On the latest episode of his Kliq This podcast, WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash weighed in on the infamous Montreal Screwjob, offering a fascinating insight that adds a new layer to the historical moment: WWE did not have backup championship belts in that era.
While discussing Bret Hart’s controversial departure, Nash revealed that the physical title belt itself was a unique item. “We didn’t have backup belts back then. That was literally the only heavyweight belt,” Nash stated.
He then shared a personal story illustrating the point, recalling his desire to get back the specific championship belt he wore for sentimental reasons. “When I lost to Bret, I gave him that belt, and then they went to Shawn,” he said. “I told Shawn, ‘Shawn, let me get that belt from you.’ He had already changed it out because the one that I had, I brought home. My mom had held it in the house, so I wanted that belt back to keep for that reason… and then it was just like, ‘No, it got traded out.’ And I’m like, ‘Well, fuck, I wish somebody would have told me I would have fucking grabbed the belt.’”
He noted hat the iconic “Winged Eagle” championship was a singular prop that was passed from champion to champion. “That Winged Eagle just went to the next cat, and it wasn’t like that motherfucker moved around much,” he added.
The Montreal Screwjob at Survivor Series 1997 remains one of the most debated moments in wrestling history. Nash’s confirmation underscores the immense pressure Vince McMahon was under to ensure the title did not leave the company with the departing Bret Hart.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article, please credit Kliq This with an h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
