When Raw started out, it wasn't the "event" it is nowadays. It was more just like a filler show, something to check out for an hour. It had some decent wrestling featured, but it was mainly entertainment geared toward the younger fan. That's understandable given the success McMahon had enjoyed with Hulk Hogan in the eighties, but by 1993 it was getting passe. WCW Nitro arrived in 1995 and forced change upon McMahon. Specifically, the poor rating on the January 20th, 1997 post-Royal Rumble show was cause for concern. Raw had clocked a 2.2 rating, causing alarm bells to sound in Titan Towers. Over on the other channel, Nitro was two hours, with an unopposed hour giving them ground over Raw. It was clear action needed to be taken, or Nitro was going to run away with the developing monday night war. McMahon and USA agreed that Raw would go two hours, in hopes of diminishing Nitro's advantage. On February 3rd 1997, the two hour run kicked off, with Raw also edging towards a more 'attitude' style of booking. The seeds of change were being sowed, and the two hour move became an institution. It wasn't an instant success, but over time, it greatly helped Raw's competitiveness against Nitro. Hence the February 3rd 1997 episode will forever stand out as one of the turning points in Raw history.
