Sports · Other Sports · 1 hr ago
Shawn Michaels won WWF title in Montreal Screwjob
At Survivor Series in Montreal in 1997, Shawn Michaels beat Bret Hart to become WWF Champion.
Referee Earl Hebner called for the bell while Hart was caught in his own Sharpshooter, making the finish controversial.
The incident became known as the Montreal Screwjob.
Hart was a major draw in Canada, where WWF had long held a strong position, and he was also popular in the United States and Europe.
At the time, WCW was gaining more television exposure in Canada, raising concerns that losing Hart could help its rival there.
A contemporary analysis compared the possible fan response to the lasting support for Ric Flair after he left WCW in 1991.
The event also left Hart without the departure from WWF that he had wanted: one marked by good memories rather than bitterness.
Shawn Michaels defeated Bret Hart for the WWF Championship at Survivor Series on November 9, 1997.
Referee Earl Hebner called for the bell while Michaels had Hart locked in Hart’s Sharpshooter.
The result became known as the Montreal Screwjob and was described as controversial.
The Wrestling Observer article revisits Dave Meltzer’s analysis of the incident in its November 17, 1997 newsletter.
- Who
- Shawn Michaels defeated Bret Hart, with referee Earl Hebner calling for the bell.
- What
- Michaels won the WWF Championship in a controversial match.
- When
- November 9, 1997.
- Where
- Montreal.
- Why
- Not stated.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Shawn Michaels defeated Bret Hart for the WWF Championship at Survivor Series in Montreal.
The Wrestling Observer Newsletter published Dave Meltzer’s analysis of the incident.
- Match date
- November 9, 1997
- Location
- Montreal
- New WWF Champion
- Shawn Michaels
- Defeated champion
- Bret Hart
- Referee
- Earl Hebner
2 sources
What people are saying
It’s hard to make sense out of all that happened.
What is the Canadian wresting market worth? Far more than $1.5 million per year.