10 Things You Learn Binge Watching Every WWE Raw From 1997

5. How Odd It Is Seeing One IC Title Feud

Steve Austin Intercontinental Title
WWE.com

It was obvious to everyone that Austin would be WWF Champ eventually. His push quickened in 1997 (following a rather awkward second half of 1996), and fans couldn't get enough of his rebellious antics. The WWF, perhaps smartly, made everyone wait for 'Stone Cold' on top.

He had another job to do first.

Austin was programmed in the Intercontinental Title mix opposite fellow rising star Rocky Maivia. As strange as it is looking back, this rivalry was essential in the continued development of both men. It's also worth pointing out that you'd probably never get an IC Title program as good as this in 2020.

Austin and Maivia were turning heads before/by summer, but the WWF top line mix was still packed with names like Shawn Michaels, The Undertaker, Bret Hart and Sycho Sid before half those guys disappeared. That left some spots open at the top.

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Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.