THE ORIGINAL SCREW JOB

When we hear or think of "Screw Job", those whom aren't overly perverted, think of the Montreal Screw Job. However, it wasn't the first time Vince McMahon turned the tables of a champion. The original screwing came in the mid 80's well before the internet and everyone having access to the "dirt sheets". So, for some of you this may be something new to you.

When: November 25th, 1985
Where: Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York
Target: Wendi Richter, WWF Womens Champion
Players: Vince McMahon, The Fabulous Moolah, Dick Kroll (referee)

Apparently, it was again over not signing a contract. Ironically, the same month only 22 years earlier than Montreal. The difference here, is that there is nothing stating Wendi Richter was looking to "jump ship" like Bret Hart was doing. Montreal makes sense in many ways, however the original screw job doesn't really. It would appear Vince McMahon via Gorilla Monsoon, was trying to get Wendi to sign a new deal, Which she had been rightfully asking for. Wendi was looking to be compensated, something happened. What exactly, we are not sure. Was it Vince worried she would become a "diva" (pun intended) and hold the title ransom? Was he pissed Richter didn't jump and sign the deal? Was it simply her asking to wait until after the match to read and sign it that triggered it all?

Regardless of the "why", it played out as such. Wendi Richter was scheduled to face the mysterious and masked Spider (Spider Lady). However, after whatever happened with Vince, The Fabulous Moolah dawned the costume and mask, and replaced whomever as Spider Lady for this match. Unbeknownst to Richter, who appears to be the only person "out of the loop" on this one. Although Richter says that she had a hint that something was up given the change in Spider Lady's physical appearance, but couldn't just walk away from the match. Vince found the right spot in the match to do the screw job, a small package by Spider Lady in which Wendi is supposed to (and did) kick out of. The ref of course was in on the swerve and made sure that there was a 3 count. Bell rings. And although would appear to be part of the show, Richter rips off Moolah's mask, and even appears to attempt to pin her. It is possible, that this was all part of the "training" that goes with pro wrestling. Continue as planned, if at all possible.
Again, with no internet and McMahon not using the angle to unveil "Mr. McMahon" most of us were completely unaware of the realism that was happening. For the average fan at at time, just assumed it was part of the business. People came and went for years. Even though Wendi Richter was as over as she was, she was still a professional wrestler. It wasn't until years later that the masses were made aware of this. If you hadn't read or watched a shoot interview with Wendi Richter, you finally heard the full story (at least her side). The one thing Vince did do however, was replay the spot through the years. Never explaining, simply showing it. Richter basically disappeared after that. She did carry on in the independence more a moment, even capturing other Womens Championships, but very little before retiring in 2005. Then, perhaps as an apology for the screw job, WWE inducted Wendi Richter in the 2010 WWE Hall Of Fame.

Much like the Montreal Screw Job, a lot of this does still feel like a "work". We never really know for sure. Was there a reason Richter needed to drop the title? Was there real life issues on any kind, or anything that lead to a mutual agreement? Appearing as a swerve would garner attention no matter the era. Who's to say it just didn't back fire, leaving Richter getting the shaft. Even after everyone involved giving their stories, it's confusing. Add that although it is on life support, Kayfab still exists. And the further back you go in wrestling history, the stronger it becomes. But, the Montreal Screw Job could easily have been Vince and Bret looking to help each other. Bret with legit beef going into WCW and having something to talk about, and Vince with his new direction. That is all of course, if we're not being told the truths haha As it is "dead horse" status in regards to all involved telling us.