10 Notable Changes Made To WWE Raw In 1997

While the idea of character-breaking promos done from the heart really began in 1996, their earnest use would come the following year, thanks to the insistence of outspoken creative voice Vince Russo.

His mindset was that there were too many 'phoney cartoon characters' on the show, and the WWF needed to steer away from that.

Some were a bit more innocent, like Dustin Runnels and Mick Foley baring their souls about their life experiences while sitting down with Jim Ross. Jeff Jarrett's October 1997 return saw him cut a bitter speech about his past dealings in WWF and WCW.

Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart blurred the lines so much with references to real-life animosity that it added to the serious backstage acrimony between the two.

And let's not forget Jim Cornette's stand-up monologues about the scum of the industry...