3. Bret Hart Vs. Shawn Michaels – Survivor Series 1992, WrestleMania 12, Survivor Series 1997
The real-life animosity between Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels made their rivalry captivating to watch. The pair had a personal disdain for each other, but in the ring, they were professional. Their encounter in the main event of Survivor Series 1992 is the match that often doesn’t get spoken about because of their two following rematches.
The Hitman defeated the Intercontinental Champion HBK to retain the WWE Championship at the 1992 iteration of Survivor Series.
Their 60-minute Iron Man match at WrestleMania 12 for Hart’s WWE Championship is iconic. There are mixed reviews from wrestling fans and critics regarding the match itself. Nevertheless, Michaels’ boyhood dream came true when he defeated Hart for his first WWE Championship.
However, their clash at Survivor Series 1997 is unquestionably their most controversial. Once again, Hart entered as the reigning WWE Champion. Michaels was the European Champion and the first Grand Slam Champion in WWE history.
The Montreal Screwjob took place with Michaels locking Hart in the Sharpshooter. Hart didn’t submit, but Earl Hebner called for the bell with Michaels clinching his third WWE Championship. Hart and Michaels’ clashes were always good encounters, clashing at major events, with their Survivor Series ’97 clash the pick of the bunch.
