10 Most Controversial Wrestling Match Finishes Ever
2. The Original Screwjob
Although rare, double-crosses had been a part of wrestling long before the term 'screw-job' was inseparable from the city of Montreal.
As far back as 1911, George Hackenschmidt found himself on the wrong end of a shoot finish, having previously agreed with Frank Gotch to fix the outcome of their much anticipated match after a knee injury threatened to scupper the event. That someone could be screwed even when the sport was a legitimate contest is testament to the thread of deceit running through the industry's poisoned veins.
Screw-jobs have popped up infrequently ever since, but perhaps the most famous - and visible - example prior to 1997's Survivor Series occurred on 25 November 1985.
Having played a crucial role in marrying WWF with MTV, there was almost no bigger star during the height of the company's 'Rock 'n' wrestling' boom than Wendi Richter. As the reigning women's champion riding a wave of momentum, Richter rightly felt she was worth more than her paltry $25 per show guarantee. After lengthy contract negotiations, the under-remunerated champ deferred signing a new deal whilst she consulted her lawyer.
She needn't have wasted her time; WWF already had plans in place to settle her future.
Working through her contract dispute like a pro, Richter should have known something was awry when she was booked to face a mysterious unknown by the name of 'The Spider Lady' at MSG. Adding to the suspicious circumstances was The Fabulous Moolah's backstage presence - despite the fact she had no involvement in the show.
Except she did. Beneath the mask of Richter's incognito arachnid foe, Moolah cinched her opponent into a small package, allowing the ref to count a legitimate three. The belt was snatched from the champ - for real - and she never worked for the company again.