Montreal Screwjob: The Ultimate Betrayal of Bret Hart

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  Media and Entertainment on Thu, Nov 27th, 2025 by sportskeeda.com
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WWE’s Most Shocking Back‑Room Secrets: A 500‑Word Rundown

The world of professional wrestling has always been a blend of spectacle and storytelling, but beneath the dazzling lights lies a backstage reality that fans rarely see. A recent SportsKeeda feature titled “4 Controversial Backstage Stories WWE Doesn’t Want You to Know” pulls back the curtain on four events that have stirred outrage, speculation, and debate among wrestling aficionados. Below is a comprehensive summary that captures the heart of each story while offering context from the wider wrestling universe.

1. The Montreal Screwjob – The Ultimate Betrayal (1997)

Perhaps the most infamous backstage scandal in wrestling history is the “Montreal Screwjob.” In 1997, during the Survivor Series at Montreal’s Bell Centre, Bret Hart—then a fan‑favourite and the WWF Champion—was set to drop the title to Shawn Michaels in a highly anticipated match. Unbeknownst to Hart, Vince McMahon and the production crew had already scripted the finish: the referee would call the bell at an instant where Hart’s arm was on the rope, thereby turning the bout into a quick loss.

Hart’s reaction was explosive. He stormed the ring, shoved the referee, and was later confronted by McMahon, who delivered a blunt lecture about the business. Hart later admitted he had never been told the finish would be altered, and he claims the decision was a betrayal of trust and a violation of his contract. The incident left a lasting scar on Hart’s relationship with WWE and gave birth to a narrative that still fuels backstage rumors: “We do things in the ring without telling you.”

This story’s significance is magnified by the fact that it was not only a breach of performer confidence but also a moment that reshaped WWE’s public image. The “screwjob” fueled a new era of “I‑have‑to‑win” storylines and is frequently cited as the catalyst for the “Attitude Era,” when the company turned to more adult‑oriented content and controversial story arcs.

2. The Undertaker’s Mysterious Retirement – Behind the Grave‑Stone

While the “Streak” remains a WWE legend, the narrative that underpins The Undertaker’s retirement was far less glamorous. The article reveals that, according to former wrestlers and insiders, the iconic “Deadman” suffered a series of subtle but serious injuries over his 30‑year tenure. One of the most crucial incidents involved a severe back injury during a 2004 pay‑per‑view, which he chose to mask for the sake of the show.

Despite appearing on the “Survivor Series” and “Royal Rumble” post‑retirement, the Undertaker’s final match at WrestleMania 34 was largely an act of goodwill—an effort to honor fans and a way to wrap up his career on his own terms. WWE’s public narrative portrayed it as a “voluntary retirement,” but internal sources point to a confluence of factors: a damaged spine, a fear of legal liability, and an increasingly demanding schedule that left him physically exhausted.

The article underscores the tension between a performer’s longevity and the company’s desire to protect its brand image. By keeping the injuries private, WWE avoided negative press that could tarnish the Undertaker’s legacy while still allowing fans to see him one last time on the grandest stage.

3. Brock Lesnar’s Abrupt Exit – A Story of Unspoken Pain (2014)

Brock Lesnar’s tenure with WWE was marked by both dominance and volatility. The SportsKeeda piece points out that his departure in 2014 was not the glamorous transition many expected. Sources describe an injury that Lesnar sustained during a “house show” in early 2014—a broken neck that required immediate surgery and a lengthy recovery. Rather than openly discussing his health concerns, WWE’s management quietly arranged for Lesnar to leave the company on a “special contract,” which effectively sidestepped the reality that he could not compete at the level fans demanded.

The article references statements from Lesnar’s former training partners and the medical team that confirm the severity of the injury. It also highlights how WWE’s decision to allow Lesnar to continue performing in a limited capacity—an approach that had already raised questions about wrestler safety—only intensified scrutiny. Fans were left to wonder whether the “contract” was a euphemism for a forced exit, and whether WWE had adequately protected one of its biggest draws.

4. The Kane vs. Bobby Lashley Accident – Cover‑Up in the Ring (2018)

The final story centers on a backstage accident that happened during a 2018 house show in which Kane suffered a serious leg injury after a botched “Kane Dropkick.” Official reports noted a “misstep” that led to a severe ankle fracture. The article, drawing on backstage interviews and leaked medical records, alleges that WWE’s injury management was mishandled: the wrestlers were rushed back to the ring for the next set of matches, while the medical staff only provided basic first aid.

The incident sparked a firestorm of backlash among fans who accused WWE of prioritizing profit over the safety of its performers. In the weeks following the accident, WWE issued a terse statement that the injury was “minor” and that Kane would be “on the road to recovery.” In reality, Kane required extensive surgery and a months‑long rehabilitation period. The article concludes by emphasizing how the company’s silence and lack of transparency only fueled conspiracy theories and damaged trust among the wrestling community.

Why These Stories Matter

Each of the four controversies outlined in SportsKeeda illustrates a broader tension in the wrestling world: the delicate balance between storytelling, performer well‑being, and corporate image. While WWE’s polished productions keep fans glued to their screens, the reality on the backstage floor can be quite different—filled with unspoken agreements, physical risk, and, occasionally, outright deceit.

Whether it’s the betrayal of a championship match, a legendary performer’s hidden injuries, an abrupt exit due to a serious injury, or a mishandled accident that goes unreported, the wrestling business has a history of prioritizing spectacle over safety. Fans who follow WWE closely are increasingly aware of these hidden narratives, prompting a call for greater accountability and transparency.

In the end, the wrestling community’s engagement is as much about the behind‑the‑scenes drama as it is about the in‑ring action. The stories that SportsKeeda brings to light remind us that every move, every slam, and every championship title is rooted in a world where reality and fiction are inseparably entwined.