Heading into 1997, the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) is heading a year that will spark arguably the most controversial era in professional wrestling history.
Coming off a year of where WCW had changed the professional wrestling business by forming the New World Order (NWO) when Hulk Hogan turned his back on WCW joining “The Outsiders” (Kevin Nash and Scott Hall).
On the other hand, WWF is heading to a new year looking to create new stars and create a new era. WWF at this time had their main stars such as: Shawn Michaels, Sid, Bret “Hitman” Hart and The Undertaker.
However, there is a new crop of stars on the horizon. Stars such as: Hunter Hearst Helmsley, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, Rocky Maivia, Mankind, Owen Hart and many others. This crop of young talent would be the backbone of WWF for the next years to come.
The times were changing in the professional wrestling business just like they were in the real world. WWF became more rebellious, anti-authority, scandalous and edgy. Giving their wrestlers a character that is related more to people the audience see in the real world.
There were definitely big moments within this year. Like Mick Foley’s three alternative personalities (Mankind, Dude Love, and Cactus Jack) being represented in his rivalry with Hunter Hearst Helmsley, the debut of The Undertaker’s “brother” Kane, or the formation of D-Generation X. 1997 was a year that is more synonymous with one moment bigger than all those.
Throughout the year, Bret Hart became a focal point in the WWF. He began showing frustration within the company because he did not like the direction the company was heading towards. The frustration would stew all throughout 1997, especially knowing that his contract was ending that year.
This led to one of, if not the most controversial moments in professional wrestling history. At the Survivor Series in Montreal, Quebec, Canada Bret Hart faced off against foe Shawn Michaels for the WWF Championship.
Bret Hart was going into this match as champion, but has yet to re-sign with the WWF. So, in a move that shocked the entire world, Shawn put Bret into Bret’s own finisher, “The Sharpshooter” and won the match.
However, Bret never tapped out. This is what is known as “The Montreal Screwjob.” The night where Bret jumped to WCW and would not be seen on a WWF/E television screen for 13 years.
What made the Attitude Era memorable was the moments that are still continuously talked about to this day. However, is “The Attitude Era” more driven nostalgia?
For example, does anybody remember anything from the match between Undertaker and Shawn Michaels before Kane made his debut? Also, does anybody remember the Survivor Series besides “The Montreal Screwjob?”
1997 had moments that are remembered and talked about all the time. However, the athleticism and charisma that professional wrestling was built on was beginning to fade away.
David Jacobus
Intern