Earl Hebner Turned Down Offer To Reenact Montreal Screwjob

WWE’s 1997 Survivor Series will be remembered forever for far more than its “Gang Rulz” theme. The Montreal Screwjob saw Bret Hart lose the WWE World Title to Shawn Michaels in controversial fashion, but Earl Hebner, who was the referee in that infamous match, has since turned down an offer to reenact that moment.

Even after more than 25 years, the Montreal Screwjob remains a significant and highly debated moment in WWE’s history. The night Vince McMahon orchestrated the screwing of Bret Hart during his WWF Championship match against Shawn Michaels at Survivor Series 1997 continues to captivate wrestling fans.

During a recent episode of the Stories with Brisco and Bradshaw show, Earl Hebner, a longtime referee, recounted an incident when a promoter in Toronto approached him with an offer of $5,000 to recreate the Montreal Screwjob finish. Hebner revealed that he declined the proposal and had much to say on the matter.

“This is no sh*t, a guy, some promoter from Toronto, I can’t think of his name, he called me up and how he got my number, I don’t know.”

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“He called me up and said, ‘I wanna work a deal like Bret Hart on my show.’ He said, ‘I’ll give you 5,000 dollars to come over here and do that match but I wanna do the same finish.’ I said, ‘It’ll take 10,000 dollars to bury me. I ain’t coming.’”

The Montreal Screwjob will be remembered for a lot of things. Shawn Michaels, Bret Hart, and even Earl Hebner might remember the night differently, and it’s anyone’s guess how that infamous night will receive a tribute in teh years to come.

Shawn Michaels made a lot of noise when he won the WWE Title from Bret Hart in Montreal. Was that they most controversial title change in WWE history? Sound off in the comments to let us know what you think!