WWE History Vol. 8: The Day that Kayfabe Died

#4. Kayfabe is shattered in Montreal.

Bret Hart was dejected and betrayed at the end of Survivor Series 1997

In order to avoid a public relations SNAFU, where his champion would be officially signed to another company, Vince McMahon took extraordinary measures - measures unprecedented in pro wrestling history.

Since Bret Hart had refused to lose to Michaels in Canada, the plot was put into motion to take the belt off of him. The match itself was a classic HBK/Hart affair. There were reversals, technical acumen, and mat wrestling galore. The two slowly built up the match like the master craftsmen they were.

Then, Shawn Michaels managed to lock Bret into his own submission hold, the Sharpshooter. HBK could be seen 'feeding' his leg to Hart for a planned reversal. But then, Vince McMahon leapt up from the announce desk and demanded the time keeper ring the bell. When the confused keeper didn't respond immediately, McMahon rang the bell himself.

Referee Earl Hebner called for the bell and announced Michaels as the winner by submission. Hart and Michaels both seemed confused and angry at the sudden finish. Shawn was given the title and ordered to leave the ring.

Hart, no longer a WWE employee, went on a tirade on the House mike. When the mike was cut off, he formed the letters WCW in the air with his fingers.

The fans in attendance were equally confused on what transpired before their eyes. Bret Hart was visibly upset and spat at Vince McMahon, who stood at ringside looking guilty as hell.