3. “I feel a bit responsible for the Montreal Screwjob” – Vince Russo
During a recent appearance on the WZ Radio, former WWF Head Writer Vince Russo noted that he wishes the Montreal Screwjob was a work as he feels he’s a bit responsible for it. Below is what he said:
“I wish it was a work. I really do. I wish it was a work because it was one of my worst days in the wrestling business. I wish it never happened. I was a part of it. I feel a bit responsible. I wish it was a work. I really do. I wish it was a work.
Bro, I’m the one who gave Vince the idea for Shawn to put Bret in the Sharpshooter. I’m the one who told him in a creative meeting days before it happened. When I was on two phone calls with Vince and Bret that Bret did not know I was on. Vince pitched Bret every storyline you could imagine. Bret turned every single one of them down. We are getting in to 8 or 9 o’clock at night now and we’d been at the creative meeting since about 9 in the morning. Out of pure frustration I turned to Vince and said, “Freaking screw it, Vince. Have Shawn put Bret in the Sharpshooter and have the referee call for the bell.” That is the story. That is what happened. All I know is days before Survivor Series at the creative meeting when the finish was being discussed out of frustration because Bret wouldn’t agree to anything I just said, “Screw it! Let Shawn put him in the Sharpshooter. Have the referee call for the bell.” Done.
I had no contact after that. This was probably on a Thursday. I did not know what he was going to do. I had no idea. He kind of kept his distance from me and looking back now I think that was an effort to protect me. I sat down next to Taker when the finish of the match took place and it was sure enough what I threw out at Vince at that booking meeting. I sat there and I was like, “Holy crap! I can’t believe he did that!” But he did.
I had to talk to Bret Hart on the phone less than a week later. He was not very pleasant when I told Bret, “Bro, I support what Vince did. I understand why Vince did it, Bret, and you’ll never understand this side of it.” One of the hardest things I ever had to do in my life. So when I tell you I wish it was a work… I wish it was a work.”
