10 Things You Learn From Watching 1997 On The WWE Network
4. Steve Austin's Recovery At SummerSlam Is Still Mind-Blowing
Obviously uncomfortable talking about it, Steve Austin has always maintained (on his podcast and elsewhere) that he didn't patch things up with Owen Hart properly following SummerSlam 1997. Contesting the WWF Intercontinental Title, the pair flirted with disaster by including a sit down Piledriver spot in their match. According to Austin, he didn't like the idea of Hart dropping to his behind rather than his knees.
It's well known that Austin suffered a nasty neck injury as a result of the botched move. His head smashed against the canvas, causing Stone Cold to temporarily lose feeling in his limbs. Scared and contemplating the thought of never walking again, Austin was remarkably able to recover and weakly roll up Owen to win as scheduled.
Seeing the top of his cranium crash against the ring mat again, it becomes even more startling that Austin was able to perform a rejigged finish to the bout. The pain must have been incredible when feeling started to return, this is an excellent example of Austin's legendary toughness.
Almost 20 years on, it's still a shocking moment. Even more so when watching Austin roll up Owen.