10 Fascinating WWE Survivor Series 1997 Facts
6. Jim Ross And Pat Patterson Were Specifically Kept Out Of The Loop
The very idea of the Screwjob needed to kept as airtight as possible - very few people were involved with the planning, and knew what was going to transpire. In addition to McMahon, Michaels, and Helmsley, men like Kevin Dunn, Bruce Prichard, and Gerald Brisco knew what was coming, and all had at least minor roles in seeing the plan through. Earl Hebner learned of the plan with precious time before the match, as did his twin brother Dave.
Two people that were specifically told nothing were Ross and Patterson. Both would have had strong moral objections (specifically Patterson, as he was especially close to Bret), and may have derailed the plan in some way.
Additionally, the reasoning was that the locker room would be very upset about the drastic action. Patterson was head road agent, and Ross was in charge of talent relations. The men and women of WWE needed to be able to trust at least those two, especially if they lost respect for McMahon or anyone else. Plus, if neither Patterson or Ross knew, they could honestly tell the wrestlers that their hands were clean.