10 Most Insane Wrestling Magazine Covers Ever
5. Raw Magazine, May/June 1997
Cover Star(s): Vader
Headline(s): 'VADER, BLOODY VADER!! THE MASTODON SURVIVES THE WAR OF HIS LIFE!', 'EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS!!! SABLE, LEATHER...OR LACE??'
Notes: With a nod to the Apter Mag formula, WWE focussed on the grisly after-effects of Vader's absorbing display in February's Final Four pay-per-view main event.
An extreme close-up of his closed left eye after getting hurled into the ring steps during the epic WWE Title match with Bret Hart, The Undertaker and Stone Cold Steve Austin was the focus, in a concerted effort to marry up with the television product's similarly complimentary appraisal of his efforts in the match.
Vince Russo's involvement in both the magazine and the television output would later allow for dynamite synergy between the two products, but the period shortly before his ascent to head TV writer represents the magazine at it's very best.
Vader was already being phased back again on Monday Night Raw by the time this issue landed, but the magazine gamely fought his corner regardless, alongside other neglected performers during a tumultuous spell for the promotion.
With Marc Mero injured for most of 1997, Raw Magazine was the first to spotlight Sable with such excess, and the topless teaser in the top right hand corner foreshadowed her future prominence.