JBL: Montreal Screwjob Not as Big as WWE Thought
This excerpt details JBL (John Bradshaw Layfield) recounting memories surrounding the infamous “Montreal Screwjob” incident and the fallout within WWE. Here’s a breakdown of the key takeaways:
* Vince McMahon‘s Address: McMahon addressed the wrestlers at a talent meeting the day after the incident, visibly injured (black eye). He explained his side of the story,which was already largely known by the talent.
* Foley & Union Talk: The meeting involved discussion around Mick Foley potentially organizing a union.
* Wrestler Apathy: JBL emphasizes that most wrestlers weren’t deeply invested in the Shawn michaels/Bret Hart conflict. They were primarily concerned with their own careers and livelihoods. He uses his own situation - fearing non-renewal of his contract and pursuing a job in Japan – as an example.
* JBL’s Absence During the Screwjob: He was in Ottawa preparing to travel to Japan with Barry Windham as part of a WWE attempt to forge a relationship with a Japanese wrestling promotion (Baba’s group). This was a miscommunication as Laurinaitis was already handling that role.
* Regret Over Leaving: JBL expresses meaningful regret over leaving before the match ended. He and Windham had to drive several hours to another city for the next day’s show. He admits to checking if something was going to happen.
* Concern About Potential violence: There was a sense that a physical altercation between Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels was possible, and The Undertaker was present partly as a precaution.
* Trust in Tim White: JBL asked Tim White if anything was planned, and White assured him nothing was happening. JBL initially trusted White’s honesty, but now recognizes White was likely unaware of the full plan.
In essence, the excerpt paints a picture of a locker room largely detached from the drama unfolding between the top stars, focused on their own careers, and largely unaware of the extent of the deception until after it happened. It also highlights JBL’s personal regret at missing a pivotal moment in wrestling history due to a business trip.