Jim Ross Shuts Down Bret Hart’s Claim That Vince McMahon and Shawn Michaels Were Lovers

Bret Hart set off a firestorm this week when he claimed on the Johnny I Pro Show that Vince McMahon and Shawn Michaels were lovers during their run together in WWE. The WWE Hall of Famer didn’t hold back, stating he “got caught between two lovers” during the Montreal Screwjob and strongly implied Michaels slept with McMahon out of jealousy. But now, Jim Ross is weighing in—and he’s not buying it.

Speaking on his Grilling JR podcast, the legendary commentator and former WWE executive dismissed Bret Hart’s comments entirely. Ross, who was involved behind the scenes during the Montreal Screwjob, found the accusation absurd and said Hart was simply stirring the pot.

“That’s great. That’s hilarious. Bret knows how to push the buttons, man. That’s all he’s doing. It’s all he’s doing. And it’s working because we’re talking about it among others.”

When asked directly whether he believed there was any truth to the claim, Ross was even more blunt.

“That’s bullshit. Shawn in that era, at that point in that time, he was in a different mindset. He was a different guy. I don’t think he… believes what he just said. I think he just stirred [crap up].”

Ross confirmed Bret’s comments are effective at keeping his name in the conversation, but said there’s no way Vince McMahon will take the accusations lightly—at least not privately.

“Well, in front of people, they’ll try to blow it off like it means nothing, because it’s just a bitter guy trying to stir the sh*. And that’s what I would think. But privately, it’ll piss him off a little bit, and he’ll internalize it. He’ll be angry, but he won’t, I don’t think he’ll publicly show it, or say anything about it.”*

Despite the comments, Ross pushed back on the idea that Bret Hart is bitter, pointing out that The Hitman is doing well and has moved on from most of his wrestling wounds.

“No, he made a fortune, and he’s healthy again. Last time I saw him, he was healthy as a horse, and he was feeling good.”

The Bret Hart vs. Shawn Michaels saga may have started in the 1990s, but clearly, the tension still exists in some form—and JR just made it clear who he thinks is keeping it alive.