10 WWE Matches That Changed EVERYTHING
6. Bret Hart Vs Shawn Michaels (Survivor Series 1997)
If you’re a wrestling fan, odds are you’re all too familiar with the Montreal Screwjob. Bret Hart, soon to depart for WCW, agreed to drop his world belt anywhere, to anyone… except in Canada, to Shawn Michaels. Vince McMahon, fearing for his title, conspired with his inner circle to take the strap by force; Shawn locks in the sharpshooter, Earl Hebner calls for the bell, pandemonium ensues.
The Screwjob remains the stuff of wrestling legend with much dispute as to who knew what, but its impact is undeniable. Most notable is the emergence of “Mr McMahon” as an on-screen character. Vince made the genius decision to lean into the heat, famously telling J.R “Bret screwed Bret”. Within a year he was feuding with Stone Cold Steve Austin in one of the finest angles the business has ever produced.
Hart soon joined WCW, and had they not misused him so badly, this could have been another twist in the Monday Night Wars - the hottest worker in the business might have been the piece in the puzzle to solidify Ted Turner’s victory if only they’d booked him correctly.