10 Biggest Mistakes WWE Made In 1997

1. Allowing Owen Hart To Use Dangerous Piledriver

The ongoing feud between Owen Hart and Steve Austin was playing before a good reception from crowds when the WWF rolled into SummerSlam. The heel, Owen outright said that he would only promise to defend his Intercontinental Title against Austin if 'The Rattlesnake' promised to put his dignity on the line. If he lost, Austin would have to pucker up and kiss Hart's ass. This stipulation added heat to the bout, but there would be some genuine heat between both men afterwards. Simply put, Owen was reckless during a planned Piledriver spot, and crushed Austin's neck. Temporarily paralysed on the mat, Austin was somehow able to sloppily roll up Owen and win the match as agreed. He was, however, clearly in an immense amount of pain. This particular mistake would have wider reaching consequences for the WWF than simply having to cope without Austin in the short term. There's no doubt the man's neck was never the same again after the botched move, and directly caused his career to end earlier than it should have. Such a move would never be allowed by the company today, and that should have been the case in 1997. It was unnecessary, and the road agent in charge of the bout should have warned against it. What other big mistakes can you think of that WWE made in 1997? What do you make of the ones listed here? Let us know your thoughts down in the comments section below!