8 Wrestling Matches That Ended Before They Were Meant To

8. Shawn Michaels Vs. Bret Hart (WWF Survivor Series 1997)

The classic example, and it's one hell of a place to start.

Going into his WWF Title match against Shawn Michaels at the 1997 Survivor Series, Bret Hart suspected that he'd have to keep his wits about him. One thing he didn't anticipate though was that referee Earl Hebner would call for the bell when Bret was locked in his own Sharpshooter submission hold.

Amidst all the drama of Hart's move to WCW and well-known personal problems with Michaels behind the scenes, the "Montreal Screwjob" conspiracy hatched by HBK, Vince McMahon and Hebner changed Bret's life and career forever. The image of him desperately scrabbling for Shawn's leg to reverse the move has become legendary.

The fact this match, one that was supposed to be his farewell to the WWF fans, ended so suddenly just past the 12-minute mark despite being carefully planned to include at least another five minutes of action would haunt Bret for years. It remains the defining moment of his career.