3. Bret Hart Vs Shawn Michaels - Survivor Series 1997
Everybody has their own opinions on this story, and the backstage politics are far too complicated to properly explore here in any detail, but in any case - the main event of 1997's Survivor Series was met with widespread disapproval. In what is now known as the Montreal Screwjob, Vince McMahon ordered the bell to be rung - causing Bret Hart to lose his WWF Championship to Shawn Michaels - despite the fact that Hart hadn't tapped out to the HBK's sharpshooter. It differed from the countless cheap finishes throughout wrestling history due to one crucial fact: it was completely real. Vince, Shawn, and a host of backstage accomplices conspired against Hart to rob him of the title in his home nation of Canada. The reasons behind this decision are tangled, but all essentially amount to the fact that Bret was jumping ship to WCW and Vince didn't want to risk him refusing to drop the championship before leaving. The outrage sparked by this incident is still felt to this day, but was especially explosive back when it happened. Just watch the front row of the crowd as the bell rings - they immediately jump to their feet in outrage and confusion. The match's aftermath is just as hectic, with Hart spitting down over the top rope onto Vince and HBK feigning innocence. Although ultimately creating an exciting narrative which we can look back on and enjoy for its controversy, the climax of this PPV must be ranked as one of the worst ever for its utter lack of honour and professionalism. It remains one of the most infamous incidents in professional wrestling history.
