10 Fascinating WWE Survivor Series 1997 Facts
9. The Austin/Owen Match Was Short Because Of Injuries
Only three months had passed since SummerSlam 1997, when the botched piledriver that nearly ended Steve Austin's career took place. Austin remained professional to Owen Hart, but there was a palpable divide between the two. Though Austin had no interest in working with Owen ever again, the two were set for an Intercontinental title rematch at Survivor Series.
Austin regained the belt he never lost in a match that went only four minutes and four seconds. Austin was only working short, bump-free matches in order to disguise any limitations and tentativeness on his part.
Hart, meanwhile, had only recently been cleared from a concussion sustained the previous month. He wasn't conditioned to do a long match either, so a short and frenetic brawl was the best option.