’I’m glad I punched Vince McMahon out’
Wrestling legend Bret Hart, now 60 and cancer-free, talks about life and the infamous Montreal Screwjob
Of all the punches Bret “The Hitman” Hart threw in his professional wrestling career, the one that really sticks out left his boss unconscious on the floor in 1997.
“It was only one punch but it was such a beautiful punch,” Hart said of knocking out WWE chairman Vince McMahon. “Of all the things I’ve ever done in my life, it was the sweetest, most beautiful punch anyone could ever throw. It was just amazing. The whole memory of it brings a smile to my face.
“I just maybe wish that I’d mopped the floor with (wrestlers) Triple H and Shawn Michaels both at the same time right after. That would have been ideal.”
The episode with McMahon was the capper to the so-called “Montreal Screwjob,” which the WWE has called the “most infamous moment” in the company’s history.
In the main event of the 1997 Survivor Series, Hart lost the heavyweight title when the bell rang as Michaels had him in a submission.
Hart, who was expecting other wrestlers to run in to end the match, did not submit to Michaels and was perplexed when he heard the bell. The surprise finish was orchestrated by McMahon to ensure Hart dropped the title before leaving for a rival promotion.
The decision created a seismic shift in the business.
Hart would soon leave for an ill-fated run in World Championship Wrestling. WWE, meanwhile, found itself with a heel boss plot line it played to the hilt for years.
The unexpected blast of realism from the Montreal Screwjob sent shock waves through the theatrical world of sports entertainment.
“It wasn’t something that we had planned, but it was definitely something that we were able to capitalize on,” said Bruce Prichard, WWE’s vice-president of talent relations at the time.
Hart, now 60 and a grandfather, is enjoying life in Calgary. He eventually buried the hatchet with McMahon, Michaels and the WWE.
Hart has battled some health issues since his glory days in the ring. He suffered a concussion in 2000 that essentially ended his wrestling career and had a stroke in 2002.
He was diagnosed with prostate cancer two years ago, had a prostatectomy, and is now cancer-free. Hart’s cancer was detected early, and he now preaches the importance of regular checkups.
His older brother, Smith Hart, also received a prostate cancer diagnosis around the same time. But unlike Bret, he hadn’t been making regular visits to the doctor.
Smith died last July at age 68. He estimated he’d been living with the cancer for four years and didn’t know it.
“I want to drive the message home to men out there: don’t be afraid to go to your doctor and ask for your PSA (prostate-specific antigen) level to get checked,” Bret said. “It’s critical. Do your wife, your kids, your family a favour. Just go and get the blood work done.”
In addition to his work as a Movember Foundation ambassador, Hart is getting notes together for a second book he plans to write.
“My life is pretty routine,” Hart said. “I’ve got three grandkids and I live a pretty healthy, comfortable life up here in Calgary. I’m having a good time in this world.”
Hart was born into a legendary wrestling family led by his father Stu Hart, the founder of Calgary’s Stampede Wrestling promotion. The Hitmanwonnumerouschampionships over his career and participated in some all-time classic matches.
He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2006.
“I got into wrestling to make some money, see the world, and meet girls,” Hart said. “I accomplished that. Those were my initial goals. When I look back on everything, I’m really amazed by my career.
“I had so many wonderful guys that I worked with and great matches, that’s what was most important to me — and the fans. I had a great fan base across the country and around the world.”
In a wide-ranging chat, Hart brought up the 20th anniversary of the Montreal Screwjob, and it was clear some things still chafe at him.
“To be lied to and screwed over legitimately by people that I had worked so hard for, I think it’s always been a black eye on them, not me,” Hart said. “Everything I said was true, everything that I said happened, it happened the way it did.”
Hart eventually made peace with McMahon and he even hugged it out with Michaels during an in-ring segment in 2010.
“In the end, I’m grateful for everything WWE did for me but I also know that a lot of bad went on that day and I rose through it,” Hart said.
“I stand proud of what I did. And I’m glad I punched Vince McMahon out.”