10 Wrestling Matches Better Than The One Thing You Remember Them For

1. Bret Hart Vs. Shawn Michaels (Survivor Series 1997)

Montreal Screwjob Bret Hart Shawn Michaels
WWE.com

Known for: The screwjob finish, the most controversial ever booked.

Why it's better than that: What is (understandably) lost amidst its industry-changing finish, which saw Vince McMahon prematurely call for the bell to guarantee Bret Hart's WWF title loss, is that the match was on its way to becoming a veritable blinder - far better than their interminably dishwater-dull Iron Man encounter at WrestleMania XII.

Its appeal lies in its spellbinding authenticity. The real life animosity between the two men is legendary, and a breakout of shoot punches never feels too far away - even on repeat viewing. There is also nuance beyond the physicality. That the two men choke each other with one another's national flags is a great touch, as is the presence of high-ranking WWF officials during the opening melee - it just adds to the sense that tensions could boil over at any moment.

Hilariously, considering Hart felt he'd be letting his country down by losing the championship in Montréal, there is a sign visible in the crowd which reads 'WHY WAIT LEAVE NOW BRET'. Not sure if the Hitman would have seen the funny side of that, mind.

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Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!