12 Most Shocking WWE Title Changes
1. The Montreal Screwjob
Not just one of the most shocking title changes of all time, but one of the most infamous events in all of wrestling history, 1997's Montreal Screwjob needs no introduction.
A scheme concocted in order to snatch the WWF Championship from Bret Hart (who was soon about to depart the company for WCW), the incident saw Shawn Michaels trap the Canadian in his own signature Sharpshooter - a move the Hitman was supposed to reverse - only for Earl Hebner to immediately call for the bell.
To put it mildly, all hell broke loose. HBK scrambled for the back, feigning ignorance as to the shoot plot which had unfolded, while the Montreal crowd screamed their disapproval. Bret leaned over the top rope and spat directly in Vince McMahon's face, before allegedly knocking his boss out with a single blow in the locker room afterwards.
The repercussions of the plot are still felt to this day, and the event will be forever tied to the legacy of both wrestlers involved.
For what it's worth, Michaels held the title until WrestleMania XIV, where he dropped it to the insanely popular Steve Austin - kickstarting the iconic feud between Stone Cold and Vince McMahon which would ultimately propel WWF to victory over WCW.