Sports Talk with MC

by MC

I recently got to see an interview conducted by “Off The Record”’s Michael Landsburg featuring WWE Hall of Famer and Canada’s own Bret “The Hitman” Hart on a host of issues. Beyond Survivor Series 1997, the NWO and WCW, and the death of his brother Owen Hart, Bret’s candid anecdotes on a variety of subjects, on the whole, elicited surprise from yours truly.

The Hitman talked about his relationship with WWE Chairman Vincent Kennedy McMahon. After suffering a stroke some years back, Bret claims that Vinny Mac phoned him. It was then that the two discussed arrangements for the former’s tribute DVD. In the piece, Calgary’s favorite son also shared his personal views on the game’s biggest stars. As expected, he dissed Shawn Michaels for being somebody who was two-faced, and who epitomized disloyalty. He praised The Rock, and Stone Cold Steve Austin, for being “men’s men”.

Some may say that at this point, Bret’s comments are passe, and pointless to hear out. I disagree with that assertion, in that as long as a culture of usury, abuse, and inequity amongst peers and employees/superiors exists in the entertainement industry, or in any profession, for that matter, there will never be true progress that will ensue. I mean, a company like the WWE may net bigger earnings at the end of the day, but a culture rooted in disloyalty can, and will, create dissention in the ranks which, invariably, will cause a log jam- too many “stars”, too little “space”. It can happen. We saw it in the 2004 Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA. WCW had a plethora of talent but could never really beat the WWE in the ratings wars because their act had gotten “old”. The WWE, over the years, has ammassed its share of big names- Chris Benoit, John Layfield, Tazz, Shawn Michaels, Kurt Angle, etc. Couple a lion’s share of upside, with dishonesty, and what you get is something absolutely ridiculous- the poorest plots for the best people, which leads to dissatisfaction and perhaps, the complete and utter disillusionment of your entire fan base.

But I digress…

Bret Hart is a sports entertainment legend who did not deserve to go the way he did. Bret Hart does have a sharp tongue, yes, but for good reason. Most times, people are not akin to hearing the “awful truth”.

Now if only there were more who were willing to speak of the truth, and get off their keisters and work for change, then, well, fate may never get the chance to spawn a “Mr. McMahon” in reality.

Make no mistake about it- that barring of imagination morphing into flesh, blood, and a particular ideal, is a GOOD THING.