Jeff Jarrett Shares What He Would’ve Done Differently During the Montreal Screwjob
WWE Hall of Famer Jeff Jarrett recently opened up about one of wrestling’s most infamous moments — the 1997 Montreal Screwjob — and revealed how he would’ve handled the chaos if he were in Vince McMahon’s shoes.
Speaking on his podcast My World with Jeff Jarrett, the veteran didn’t hold back while reflecting on the backstage drama between Bret “The Hitman” Hart, Shawn Michaels, and Vince McMahon at Survivor Series 1997 — the night that changed wrestling forever.
For those unfamiliar, Bret Hart refused to lose the WWE Championship to Michaels in Canada, despite being willing to drop it elsewhere or even forfeit it on RAW. This led McMahon to take matters into his own hands, orchestrating the now-legendary “screwjob” that shocked the entire wrestling world.
Jarrett’s Take: ‘I Would’ve Told Bret to Stay Home’
Jarrett explained that if he had been running things, his approach would have been very different:
“If I were Vince, I’d have told Bret, ‘Look, I understand where you’re coming from — you’re heading to WCW. But if you’re refusing to do business, then you’re breaching your contract. Stay home, don’t come to Montreal, and your paycheck stops today.’”
Jarrett said he wouldn’t have risked the live drama that played out on pay-per-view. Instead, he would’ve handled it legally and moved on.
“It’s unfortunate, but if you’re not willing to do what’s asked, that’s a breach. I’d have taken it to litigation and focused on the rest of my roster,” Jarrett added.
Why He Believes WWE Would’ve Been Fine
Jarrett also made it clear that WWE’s future didn’t depend on that single night.
“You’re not struggling in the ratings when you’ve got Stone Cold Steve Austin, Mankind, The Undertaker, and the rest of that roster firing on all cylinders,” he said. “Sure, you might not go back to Montreal anytime soon — but the show rolls on.”
The Legacy of the Montreal Screwjob
Even decades later, the Montreal Screwjob remains one of the most debated and defining moments in pro wrestling history.
And while many have shared their take over the years, Jeff Jarrett’s no-nonsense perspective offers a refreshing “business-first” view of what could have been a very different ending to Bret Hart’s WWE run.
