Was Kimbo Slice Overrated Or Underrated?

Kevin Ferguson, aka Kimbo Slice, initially gained notoriety through his brutal street fights showcased on the internet. He later transitioned to professional mixed martial arts, making his EliteXC debut in 2007, which sparked widespread interest and discussion among fans.

UFC President Dana White initially roasted Kimbo Slice, bluntly saying "Kimbo Slice sucks." He questioned Slice's MMA credentials and doubted he'd cut it in the UFC. However, White later ate some humble pie, acknowledging Slice's popularity and work ethic. He even offered Kimbo a spot on The Ultimate Fighter, showing a willingness to give him a chance. White praised Slice's improvement without apologizing for the initial jab.

After EliteXC folded, UFC President Dana White offered Kimbo Slice a chance to compete on The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights. Slice participated in the show, coached by Quinton "Rampage" Jackson and Rashad Evans. Despite being defeated by Roy Nelson in the preliminary round, Slice's popularity and work ethic earned him a spot on the show, which drew record-breaking views. Although he didn't advance due to his knee arthritis, Slice's performance and humility impressed the UFC, and he was offered a contract.

Kimbo Slice went 1-1 in the UFC, with his debut fight being a unanimous decision win against Houston Alexander at The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights Finale. He then lost to Matt Mitrione at UFC 113 via TKO in the second round. Following the loss, UFC President Dana White hinted that it might be Slice's last fight in the UFC, and he was subsequently released from his contract. Despite his short stint and initial criticism, White later developed respect for Slice's work ethic and acknowledged his popularity and impact on the sport. White even praised Slice as a fighter and a person after his UFC stint.

After leaving the UFC, Kimbo Slice explored other options, including signing with Strikeforce and pursuing a boxing career. He eventually announced his retirement from MMA in 2010 to focus on boxing but never competed. In 2015, Slice announced his return to MMA and signed a multi-fight deal with Bellator MMA and made his debut against Ken Shamrock, winning via TKO. His next fight against Dada 5000 ended in controversy after Slice failed a drug test, resulting in a fine and license revocation in Texas. The fight's result was changed to a no contest. His next scheduled fight was to be against James Thompson, but sadly, on June 6, 2016, Kevin “Kimbo Slice” Ferguson passed away due to heart failure.

Kimbo Slice's legacy is a nuanced blend of both overrated and underrated. When he first transitioned to MMA, many felt he was overhyped due to his internet fame, and his early performances didn't quite live up to expectations. However, as he gained experience and refined his skills, Slice proved himself to be a formidable opponent with raw power and a strong work ethic. Despite his potential, his career was cut short due to health issues and controversy. Ultimately, Slice's impact on MMA extends beyond his fighting skills, and his legacy continues to be debated among fans and critics. 

Was The Montreal Screwjob A Work?

 

In 1996, Bret “Hitman” Hart signed a 20-year deal with the WWF. However, due to WCW's success with the New World Order (nWo) and WWF's financial struggles, Vince McMahon couldn't honor the contract. With McMahon's blessing, Bret signed with WCW, and his last night with WWF would be Survivor Series '97.

Bret, a Canadian hero, refused to drop the WWF Championship to Shawn Michaels in Canada, leading to tension between Hart and McMahon. The year before, Madusa had shown up on WCW Monday Nitro with the WWF Women's Championship and threw it in the trash, making McMahon fear a similar incident.

During the match, Michaels put Hart in the Sharpshooter, and Vince McMahon, sitting at ringside, signaled referee Earl Hebner to call the bell, declaring Michaels the winner. Hart was furious, spat in McMahon's face, smashed equipment, and famously traced "WCW" in the air with his finger, showing his allegiance to his new employer.

The aftermath of the Montreal Screwjob was intense. The Undertaker, screened the match in McMahon's office, visited Hart's dressing room to express his shock, and then went back to Vince's office and banged on the door, telling McMahon he had to apologize to Hart. A confrontation between Hart and McMahon later ensued in the dressing room, where Hart punched McMahon, resulting in a black eye and sprained ankle for Vince. The incident sparked a major revolt in the WWF locker room, with many wrestlers outraged and threatening to boycott Raw or leave the company. McMahon addressed a meeting to calm the situation, but it was ultimately Bret's counsel to fulfill contractual obligations that quelled the potential revolt.

The Montreal Screwjob also planted the seeds for the Mr. McMahon character, which became one of the greatest heels in wrestling history. Vince McMahon's portrayal of a ruthless, power-hungry boss resonated with audiences and paved the way for memorable storylines and feuds.

In 2005, Bret Hart collaborated with WWE on a DVD project celebrating his two-decade career, initially titled "Screwed: The Bret Hart Story" before being renamed "Bret 'Hit Man' Hart: The Best There Is, the Best There Was, the Best There Ever Will Be." Hart's first WWE appearance since the Montreal Screwjob came on the November 16, 2005, edition of Byte This!, where he discussed the DVD with Todd Grisham. Years later, Hart returned to Raw on January 4, 2010, and buried the hatchet with Shawn Michaels, with both men confirming their reconciliation was genuine. Hart and Michaels shared a heartfelt moment, putting their legendary Ironman match and the Montreal Screwjob into perspective. Later that night, Hart began a storyline feud with Vince McMahon, which culminated in their match at WrestleMania XXVI, where Hart emerged victorious. Hart would go on to make periodic WWE appearances, including a brief reign as WWE United States Champion in May 2010, marking his first championship win in WWE since the Montreal Screwjob.

The origin of the idea behind the Montreal Screwjob remains unclear. Some, like Jim Cornette, claim to have inspired McMahon with a story about a similar incident in the old days, though Cornette himself has stated he didn't think McMahon would actually go through with it. Others, like Vince Russo, take credit for the concept but express regret over its execution. Regardless of its origin, the Montreal Screwjob's impact on professional wrestling is undeniable.

The question remains whether the Montreal Screwjob was a work or a legitimate screwjob. While those close to Bret Hart, including his then-wife Julie and many WWF talent, believe the screwjob was legitimate, the presence of cameras for the documentary "Hitman Hart: Wrestling With Shadows" has fueled ongoing debate about the extent to which it might have been staged.

Interestingly, George "The Animal" Steele, a road agent for the WWF at the time, claimed in a shoot interview that the screwjob was a work. However, given Steele's era and reputation for intense in-ring performances, it's possible he might have been maintaining kayfabe.

Personally, I'm convinced the Montreal Screwjob was the real deal – staging it would've benefited WCW more than the WWF. That being said, if it was indeed a work, it was masterfully executed, leaving an indelible mark on professional wrestling history.

(Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart in 2017, 20 years after the Montreal Screwjob.)