10 Best WWE Matches Of 1997

5. Davey Boy Smith Vs. Owen Hart (Monday Night Raw, March 3)

Kane Undertaker Badd Blood 1997 Cell
WWE.com

The taped Raw from Berlin, Germany was demolished in the ratings by Nitro, and the lighting was so poor that the usually-slick WWE felt entirely second-rate.

The only gem produced by McMahon's decision to make a big showing of Raw from Germany was the final match of the tournament to determine the first WWE European Champion, between two in-laws that hearkened back to their wrestling roots.

Smith and Hart blended some of their acquired WWE-style of work with classic junior heavyweight wrestling, complete with intricate reversals and fast-paced offense that was unlike either man's designed ethos of the time. Hart's shift toward his underhanded instincts as the match wore on provided enough story to balance the beautiful grappling from two men with impressive resumes.

Contributor
Contributor

Justin has been a wrestling fan since 1989, and has been writing about it since 2009. Since 2014, Justin has been a features writer and interviewer for Fighting Spirit Magazine. Justin also writes for History of Wrestling, and is a contributing author to James Dixon's Titan series.