5 most shocking title victories in WWE history

Punk pins John Cena!
Punk pins John Cena!

#3: The Montreal Screwjob:

Bret Hart dejected over the controversial finish!
Bret Hart dejected over the controversial finish!

An event that has been talked about more than any other event in pro-wrestling history. Anybody who knows anything about wrestling can tell you about "The Montreal Screwjob". It was a moment that was not shocking because the title changed hands, but how it did. In the Fall of 1997, it was widely publicized that Bret Hart was going to leave WWE for WCW with Vince McMahon’s blessing.

However, there had long been a major backstage rivalry between the Hitman and his Survivor Series opponent Shawn Michaels. Two men who hated each other were going to have to do business, and Hart wasn’t having it. Michaels had repeatedly told Bret that he would never “job” to the Hitman. So, Bret saw it only fair that he refused to lose the Michaels, especially in his home country of Canada.

Corey Graves deleted his Tweet! More details HERE.

After weeks of trying to find a finish that would suit both sides, McMahon gave Bret the impression that they would go with the finish Bret suggested. Hart was told the match would end in a No Contest with outside interference, and he would be allowed to drop the belt the next night on Raw.

However, in the midst of the Monday Night Wars, Vince couldn’t take any chance of Bret leaving for WCW with the belt. So, the finish that the fans saw in Montreal and watching at home that night was very anti-climatic. Bret was totally unaware of the plan agreed upon by Vince, Michaels, and a few others. About halfway through the match with Bret Locked in on own Sharpshooter submission hold, referee Earl Hebner immediately signalled for the bell awarding the bout and the title to Shawn Michaels.

A livid crowd erupted with boos as a disgusted Hitman spat in the face of McMahon at ringside. Following a massive tirade that included Bret punching Vince McMahon in the face backstage, Bret left for WCW and was never the same. All has been forgiven by the parties involved, but the Montreal Screwjob remains as the most infamous incident in WWE history.

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Edited by Anirban Banerjee
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