5 Major WWE Feuds that spilled over into real life
Feuds that occur in the WWE are generally products of fiction, originating from the writer’s judgement of which wrestlers to pair together. There are many instances where the WWE has paired wrestlers accurately, leading to absorbing feuds by virtue of the chemistry between the wrestlers. Yet, WWE’s track record is blighted with a fair few instances where the characters involved in a feud where almost inert with one another; Such feuds rarely gained traction with the audience. However, while examining the myriad of factors that are involved in the process to establish a feud, it is hard to argue against the school of thought propounded by Vince McMahon; Real life heat, makes the best on-screen feuds. It is no secret that Vince Mcmahon thinks this way, and so, very unconsciously gives the liberty to his wrestlers to not maintain a completely professional inter-personal relationship with one another.
We have witnessed plenty of wrestlers whose on-screen bad blood often times translated over into reality. Sometimes, the converse also rung true. Either way, the WWE has afforded plenty of material over the years to compile a list of major feuds that spilt over into real life or vice versa. Here is a look at one side of the coin; Major feuds that spilt over onto real life.
#1 Bret 'The Hitman' Hart vs Shawn Michaels
The adorning crown jewel of TV feuds that spilt onto reality, Bret ‘The Hitman’ Hart's grouse with the Heartbreak Kid, Shawn Michael is undoubtedly one of the highlights in wrestling lore. Not merely for the quality of matches that these two supremely gifted performers put forth, but rather primarily due to the off-ring altercation between the two that had grown to all-encompassing proportions. Bret Hart did not have a problem dropping the title to a cocky and entitled Shawn Michaels but merely refused to do it in his hometown of Montreal.
The Montreal Screwjob thus ensued, ensuring that Bret Hart left the company, while also establishing Vince McMahon as a villainous boss character on TV. Shawn Michaels on the other hand, stayed unrepentant about his actions, all the while vindicating his decision with stellar performances that have paved the way to the legendary status he now enjoys in the WWE Universe.
Looking back, we can unanimously agree that it was this feud that proved to be the turning point in the wrestling industry then, changing the industry for good in the way the TV programming has been produced ever since. Bret Hart went on to WCW, where unsound booking laid him the victim of a pre-mature career tail-down, instead of capitalising on the wave of sympathy that the Screwjob had generated. Shawn Michaels went on to become Mr.Wrestlemania.
When the pair shook hands and afforded the viewers a public reconciliation on Raw, one of the most intense and relevant feuds in WWE history had finally been laid to a quietly satisfying rest.