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SPORTS-ENTERTAINMENT'S DARKEST NIGHTS

This summer's new Batman movie, The Dark Knight, swoops into theaters on July 18 and is sure to deliver a chilling vision of Bruce Wayne's Gotham City. Over the years, WWE has had many nights that were dreary, dire and sometimes downright depressing. Assembled below are some of the Darkest Nights in sports-entertainment history - which do you think is the blackest? VOTE now to let us know.

Regal hits the lights

April 28, 2008 was one of sports-entertainment's darkest nights, literally, as then-General Manager William Regal turned out the lights in East Rutherford, N.J., in the middle of a title match between WWE Champion Triple H and Randy Orton. Earlier that night, Regal's coronation as the 2008 King of the Ring had been interrupted by Mr. Kennedy, much to the delight of the audience. To retaliate, the royal GM took Raw off the air before the end of the night's event, claiming that the WWE Universe didn't deserve to see the match's culmination.
Watch Regal pull the plug | Order Regal's book at WWE Shop

The "Montreal Screwjob"

At Survivor Series in 1997, WWE Champion Bret Hart faced his rival Shawn Michaels in the "Hit Man's" native Canada. During the match, HBK managed to clamp the champion's own signature finishing move, The Sharpshooter, onto "Hit Man." Though Hart never tapped out, the referee signaled for the bell to be rung, awarding the title to HBK. The betrayal was a result of a scheme by Michaels, the official and Mr. McMahon himself to prevent Hart from taking the WWE Title with him when he left for rival promotion WCW.
Watch now | Photos | Interview: Part 1 & Part 2 | Order HBK's "Faith" shirt

Mega Powers Explode

Two of the most popular Superstars of the late '80s were Hulk Hogan and his partner in the Mega Powers, Randy Savage. But during an episode of The Main Event, they faced off against The Twin Towers in a match that saw Hogan briefly leave Savage alone to help an injured Miss Elizabeth. When Hogan returned, "Macho Man" tagged him in by slapping him across the face, then abandoned the Hulkster. After the match, Savage accused Hogan of lusting after Elizabeth, leading to the dissolution of this powerful and beloved tandem.
Order the Hulk Hogan Anthology at WWE Shop

"Stone Cold" aligns with WCW

2001's Invasion saw WCW and ECW form an Alliance and attempt a takeover of WWE. At the time, one of WWE's most popular Superstars was "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, which made it all the more stunning when he defected to the Alliance during a brutal 10-Man Tag Team Match. After numerous reversals and run-ins, Austin turned on his own WWE team because he felt that the promotion no longer cared about him. Austin performed Stunners, allowing WCW to get the pin, turning one of WWE's most beloved icons into a traitor.
Austin's Superstar page | WWE Shop: Stone Cold's "Raise Hell" T-shirt

McMahon and Bischoff: Allies?

Mr. McMahon and Eric Bischoff fought through much of the '90s as Bischoff led the rival WCW promotion in the Monday Night Wars. But in late 2002, after WWE had purchased WCW, the Raw brand was without a General Manager. Showing his flair for irony, Mr. McMahon introduced the new GM - Eric Bischoff himself. Bischoff brought his smarmy arrogance to Monday nights in full effect, making him one of the most hated men on television. Up until his eventual firing, Monday nights were dark indeed.
Watch Bischoff announce his first Raw match | Order Bischoff's book

Yokozuna puts Undertaker in a casket

Royal Rumble 1994 saw WWE Champion Yokozuna defend his title against Undertaker in what is normally one of The Deadman's specialties, a Casket Match. The Phenom managed to hold his own until Yokozuna enlisted the help of multiple other Superstars. Together, they managed to place Undertaker in the casket, but as they wheeled it down the aisle, the casket emitted green smoke and exploded. The audience then looked on amazed as someone resembling their beloved Undertaker ascended to the ceiling.
Yokozuna's Superstar page | Watch the match | 'Taker merchandise

Hulk Hogan goes Hollywood

At Bash at the Beach 1996, The Outsiders were attempting to take over WCW, competing in a tag team match. While all the competitors were down, Hulk Hogan came to the ring, presumably to help defeat The Outsiders. But to the audience's horror, Hogan brutally attacked Randy Savage and united with The Outsiders, forming the New World Order and taking on the name "Hollywood." In their attempt to take over sports-entertainment, they would become one of the most feared factions of all time.
Hulk Hogan's Superstar page | Hulkster merchandise at WWE Shop