15 Biggest Political Power Plays By WWE Talents
1. The Montreal Screwjob
The political moves that led to the Montreal Screwjob were plentiful and showcased by Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart, not to mention WWF owner Vince McMahon. The unenviable situation that the three men found themselves in was caused by political power plays by all sides in the lead-up to Survivor Series '97.
Shawn started the posturing by telling Bret that he was not willing to put the Hitman over.
After being forced out of his 20-year contract with the WWF by Vince McMahon, Bret Hart signed with WCW in November '97 as the reigning WWF Champion. Vince wanted Bret to drop the title to Shawn at their upcoming Survivor Series match, but after Shawn's blatant disrespect to the champion, it was Bret's turn to make a move.
In response to Michaels, Bret refused to drop the title to Shawn but gave McMahon multiple alternatives for when, how, and to whom he would drop the title before leaving for WCW. Now it was Vince's turn to show who had the real power.
Vince pacified the Hitman and allowed Bret to think the Survivor Series would end in a schmoz, or disqualification. In reality, Vince had conspired with Shawn and referee Earl Hebner to end the match prematurely and award the title to Shawn Michaels.
When it was all said and done, all three men played the political game and all three men left unhappy.