Aside from deaths or tragic accidents, the 'Montreal Screwjob' is still one of the most-talked about moments in WWE history. That level of discussion is merited, because the events of the 1997 Survivor Series were truly incredible. Going into his match with Shawn Michaels on the show, Bret Hart was the reigning WWF Heavyweight Champion. It had become clear that the 'Hitman' was about to leave for WCW, so Vince McMahon was eager to take the title off of him. There was one major issue, the fact that Hart and Michaels didn't see eye-to-eye. Further to this, Survivor Series was taking place in Canada, and Bret didn't want to lose the belt there. Location didn't mean much to McMahon, he was worried Hart would go to WCW with his top title. This all led to a situation whereby Vince, Michaels, referee Earl Hebner and others conspired to remove Bret Hart as champion. When HBK had Bret contorted in his own Sharpshooter move, McMahon called for the timekeeper to ring the bell. After the match, Hart furiously punched Vince, and left the company distraught and feeling betrayed. Fans were left dumbfounded by what they had just witnessed.
Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.
