In a twist of fate that brought history full circle, legendary referee Earl Hebner found himself at the center of a déjà vu moment at TNA Slammiversary. 26 years after the infamous Montreal Screwjob, Hebner was once again in Montreal, this time officiating the TNA X-Division Championship match between Mustafa Ali and “Speedball” Mike Bailey.
The match was a high-octane affair, with both competitors pushing their limits. Chaos ensued when the original referee got knocked out by an errant superkick from Bailey. Enter Earl Hebner, donning the referee shirt and ready to take charge. Ali, seizing the moment, locked Bailey in the Sharpshooter, echoing the exact scenario that led to the Montreal Screwjob in 1997.
As Hebner approached the timekeeper, teasing a repeat of history, the tension in the arena was palpable. But this time, Hebner chose honor over infamy. He refused to recreate the controversial call that had haunted him for decades. Instead, Hebner allowed the match to proceed fairly, despite Ali’s evident frustration.
The momentum shifted when Bailey evaded a chair shot from Ali and countered with a Sharpshooter of his own. This time, the tap out was undeniable. Bailey clinched the victory, ending Ali’s reign and starting his second run as the X-Division Champion. The crowd erupted, celebrating not only Bailey’s triumph but also Hebner’s redemption.
Bailey’s victory was especially sweet as it took place near his hometown of Laval, Quebec, turning the event into a homecoming celebration. This match was a rematch of their February encounter at Prestige Wrestling’s A Moment Of Violence, where Ali had emerged victorious. But on this night, Bailey reigned supreme.