Bret Hart Claims Shawn Michaels Stole Ladder Match Idea

Bret Hart Still Bitter Over "Stolen" WrestleMania X Ladder Match

WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart remains deeply bitter over the iconic ladder match between Shawn Michaels and Razor Ramon at WrestleMania X, claiming the two stars stole an idea he pitched to Vince McMahon years prior.

While speaking with Inside The Ropes, Hart discussed the origins of the stipulation in WWE. He explained that he first brought the concept to McMahon back in 1985 after using it extensively in Calgary.

“That really psses me off, that one. It really, really psses me off. I lose sleep over it even now, you know. It pisses me off because I’ve always been really honest, and I remember, like, my first year that I was in WWF, 1985 or so, I went to Vince and I said, ‘I have this idea for a match. We’ve done it in Calgary for years, but it’s a great idea for a match. It’s called a ladder match,’” Hart recalled.

The Failed Demonstration And Resistance

Hart revealed that agent Chief Jay Strongbow initially dismissed the concept as a bad idea that wouldn’t draw. Years later, while holding the Intercontinental Championship, Hart asked McMahon for permission to run a private demonstration.

He selected Shawn Michaels as his opponent after being told to find anyone he wanted. However, after putting on the trial match following a grueling night of television tapings, McMahon admitted he missed it.

“And we did the whole match, and it was pretty good. And I think I won. I can’t remember. I’m pretty sure I won because I was Intercontinental Champion. I think they hung the belt up, if I’m not mistaken. So we did the whole demonstration. I remember I came back to the dressing room, and I go to Vince. I said, ‘Did you see it?’ And he goes, ‘I missed it.’ Yeah. And I’m like—and it was like this sort of, like, now what?” Hart stated.

Accusations Of Theft

According to Hart, Michaels recognized the massive potential of the concept and took it directly to McMahon for WrestleMania X. The Hitman did not mince words when discussing the fallout.

“Shawn stole my idea. Went to Vince, and him and Razor, who were both scumbags, stole my match on purpose. They did it with sort of like—they did it like they wanted me to know it. Like, ‘We stole your match, so what are you going to do about it?’ kind of thing. And it pissed me off. It really did. And I knew Shawn saw the potential of the match and stole the idea,” Hart said.

He added that he originally envisioned facing his brother Owen Hart in a ladder match rather than their historic cage match at SummerSlam 1994.