWE would have likely lost its edge in the wrestling wars against WCW. The shock and intrigue generated by the Montreal Screwjob led to an enormous spike in viewership for WWF's Raw. Viewers were drawn in to see Shawn Michaels' dramatic turn from babyfaceto heel. Had Bret Hart not won in the manner he did, the allure of Stone Cold Steve Austin and Stone Cold's interactions with Shawn Michaels might never have reached the heights it did.

A Different Stone Cold Steve Austin Era

Stone Cold Steve Austin's era, once a high point in wrestling, would have been dramatically altered. His enduring popularity and the enormous fanbase generated by his persona was a direct result of the Montreal Screwjob. Stone Cold's rise to stardom, driven in part by his response to the cheating, would have been stunted or entirely altered without that incident.

Imagine a world where WWE might have lost to WCW. The intense rivalry and high viewer ratings generated by the Montreal Screwjob meant that WWE held a competitive edge in viewership. However, without this moment, WWE might have faced different challenges against WCW, potentially leading to a different outcome in the wrestling wars.

Conclusion and Reflections

The McGill Screwjob remains a defining moment in professional wrestling. The ripple effects it had on both WCW and WWE were profound and undeniable. While the story of the Montreal Screwjob will forever be a dark chapter in wrestling history, it also serves as a testament to the unpredictable and highly impactful nature of professional wrestling. Had Bret Hart not cheated at Starrcade, the landscape of the wrestling industry would now look very different.

Today, as fans and analysts reflect on that fateful Montreal night, they can't help but wonder about the ripple effects that such a seemingly small incident had on the larger landscape of professional wrestling. The Montreal Screwjob serves as a powerful reminder of how pivotal moments can shape the future of an industry.