"I interviewed Bret when all that stuff was going down" - WWE veteran recalls company struggles before Montreal Screwjob (Exclusive)

Former WWE head writer Vince Russo recently spoke about Bret Hart's position in the company before the Montreal Screwjob. The legendary wrestler parted ways with the company after the incident.

The Montreal Screwjob will go down in history as one of wrestling's most distasteful moments. Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels had real-life heat, and the Hitman did not want to drop the WWE Championship to his rival in front of his home fans at Survivor Series 1997. Vince McMahon and Co. decided to double-cross Bret on live TV and strip him of the title.

This week on Wrestling with Russo, the veteran writer explained that WWE was making huge losses in 1997. He recalled that Vince McMahon could not honor the contract he signed with The Hitman and told him to take the offer from WCW. Russo noted that Vince volunteered to help Hart get the best deal from Eric Bischoff.

"People don't understand how in the red WWE was at that time. They were in the red. That's why Vince said, 'I know I offered you this contract, but the reality of the situation is I can't afford to pay you. I will do everything I can and help you out in any way I can to position you to get as much money as you can from WCW. They knew that prior to Survivor Series."

Russo added that he spoke with Bret Hart during an interview before Survivor Series to get a sense of what his state of mind was ahead of the huge decision.

"I interviewed Bret when all that stuff was going down. That would give you a timeframe. I can't give you how long before Survivor Series that was."

Bret Hart was not utilized well in WCW and later retired from in-ring action due to a severe concussion after a vicious kick from Goldberg. However, the wrestling icon is considered one of the all-time greats and is the only three-time Hall of Famer in WWE.

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