Reviewing WWE Survivor Series 1997: The Night of the Montreal Screwjob

The WWE Survivor Series 1997, held on November 9th at the Molson Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, is arguably one of the most controversial and memorable events in professional wrestling history. This eleventh edition of the annual pay-per-view featured a mix of traditional Survivor Series elimination matches and high-stakes singles bouts, but it’s best remembered for the shocking conclusion of the main event, which has since been dubbed the "Montreal Screwjob."

Key Matches and Moments

1. Bret Hart vs. Shawn Michaels (WWE Championship Match): The main event between Bret "The Hitman" Hart and Shawn Michaels was billed as a grudge match for the WWE Championship. Hart, the reigning champion, was set to leave WWE for WCW, and the tension between him and Michaels was palpable. The match itself was intense and competitive, but it was the ending that stole the headlines. In a shocking turn of events, WWE Chairman Vince McMahon ordered the referee to ring the bell while Michaels had Hart in the Sharpshooter, despite Hart not submitting. This incident, now known as the Montreal Screwjob, led to Hart losing the title under controversial circumstances, creating one of the most infamous moments in wrestling history.

2. Team USA vs. Team Canada: The event also featured a traditional Survivor Series elimination match pitting Team USA (Vader, Goldust, Marc Mero, and Steve Blackman) against Team Canada (British Bulldog, Jim Neidhart, Doug Furnas, and Phil LaFon). The match was a patriotic showdown, with Team Canada emerging victorious in front of their home crowd, adding to the night's drama.

3. The Nation of Domination vs. The Legion of Doom, Ahmed Johnson, and Ken Shamrock: This elimination match saw The Nation of Domination (Faarooq, D'Lo Brown, Kama Mustafa, and Rocky Maivia) take on The Legion of Doom, Ahmed Johnson, and Ken Shamrock. The match was hard-hitting, with Shamrock's team coming out on top after a fierce battle.

4. Kane vs. Mankind: Kane, in one of his earliest WWE appearances, faced Mankind in a brutal contest that showcased Kane's destructive power. Kane emerged victorious, continuing his path of destruction in WWE.

5. The New Age Outlaws vs. The Headbangers: The New Age Outlaws (Road Dogg and Billy Gunn) faced The Headbangers (Mosh and Thrasher) in a tag team match that was both entertaining and chaotic. The New Age Outlaws secured the win, further establishing their dominance in the tag team division.

Analysis and Reception

Positives:

• Iconic Main Event: Despite the controversy, the main event between Hart and Michaels remains one of the most talked-about matches in wrestling history. The intensity and storytelling were top-notch, even if the ending left many fans and Hart himself feeling betrayed.

• Patriotic Showdown: The Team USA vs. Team Canada match added a layer of national pride and intensity, making for an engaging and dramatic contest.

• Rising Stars: The event featured future stars like Kane and The Rock (then Rocky Maivia), highlighting the emerging talent in WWE at the time.

Negatives:

• Controversial Ending: The Montreal Screwjob overshadowed much of the event, with the controversy casting a shadow over the night. While it made for compelling television, it also left a sour taste for many fans and created significant backstage turmoil.

• Pacing Issues: Some matches felt rushed, while others dragged on, affecting the overall pacing of the event.

Conclusion

WWE Survivor Series 1997 is a landmark event in wrestling history, remembered primarily for the Montreal Screwjob. The night was filled with high-stakes matches and dramatic moments, making it a must-watch for any wrestling fan. Despite the controversy, the event showcased the intensity, storytelling, and emerging talent that has made WWE a global phenomenon.

What are your thoughts on the 1997 Survivor Series? Did any matches or moments stand out to you?

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