WWF Raw is War vs. WCW Nitro (10/6/97) | Wrestling War Zone #164 – Kane Arrives, Austin Wants Owen & Hogan Targets Piper
The Monday Night Wars enter an emotional and pivotal new week as Wrestling War Zone returns. On episode 164, JT & Chad break down WWF Raw is War and WCW Monday Nitro from October 6, 1997, just one night after WWF Badd Blood. Raw opens under tragic circumstances as the WWF pays tribute to Brian Pillman, who had passed away just one day earlier. While the ten-bell salute and Jim Ross-narrated tribute video provide a respectful remembrance of Pillman, the WWF also makes the highly controversial decision to conduct a live satellite interview with his grieving widow, Melanie Pillman. Vince McMahon questions Melanie about Brian's cause of death, possible painkiller use, their five children, and how she plans to support her family as a single mother — an uncomfortable and exploitative segment that became one of the most infamous promotional decisions in WWF history. JT & Chad discuss the disgusting nature of putting Melanie on live television while she was still processing the sudden death of her husband, and contrast it with the otherwise heartfelt tribute WWF presented for Pillman that evening. From there, the fallout from Badd Blood begins immediately. Shawn Michaels, Triple H and Chyna continue pushing boundaries as their alliance moves closer to officially becoming D-Generation X, while tensions with Bret Hart and the Hart Foundation continue to explode. After his shocking debut inside Hell in a Cell, Kane makes his first appearance on Raw, destroying Matt & Jeff Hardy as Paul Bearer promises that his monster is coming for The Undertaker. Meanwhile, Stone Cold Steve Austin continues battling WWF management for the right to return to the ring and makes his demand clear: another shot at Owen Hart and the Intercontinental Championship. Over on Nitro, WCW also pays tribute to Pillman before returning to the escalating war between the nWo and WCW. Hollywood Hogan turns his attention toward Roddy Piper and their upcoming steel cage match at Halloween Havoc, while the looming presence of Sting continues to haunt the nWo. The in-ring action also delivers Eddie Guerrero defending the Cruiserweight Championship against Ultimo Dragon, Curt Hennig battling Chris Benoit for the United States Championship, Booker T taking on Jeff Jarrett, DDP challenging Disco Inferno, and more as WCW builds toward Halloween Havoc. JT & Chad discuss: • WWF and WCW remembering Brian Pillman • The fallout from Badd Blood and the first Hell in a Cell • Kane's first night on Raw and Paul Bearer's warning to The Undertaker • Shawn Michaels, Triple H & Chyna moving closer to D-Generation X • Steve Austin demanding his return match against Owen Hart • Bret Hart vs. Hunter Hearst Helmsley • Hogan, Piper, Sting and the nWo's road to Halloween Havoc • Eddie Guerrero vs. Ultimo Dragon • Curt Hennig vs. Chris Benoit • Which company delivered the stronger show on October 6, 1997 The Attitude Era is beginning to take shape before our eyes while WCW and the nWo remain on top of the wrestling world. Join JT & Chad as Wrestling War Zone continues its week-by-week journey through one of the most fascinating periods in wrestling history. WWF Raw is War October 6 1997, Melanie Pillman interview, WCW Nitro October 6 1997, Monday Night Wars, WWF vs WCW 1997, Wrestling War Zone podcast, Kane Raw debut, Kane 1997, Brian Pillman tribute, Brian Pillman 1997, Stone Cold Steve Austin 1997, Owen Hart 1997, Shawn Michaels 1997, Triple H 1997, D Generation X beginnings, Bret Hart 1997, Hart Foundation 1997, Hollywood Hogan 1997, Roddy Piper 1997, Sting 1997 WCW, nWo 1997, Halloween Havoc 1997, Eddie Guerrero 1997, Chris Benoit vs Curt Hennig, WCW Nitro review, WWF Raw review, Attitude Era, classic wrestling podcast, wrestling history