In the ever-evolving landscape of professional wrestling, few moments have left as lasting a mark as the infamous Montreal Screwjob of 1997. While the fallout from that night is well-documented, a new revelation from Ken Shamrock has shed light on a pivotal backstage conversation that could have changed the course of WWE history.
Shamrock, the former UFC champion and WWE Hall of Famer, has confirmed a long-standing rumor: Bret Hart was willing to drop the WWE Championship to him before his controversial departure for WCW. This revelation, shared during a recent episode of Wrestling Life with Ben Veal, offers a fresh perspective on one of the most turbulent periods in wrestling.
The Untold Story: Hart’s Respect for Shamrock
Ken Shamrock’s credibility as a legitimate fighter and his technical prowess in the ring made him a unique presence in WWE during the Attitude Era. According to Shamrock, he and Bret Hart shared a mutual respect rooted in their similar wrestling styles—both were submission specialists with a focus on technical excellence.
“Yes, no doubt, me and Bret had great chemistry because of the style of which Bret wrestled, he was more closer to who I was,” Shamrock said on the podcast. “Even with the limited time that we spent together, that we got to work against one another, we were able to put something together… but being able to work in a program… I mean, it would have been stuff that you’d never seen. It would have been incredible.”
This chemistry was evident in their brief encounters on WWE programming, most notably on the October 27, 1997 episode of Raw, where Shamrock challenged Hart for the WWE Championship. Though the match ended inconclusively, the potential for a full-fledged feud was palpable.
The Missed Opportunity: What Could Have Been
Had Hart dropped the title to Shamrock, the landscape of WWE in late 1997 could have looked vastly different. At the time, WWE was in the midst of a creative renaissance, with the rise of “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and The Rock beginning to redefine the company’s direction. Shamrock, with his legitimate fighting background and crossover appeal, could have been positioned as a transitional champion—a bridge between the technical era and the new, edgier Attitude Era.
According to a WWE insider familiar with the discussions at the time, “There was genuine interest from Bret in passing the torch to Ken. Bret saw him as someone who could carry the company’s legacy forward while also bringing something new to the table. It was a rare moment of respect between two very different kinds of performers.”
Shamrock himself believes that his legacy in WWE could have been significantly altered had the plans come to fruition. “It’s funny too, because it was almost like we delayed what we could have had then to when Brock Lesnar or Ronda Rousey came in… That was something that I seen myself doing… They brought me in to go in and do those sorts of things.”
The Legacy of the Montreal Screwjob
The Montreal Screwjob, which saw Hart lose the WWE Championship to Shawn Michaels in a controversial manner, overshadowed any potential plans for Shamrock. The fallout from that night not only strained Hart’s relationship with WWE but also left a lasting impact on the company’s creative direction.
Shamrock’s revelation adds a new layer to the narrative, suggesting that Hart was open to a more collaborative and respectful transition of the title. This stands in stark contrast to the acrimonious circumstances that ultimately unfolded.
A Feud That Fans Never Got to See
The idea of a full-fledged feud between Bret Hart and Ken Shamrock is tantalizing for wrestling fans. Both men were known for their technical mastery and submission skills, and a series of matches between them could have showcased a different side of WWE’s main event scene.
“Imagine the storytelling possibilities,” said a longtime WWE producer who worked during that era. “Bret’s psychology, Ken’s legitimacy—it would have been a clash of styles that fans would have remembered for years. It’s a shame it never happened.”
Shamrock’s brief run as a top contender in WWE is often overlooked, but his chemistry with Hart and his potential as a main event star remain points of discussion among wrestling historians.
The Impact on Shamrock’s WWE Legacy
Ken Shamrock’s time in WWE is often remembered for his role as a tough, no-nonsense enforcer rather than as a top champion. However, his recent comments suggest that he was always seen as more than just a tough guy by some of the company’s top stars.
“If Bret Hart was willing to drop the title to him, that says a lot about how Shamrock was viewed behind the scenes,” said a WWE insider. “It’s not just about being a good wrestler; it’s about being someone who can carry the company’s legacy.”
Shamrock’s legacy as a pioneer of mixed martial arts in professional wrestling is secure, but his potential as a WWE Champion remains one of the great “what ifs” of the Attitude Era.
Conclusion: A Moment That Could Have Changed Everything
The revelation that Bret Hart was willing to drop the WWE Championship to Ken Shamrock before leaving for WCW is a fascinating glimpse into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of one of wrestling’s most turbulent periods. While the Montreal Screwjob ultimately defined that era, the possibility of a different outcome—where Shamrock became champion and Hart exited on his own terms—remains a tantalizing “what if” for fans and historians alike.
As Shamrock himself put it, “It would have been stuff that you’d never seen. It would have been incredible.” And for wrestling fans, that’s a legacy worth remembering.