"BJ" is back once again and ready to fill your hearts with hatred for me. (sigh). I was extremely busy this weekend. So, I didn't have anytime to write a column. However, I've got a special treat for the BJchoholics worldwide. This week, I'm going to introduce a column that I wrote for the BIG 3 Newsboard about a month ago. The Lords Of Pain fans worldwide were not able to read my column. So this week, I'm introducing my column to WCW AND WWF ACTION!!! But remember, this column was written over a month ago. So some of my facts could be false as of present day. But, I hope you enjoy my column. So, let's get ready to rumble!...
Bret Hart vs. Vince McMahon - A work?
There's not one wrestling fan in the world that hasn't heard about the "screwing" of Bret "The Hitman" Hart by WWF owner, Vince McMahon at the Survivor Series in Montreal last year. Therefore, I don't think I need to go into detail of what happened in the final bout between Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels. But, I'd like to touch on the surface of the whole conspiracy.
A tremendous amount of controversy surrounded the entire incident. Bret was forced to leave the WWF by Vince McMahon and was told to accept Eric Bischoff's offer to work for WCW.
Now "The Hitman" is happily working for World Championship Wrestling. Bret has been pushed to both a United States Heavyweight Title, and a friendship with Hulk Hogan. To that, I say, "Big deal!" The truth is, Bret has receieved no push from Eric Bischoff and the WCW. Hart is just another superstar in WCW being mis-used and treated like a mid-carder. So, why does Bret not mind any of this? There's an obvious answer to that one, my friends. Bret Hart is being paid 3.5 million dollars a year to wrestle for WCW. Bret Hart once said, "I'm not in it for the money. I'm in it for the respect. And once this thing is all said and done... You will respect me!" Well, Bret, I respect you. I also respect the fact that you are being jobbed in World Championship Wrestling while being paid more money than Bret's ever seen in his life. Bret Hart is not in it for the money. Bret is not in it for the respect. "The Excellence of Execution" is in it for the World Wrestling Federation; because he will be wrestling for the WWF in 1.5 years.
With this in mind, I'd like to mention that Bret Hart is in the process of revealing a new documentary about professional wrestling. Controversy has been floating around the internet concerning Bret Hart's new documentary called, "Hitman Hart : Wrestling With Shadows." This film takes a behind the scenes look at professional wrestling like we've never seen before. Bret's documentary provides an exclusive real life tour of what really goes on behind closed doors in the wrestling business. "Hitman Hart : Wrestling With Shadows" should be an excellent film for wrestling fans all over the world. However, there's just one small problem. The documentary is based on a storyline. The film explains how Bret Hart got screwed by the World Wrestling Federation. However, that's not the case at all. That's right, folks. The final match at the Survivor Series in Montreal last year was an angle thought out by both Bret Hart, and Vince McMahon. I'd like to explain why I feel that Bret "The Hitman" Hart and Vince McMahon are not enemies; but very good friends. Because like I said, "Bret is not in it for the money or the respect. The Hitman is in it for the WWF." And this whole "Bret Hart vs. the promoter" act will result in the Hitman returning to the World Wrestling Federation.
You're saying, "What the hell!? That's the craziest thing I've ever heard!" Well, I quote Tony Schivane : "You know, Brain (Bobby Heenan)... Bret Hart is just so dangerous and unpredictable. The Hitman is without a doubt, the master mind manipulator."
Tony spelled it out loud and clear for the wrestling world. Bret Hart is the "Master Mind Minipulator." And today, I'd like to enlighten you with some key views and opinions about why I feel that Bret Hart's final match in the World Wrestling Federation was an ingenious "work." I mean, who's to say that it isn't a work? Okay, let's look at the facts at hand. Vince McMahon forced Earl Hebner to call for the bell when Bret was locked in the Sharpshooter by Shawn Michaels. Then, Bret gets up and spits in Vince's face. Now wait! Let's stop right there! Bret spit in Vince's face right on camera, right? Now, why was Vince out there in the first place? It wasn't because Vince was man enough to step in Bret's face. McMahon could have ordered Hebner to ring the bell without Mr. McMahon actually being there. Earl Hebner could have called for the bell without Vince standing at ringside. So, why was Vince at ringside? Simple... He wanted the fans to see the hatred between Bret and Vince. He wanted to make the public think that he was there to make sure that the entire plan worked out all right. (The plan being that everyone believed Bret got screwed by McMahon and the WWF.) So Vince was only at ringside to provide a more believable scenario between he and Bret. Why did the camera's continue to roll after Shawn Michael's "won" the match? Well, it's because Bret and Vince both wanted the world to see the angle. If this whole thing wasn't an angle, why didn't Vince McMahon talk to Bret after the Survivor Series? Vince could have talked to Bret after the PPV without the camera rolling. But, Vince decided to go to the ring and talk to Bret in front of the entire world! Mr. McMahon believed that the world would instantly buy into the entire conspiracy. And to my surprise, it did. Bret and Vince set it up beautifully together. (Assuming that it is a work.) And what about Owen? Bret's younger brother could have easily walked out of the WWF. Bret stated, "Owen tried as hard as he could to get out of the WWF. But Vince wouldn't let him leave." Well, I think that's a bunch of BS. Owen could go work for WCW anytime that he feels the need to. But Owen decided to stay because he knew that his brother would be returning in a couple of years anyway. Besides, Owen is no longer in the shadow of his older brother, Bret. So it's perfect! By the time Bret returns to the WWF, Owen will be a very well known wrestler and he may even be at main event status by the time Bret makes his return to home (the World Wrestling Federation.) So, when Bret returns to the World Wrestling Federation, Owen will no longer be in the shadow of Bret. That's why Owen stayed with Vince in the WWF. Now Owen will be his own man. So, that's the explanation of why Owen stayed in the WWF. And what about the "punch" in the locker room? I never saw the attack at the Survivor Series. Did you? I don't believe so. However, we watched the "spit." You know why we didn't see the punch? It's because there was no punch! Bret and Vince worked the story out perfectly. They showed the "spit" in front of the camera because Vince wouldn't be physically hurt by harmless spit. Being spat upon is no big deal. Infact, it was probably Vince's idea to add the spit in it. But, you see, you can't fake a punch. And if we see "spit" and an argument between Vince and Bret on camera, then we'll surely believe that there was actually a backstage "punch." So, Vince and Bret just stated that the punch took place in the locker room so that everyone would fall for the whole work. You think Bret would actually attack Vince? Yeah right! They probably had a beer together after the Survivor Series! Heck, Shawn Michaels probably joined 'em for an ice cold Brewsky! Why did Vince and Bret set this "screw job" up in the first place? Well, Vince needed to get rid of Hart for 2 years to use Bret's HUGE contract to hire new wrestlers. McMahon has gotten Val Venis, Edge, X-Pac, Dr. Death, Severn, Mike Tyson for WM, etc... These new guys will generate enough revenue to pay for Hart's new contract when he makes his return to the WWF. You will also notice that since Bret's arrival to WCW, all he has done is hype and keep the Vince / Hart angle alive. He doesn't actually say Vince's name, but he constantly talks of being screwed. It's quite clear what he is speaking of. Hart was also sent over to WCW to be a spy for Vince. Bret was keeping a very close eye on the Ric Flair lawsuit with WCW. Hart is also investigating matters that Eric Bischoff and WCW have kept top secret.
Another reason that the "work" at the Survivor Series took place was because of Stone Cold Steve Austin. Austin and Vince McMahon have been feuding for quite some time now in the WWF. However, people seem to forget that the only reason this angle is taking place is because of the incident at the Survivor Series last year. Bret Hart and Vince McMahon's plan has benefited for the World Wrestling Federation greatly. The "employee vs. employer" angle has made the WWF extremely stronger than before. The fans hated Vince McMahon for "screwing Bret Hart out of the WWF Championship." Now, the "evil promoter" has moved on to his next victim - Steve Austin. The Steve Austin fans have eaten up this feud more easily than a possible feud between Bret Hart and Hulk Hogan. Without Bret and McMahon's "work", Steve Austin would still be a mid-carder. Since Bret left the WWF, Steve Austin has become the most famous WWF superstar of all time. And if it weren't for Bret, Austin would still be jobbing to wrestlers such as "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan. The Stone Cold marks out there should be thanking Bret Hart. However, Bret will be stealing Steve Austin's spotlight once the Hitman makes his triumphant return to the World Wrestling Federation. Without Bret Hart, there would be no "Stone Cold vs. Vince McMahon" feud. And without the "Vince vs. Austin" angle, "Stone Cold" would be out of work. Bret Hart and Vince McMahon have turned "Stone Cold" Steve Austin into the WWF's people's champion.
Bret "The Hitman" Hart will be with WCW for another year. He will win the WCW World title in early 1999. (Hart is rumoured to win it from either Goldberg, Kevin Nash, or Hulk Hogan.) But Bret knows that he will not be in the WCW for long. That's why Bret doesn't really care if he is a "face" or "heel." He doesn't really care if he's being mis-used in the WCW. Bret doesn't really care if he's not being pushed through any interesting angles or storylines. This whole issue is about money. Bret is getting paid 3.5 million dollars to do absolutely nothing. Vince McMahon is going to gain alot of "benjamins" from all of the young superstars that he is signing. Vince is slowly trying to recruit alot more talent for the WWF. And with his good friend Bret Hart out of the way for a couple of years, Vince will be able to push other WWF superstars to main event staus without the "Hitman" hogging the spotlight. And then, once Vince gets his money from the profit of his "entertainment," he will re-hire Bret and the Hitman will return to his home in the WWF! So, my opinions are there. Now, tell me if this is a work or not. Remember, none of this is factual. So don't E-mail me saying that I'm full of shit! This is just speculation that makes a hell lot of sense. Are Bret Hart and Vince McMahon in cahoots? Are they as tight as they were three years ago? Well, you be the judge. I've laid the points on the table. Now it's up to you to use your imagination and come up with your own hypothesis. Is Bret "The Hitman" Hart returning to Vince McMahon's side? We'll just have to wait and see... But in my opinion, Bret will return to the World Wrestling Federation in 1.5 years. (We'll keep our fingers crossed.) And once "Hitman Hart : Wrestling With Shadows" comes out on video, remember my column. And most importantly, remember that Bret Hart is the "Master Mind Manipulator." And the wrestling fans will once again be "Excellently Executed" by another one of Bret Hart's "Master Plans."
That's all on this edition of "THE HITMAN'S MARK" with Brian "BJ" Boyd! Tune in next week for an updated article!
Contact me at : hitman4life99@hotmail.com
