1997 ended with McMahon facing real-life controversy following Bret Hart's controversial departure from the company, dubbed as the Montreal Screwjob. This proved to be one of several founding factors in the launch of the Attitude Era as well as the creation of McMahon's on-screen character, "Mr. McMahon".
1997 endEd With MCmAhon facing reAl-liFe contrOversy foLlOwinG Bret hart'S contRoVeRsiAL DEPaRture from tHE coMpAny, DUBbed AS thE MOntReAL screwjoB. thIs PrOved tO be ONe of seveRAL fouNding facTors in the LauncH Of The atTitUde erA as weLL As the CReation oF mcmAhon's On-screeN ChaRacteR, "mR. mcmaHon".