Late WWE Hall Of Famer Reveals They Nearly Came To Blows With Bret Hart

The late WWE Hall of Famer Pat Patterson recounted how he almost came to blows with Bret Hart years after the notorious Montreal Screwjob incident.

During an Inside the Ropes live event in 2018, Patterson shared his perspective on the tense aftermath of one of pro wrestling’s most controversial moments. Patterson, who was the agent for the Survivor Series 1997 match between Hart and Shawn Michaels, described the atmosphere as fraught with tension even before the event.

The day of Montreal, I couldn’t have a conversation with Bret, I couldn’t have a conversation with Shawn. I said to Shawn, ‘You doing okay? You feel alright with the match?’ [Shawn said] ‘Fuck you, we’ll see what happens.’

Patterson recalled. The Montreal Screwjob saw Michaels win the WWE Championship in a controversial fashion, with Hart not actually submitting to the Sharpshooter. This decision, orchestrated by WWE management, left Hart outraged and led to a backstage confrontation with Patterson.

I said, ‘Bret, I want you to know I had nothing to do with this.’ I was shocked, I could not believe what took place.

Patterson said, noting that Hart refused to accept his explanation and harboured resentment for years. The unresolved tension between Patterson and Hart finally erupted years later in Las Vegas. Patterson, frustrated by the lingering animosity, confronted Hart directly.

I grabbed him one time in Vegas and I said, ‘I’ve had enough if I’ve got to kick the shit out of you or fight with you, are you gonna shake my hand you fucking idiot?’

Patterson recounted. This confrontation ended with the two men shaking hands and embracing, providing a long-awaited resolution to their feud.

And we finally shook hands and I hugged him, that made me feel good.

Which Former WWE Star Did Bret Hart Offer To Drop The Title To In 1997?

Former WWE star Steve Lombardi, known better as The Brooklyn Brawler, said that Bret Hart offered to drop the WWE Championship to him instead of Shawn Michaels before he left for WCW in 1997. According to Lombardi Hart said this to Vince McMahon but McMahon wouldn’t entertain that idea.

H/t to ITRWrestling.com