1997 in professional wrestling

none 1997 professional wrestling 1997 in professional wrestling describes the year's events in the world of professional wrestling. List of notable promotions These promotions held notable events in 1997. Promotion NameAbbreviationNotesCatch Wrestling AssociationCWAConsejo Mundial de Lucha LibreCMLLExtreme Championship WrestlingECWFrontier Martial-Arts WrestlingFMWLucha Libre AAA WorldwideAAAThe "AAA" abbreviation has been used since the mid-1990s and had previously stood for the promotion's original name Asistencia Asesoría y Administración.New Japan Pro-WrestlingNJPWWorld Championship WrestlingWCWWorld Wrestling CouncilWWCWorld Wrestling FederationWWF Calendar of notable shows January DatePromotion(s)EventLocationMain EventJanuary 4 NJPWWrestling WorldTokyo, JapanShinya Hashimoto (c) defeated Riki Choshu in a Singles match for the IWGP Heavyweight ChampionshipJanuary 11 ECWHouse PartyPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, United StatesPitbull #1 defeated Shane Douglas (c) by count out in a Singles match for the ECW World Television ChampionshipJanuary 19 WWFRoyal RumbleSan Antonio, Texas, United StatesShawn Michaels defeated Sycho Sid (c) in a Singles match for the WWF Championshiphttp://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/rumble.html#97 Royal Rumble 1997 Pro Wrestling History 2008-02-04January 21WCWClash of the Champions XXXIVMilwaukee, Wisconsin, United StatesLex Luger defeated Scott Hall by disqualification in a Singles matchJanuary 25 WCW:nWoSouled OutCedar Rapids, Iowa, United StatesHollywood Hogan (nWo) (c) fought The Giant (WCW) to a no contest in a Singles match for the WCW World Heavyweight ChampionshipJanuary 31 ECWWinter BlowoutLake Grove, New York, United StatesThe Sandman and Tommy Dreamer defeated Raven and Stevie Richards in a tag team match(c) – denotes defending champion(s) February DatePromotion(s)EventLocationMain EventFebruary 1 ECWCrossing the Line AgainPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, United StatesThe Pitbulls (Pitbull #1 and Pitbull #2) and Tommy Dreamer defeated The Triple Threat (Brian Lee, Chris Candido, and Shane Douglas) in a Six man tag team matchFebruary 16 WWFIn Your House 13: Final FourChattanooga, Tennessee, United StatesBret Hart defeated Stone Cold Steve Austin, Vader and The Undertaker in a Four Corners elimination match for the vacant WWF World Heavyweight Championshiphttp://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/miscppvs1990s.html#13 Final Four results 1997-02-16 Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments 2008-04-18February 21 AAARey de ReyesCiudad Madero, Tamaulipas, MexicoLatin Lover defeated Heavy Metal, Héctor Garza and Octagón in a 1997 Rey de Reyes finalFebruary 21-February 22 ECWCyberSlamQueens, New York/Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United StatesFebruary 21: The Eliminators (Perry Saturn and John Kronus) (c) defeated Sabu and Rob Van Dam in a Tables and Ladders match for the ECW World Tag Team ChampionshipFebruary 22: Sabu defeated Chris Candido in a Singles matchFebruary 23 WCWSuperBrawl VIIDaly City, California, United StatesHollywood Hogan (c) defeated Roddy Piper in a Singles match for the WCW World Heavyweight ChampionshipFebruary 28 ECW Mountain Top Madness Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, United States Sabu defeated Chris Candido in a Singles match(c) – denotes defending champion(s) March DatePromotion(s)EventLocationMain EventMarch 15 ECWHostile City ShowdownPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, United StatesRaven (c) defeated Stevie Richards and Tommy Dreamer by pinfall in a Three way dance for the ECW World Heavyweight ChampionshipMarch 16 WCWUncensoredNorth Charleston, South Carolina, United StatesTeam nWo (Hollywood Hogan, Randy Savage, Kevin Nash and Scott Hall) defeated Team Piper (Roddy Piper, Chris Benoit, Steve McMichael and Jeff Jarrett) and Team WCW (Lex Luger, The Giant and Scott Steiner) in a Triangle Elimination matchMarch 21 CMLLHomenaje a Salvador LutterothMexico City, MexicoSilver King defeated La Fiera in a Best two-out-of-three falls Lucha de Apuestas, Hair vs. Hair matchMarch 23 WWFWrestleMania 13Rosemont, Illinois, United StatesThe Undertaker defeated Sycho Sid (c) in a No Disqualification match for the WWF Championship(c) – denotes defending champion(s) April DatePromotion(s)EventLocationMain EventApril 4 CMLLInternational Gran PrixMexico City, MexicoSteele defeated Rayo de Jalisco Jr. in a 1997 International Gran Prix final matchApril 6 WCWSpring StampedeTupelo, Mississippi, United StatesDiamond Dallas Page defeated Randy Savage in a No Disqualification matchApril 12 N/A Second Annual Eddie Gilbert Memorial ShowCherry Hill, New Jersey, United StatesGoldust defeated Derrick Domino in a Singles matchApril 13 ECWBarely LegalPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, United StatesTerry Funk defeated Raven (c) in a Singles match for the ECW World Heavyweight ChampionshipApril 18 CMLL41. Aniversario de Arena MéxicoMexico City, MexicoSteele defeated Rayo de Jalisco Jr. (c) in a Best two-out-of-three falls match for the CMLL World Heavyweight ChampionshipApril 20 WWFIn Your House 14: Revenge of the 'TakerRochester, New York, United StatesStone Cold Steve Austin defeated Bret Hart by disqualification in a Singles match to determine the #1 contender to the WWF ChampionshipApril 29 FMWFMW 8th Anniversary ShowYokohama, JapanMegumi Kudo defeated Shark Tsuchiya (c) in a No Rope 200 Volt Double Hell Double Barbed Wire Barricade Double Landmine Crushed Glass Electrical Barbed Wire Deathmatch for the FMW Independent and WWA World Women's Championship(c) – denotes defending champion(s) May DatePromotion(s)EventLocationMain EventMay 8 FMWJapanese SurvivalTokyo, JapanHido, The Great Nita and WING Kanemura vs. Fuyuki-gun (Gedo, Jado and Kodo Fuyuki)May 10 ECWChapter 2Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United StatesTerry Funk (c) defeated Raven, The Sandman, and Stevie Richards by pinfall in a Four way dance for the ECW World Heavyweight ChampionshipMay 11 WWFIn Your House 15: A Cold Day in HellRichmond, Virginia, United StatesThe Undertaker (c) defeated Stone Cold Steve Austin in a Singles match for the WWF ChampionshipHistorical Cards: In Your House 15 (May 11, 1997. Richmond, Virginia) PWI Presents: 2007 Wrestling Almanak and book of facts Kappa Publications 151 2007 EditionMay 17 ECWThe Buffalo InvasionBuffalo, New York, United StatesTerry Funk (c) defeated Raven, the Sandman, and Stevie Richards by pinfall in a Four way dance for the ECW World Heavyweight ChampionshipMay 18 WCWSlamboreeCharlotte, North Carolina, United StatesRic Flair, Roddy Piper and Kevin Greene defeated The nWo (Kevin Nash, Scott Hall and Syxx) in a Six-man tag team match(c) – denotes defending champion(s) June DatePromotion(s)EventLocationMain EventJune 6 N/A Second Annual Ilio DiPaolo Memorial ShowBuffalo, New York, United StatesThe Outsiders (Scott Hall and Kevin Nash) (c) defeated Lex Luger and The Giant in a tag team match for the WCW World Tag Team ChampionshipJune 7 ECWWrestlepaloozaPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, United StatesThe Eliminators (John Kronus and Perry Saturn) (c) defeated The Dudley Boyz (Buh Buh Ray Dudley and D-Von Dudley) in a tag team match for the ECW World Tag Team ChampionshipJune 8 WWFKing of the RingProvidence, Rhode Island, United StatesThe Undertaker (c) defeated Faarooq in a Singles match for the WWF ChampionshipJune 13 AAATriplemanía V-ATijuana, Baja California, MexicoPerro Aguayo, Tinieblas Jr. and Canek defeated Jake Roberts, Killer, and Gorgeous George III in a six-man "Lucha Libre rules" tag team matchJune 15 AAATriplemanía V-BNaucalpan, MexicoPerro Aguayo, Octagón, Cibernético and Canek defeated Jake Roberts, Gorgeous George III, El Cobarde Jr. and Fuerza Guerrera in an eight-man "Atómicos" tag team matchJune 15 WCWThe Great American BashMoline, Illinois, United StatesRandy Savage defeated Diamond Dallas Page in a Falls Count Anywhere matchJune 28 ECWOrgy of ViolencePhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, United StatesRob Van Dam and Sabu defeated the Sandman and Tommy Dreamer by pinfall in a tag team match(c) – denotes defending champion(s) July DatePromotion(s)EventLocationMain Event July 5 CWA Euro Catch Festival Graz, Austria Rambo (c) defeated Duke Droese in a Singles match for the CWA World Heavyweight ChampionshipJuly 6 WWFIn Your House 16: Canadian StampedeCalgary, Alberta, CanadaThe Hart Foundation (Bret Hart, Brian Pillman, The British Bulldog, Jim Neidhart and Owen Hart) defeated Ken Shamrock, Goldust, The Legion of Doom (Animal and Hawk) and Stone Cold Steve Austin in a Ten-man tag team matchJuly 13 WCWBash at the BeachDaytona Beach, Florida, United StatesLex Luger and The Giant defeated Hollywood Hogan and Dennis Rodman by submission in a tag team matchhttp://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/beach.html#97 Bash at the Beach 1997 July 13, 1997 Pro Wrestling History September 1, 2015July 19 ECWHeat WavePhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, United StatesJerry Lawler, Rob Van Dam, and Sabu wrestled Rick Rude, The Sandman, and Tommy Dreamer to a no contest in a Steel cage match(c) – denotes defending champion(s) August DatePromotion(s)EventLocationMain EventAugust 2 FMWShiodome LegendTokyo, JapanW*ING Kanemura defeated Masato Tanaka in a No Ropes Exploding Barbed Wire Deathmatch for the right to face Atsushi Onita at Fall SpectacularAugust 3 WWFSummerSlamEast Rutherford, New Jersey, United StatesBret Hart defeated The Undertaker (c) in a Singles match for the WWF Championship with Shawn Michaels as special guest refereeAugust 9 ECWBorn to be WiredPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, United StatesSabu defeated Terry Funk (c) by pinfall in a Barbed wire match for the ECW World Heavyweight ChampionshipAugust 9 WCWRoad WildSturgis, South Dakota, United StatesHollywood Hogan defeated Lex Luger (c) in a Singles match for the WCW World Heavyweight Championshiphttp://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/roadwild.html#97 Road Wild 1997 August 9, 1997 Pro Wrestling History September 2, 2015August 15 WWCWWC 24th AniversarioBayamón, Puerto RicoRay Gonzales (WWC Universal Heavyweight Champion) defeated Tom Brandi in a Singles matchAugust 17 ECWHardcore HeavenFort Lauderdale, Florida, United StatesShane Douglas defeated Sabu (c) and Terry Funk in a Three-way dance for the ECW World Heavyweight ChampionshipAugust 21WCWClash of the Champions XXXVNashville, Tennessee, United StatesScott Hall and Randy Savage (c) defeated Diamond Dallas Page and Lex Luger in a tag team match for the WCW World Tag Team Championship(c) – denotes defending champion(s) September DatePromotion(s)EventLocationMain EventSeptember 7 WWFGround Zero: In Your HouseLouisville, Kentucky, United StatesShawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker ended in a no contest in a Singles matchhttp://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/miscppvs1990s.html#17 WWF Ground Zero: In Your House info/results Pro Wrestling History 2010-12-13September 11 ECWWrestleFest: 50 Years of FunkAmarillo, Texas, United StatesBret Hart defeated Terry Funk in a No Disqualification matchSeptember 14AAAVerano de EscándaloTonalá, Jalisco, MexicoPerro Aguayo, Perro Aguayo Jr. and Heavy Metal defeated Sangre Chicano, El Picudo and El Cobarde II in a Steel Cage Elimination Match, Lucha de Apuestas; as the last man in the cage, Cobarde II had his head shaved after the match.September 14 WCWFall BrawlWinston-Salem, North Carolina, United StatesThe nWo (Buff Bagwell, Kevin Nash, Syxx and Konnan) defeated The Four Horsemen (Chris Benoit, Steve McMichael, Ric Flair and Curt Hennig) in a WarGames matchSeptember 19CMLLCMLL 64th Anniversary ShowMexico City, MexicoHijo del Santo defeated Negro Casas in a Lucha de Apuestas mask vs. hair matchSeptember 20 ECWAs Good as It GetsPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, United StatesThe Gangstanators (John Kronus and New Jack) defeated the Dudley Boyz (Buh Buh Ray Dudley and D-Von Dudley) (c) by pinfall in a Tag team match for the ECW World Tag Team ChampionshipSeptember 20 WWFWWF One Night OnlyBirmingham, England, United KingdomShawn Michaels defeated The British Bulldog (c) in a Singles match for the WWF European Championshiphttp://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/wwfuk.html#onenight One Night Only Pro Wrestling History 2009-08-09September 28 FMWFall SpectacularKawasaki, Kanagawa, JapanAtsushi Onita defeated W*ING Kanemura in a No Ropes Exploding Barbed Wire Steel Cage Time Bomb Death Match(c) – denotes defending champion(s) October DatePromotion(s)EventLocationMain EventOctober 5 WWFBadd Blood: In Your HouseSt. Louis, Missouri, United StatesShawn Michaels defeated The Undertaker in a Hell in a Cell match to determine the #1 contender to the WWF Championship at Survivor SeriesOctober 12 N/A Second Annual Ikki Kajiwara Memorial ShowTokyo, JapanYoshiaki Fujiwara and Super Tiger (Tiger Mask I) fought to a no-contest in a Singles match with Antonio Inoki as special guest refereeOctober 26 WCWHalloween HavocParadise, Nevada, United StatesRoddy Piper defeated Hollywood Hogan by submission in a Steel cage matchOctober 30 N/AFirst Annual Plum Mariko Memorial ShowTokyo, JapanCutie Suzuki and Dynamite Kansai defeated Mayumi Ozaki in a handicap matchOctober 31 ECWFright FightPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, United StatesThe Gangstanators (John Kronus and New Jack) defeated Axl Rotten and Balls Mahoney and The Dudley Boyz (Buh Buh Ray Dudley and D-Von Dudley) in a Tag Team Three Way Elimination Match(c) – denotes defending champion(s) November DatePromotion(s)EventLocationMain EventNovember 8 ECWUltimate JeopardyPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, United StatesTaz and Tommy Dreamer defeated Rob Van Dam and Sabu by pinfall in a tag team matchNovember 9 WWFSurvivor SeriesMontreal, Quebec, CanadaShawn Michaels "defeated" Bret Hart (c) by submission in a Singles match for the WWF ChampionshipNovember 23 WCWWorld War 3Auburn Hills, Michigan, United StatesScott Hall won by last eliminating The Giant in a 60-man World War 3 match for a future WCW World Heavyweight Championship matchNovember 30 ECWNovember to RememberMonaca, Pennsylvania, United StatesShane Douglas defeated Bam Bam Bigelow (c) in a Singles match for the ECW World Heavyweight Championship(c) – denotes defending champion(s) December DatePromotion(s)EventLocationMain EventDecember 6 ECWBetter Than EverPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, United StatesRob Van Dam and Sabu defeated Taz and Tommy Dreamer by pinfall in a tag team matchDecember 7 WWFD-Generation X: In Your HouseSpringfield, Massachusetts, United StatesKen Shamrock defeated Shawn Michaels (c) by disqualification in a Singles match for the WWF Championshipthe History of Professional Wrestling Vol 2: WWF 1990 - 1999 Cawthon Graham CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform 2013 B00RWUNSRSHistorical Cards: D-Generation-X In Your House (December 7, 1997. St. Louis, Missouri) PWI Presents: 2007 Wrestling Almanak and book of facts Kappa Publications 154 2007 EditionDecember 13AAAGuerra de TitanesMadero, MexicoPerro Aguayo Jr. defeated Picudo, match also included Heavy Metal and Sangre Chicana in a Steel cage Lucha de Apuestas "hair vs. hair" matchDecember 28 WCWStarrcadeWashington, D.C., United StatesSting defeated Hollywood Hogan (c) by submission in a Singles match for the WCW World Heavyweight Championshiphttp://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/starrcad.html#97 Starrcade 1997 Pro Wrestling History 2010-02-27(c) – denotes defending champion(s) Notable events January January 4 - WWF Shotgun Saturday Night debuts live from New York City, New York January 25 - New World Order has their nWo Souled Out Pay Per View live from Ceder Rapids, Iowa February February 24 - ECW "invades" WWF Monday Night Raw April April 13 - Extreme Championship Wrestling debuts live on Pay Per View for the first time with ECW Barely Legal from the ECW Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania headlined with Sabu vs Tazz August August 21 - The final WCW Clash of the Champions XXXV prime time special on TBS was held in Nashville, Tennessee headlined with Scott Hall and Randy Savage vs Lex Luger and Diamond Dallas Page. November November 9 - The Montreal Screwjob After a long history of Memphis Wrestling the United States Wrestling Association closes its doors in November. December December 30 - Jeff Jarrett defeated Blackjack Bradshaw on a WWF Raw is War taping in Uniondale, New York to win the NWA North American Heavyweight title. Tournaments and accomplishments AAA TournamentsWinnerDate wonNotesRey de ReyesOctagónFebruary 21 AJW AccomplishmentWinnerDate wonNotes Japan Grand Prix 1997Kaoru ItoAugust 10 Tag League The Best 1997Kaoru Ito and Yumiko HottaDecember 21 AJPW AccomplishmentWinnerDate wonNotesChampion Carnival 1997Toshiaki KawadaApril 19World's Strongest Determination League 1997Toshiaki Kawada and Akira TaueDecember 5 WCW TournamentsWinnerDate wonNotesWCW Women's Cruiserweight Championship TournamentToshie UematsuApril 7World War 3Scott HallNovember 23 WWF TournamentsWinnerDate wonNotesRoyal RumbleStone Cold Steve AustinJanuary 19WWF European Championship TournamentThe British Bulldog February 26Kuwait CupTiger Ali SinghApril 13King of the RingHunter Hearst HelmsleyJune 8WWF Tag Team Championship TournamentStone Cold Steve Austin and Dude LoveJuly 14WWF Light Heavyweight Championship TournamentTaka MichinokuDecember 7 Slammy Awards Slammy Award PollWinnerhttp://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/wwf/slammy.htm Slammy Awards History Wrestling Information Archive 2008-02-22 https://web.archive.org/web/20110908073222/http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/wwf/slammy.htm 2011-09-08 deadhttp://www.twnpnews.com/information/WWE/slammys1997.shtml WWF Slammy Awards (1997) TWNP News 2008-02-22http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/slammy.html#97 WWF Slammy Awards (1997) Pro Wrestling History 2008-02-22New Sensation Rocky MaiviaBest Dressed SableBest Tattoo The UndertakerMatch of the Year Shawn Michaels vs. Bret Hart at WrestleMania XIIBest Hair Hunter Hearst HelmsleyLoose Screw MankindBest Bow Tie Owen HartBest Entrance Music The UndertakerBest Finisher Shawn Michaels – Sweet Chin MusicBest Couple Goldust and MarlenaFreedom of Speech Stone Cold Steve AustinStar of the Highest Magnitude The UndertakerLifetime Achievement Award Arnold SkaalandMiss Slammy Sable Awards and honors Pro Wrestling Illustrated List of Pro Wrestling Illustrated awards CategoryWinnerPWI Wrestler of the YearLex LugerPWI Tag Team of the YearThe Outsiders(Scott Hall and Kevin Nash)PWI Match of the YearBret Hart vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin (WrestleMania 13)PWI Feud of the YearDiamond Dallas Page vs. Randy SavagePWI Most Popular Wrestler of the YearStingPWI Most Hated Wrestler of the YearBret HartPWI Comeback of the YearBret HartPWI Most Improved Wrestler of the YearKen ShamrockPWI Most Inspirational Wrestler of the YearTerry FunkPWI Rookie of the YearPrince IaukeaPWI Lifetime AchievementArn AndersonPWI Editor's AwardBill Alfonso Wrestling Observer Newsletter Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards CategoryWinnerWrestler of the YearMitsuharu MisawaMost OutstandingMitsuharu MisawaBest Box Office DrawHulk HoganFeud of the YearStone Cold Steve Austin vs. The Hart FoundationTag Team of the YearMitsuharu Misawa and Jun AkiyamaMost ImprovedTatsuhito TakaiwaBest on InterviewsStone Cold Steve Austin Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame InducteeÉdouard CarpentierEl Hijo del SantoToshiaki KawadaJimmy LennonWilliam Muldoon Title changes ECW ECW World Heavyweight ChampionshipIncoming champion – RavenDateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)April 13Terry Funk Terry FunkBarely Legal Barely LegalAugust 9Sabu SabuBorn to Be Wired Born to be WiredAugust 17Shane Douglas Shane DouglasHardcore Heaven Hardcore HeavenOctober 16Bam Bam Bigelow Bam Bam BigelowLive event Live eventNovember 30Shane Douglas Shane DouglasNovember to Remember (1997) November to Remember ECW World Television ChampionshipIncoming champion – Shane DouglasDateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)June 7TazWrestlepalooza ECW World Tag Team ChampionshipIncoming champions – The Eliminators (Kronus and Saturn)DateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)March 15The Dudley Boyz(Buh Buh Ray and D-Von Dudley)Hostile City ShowdownApril 13The Eliminators(Kronus and Saturn)Barely LegalJune 20The Dudley Boyz(Buh Buh Ray and D-Von Dudley)Hardcore TV #218July 19The Gangstas(Mustapha Saed and New Jack)Heat Wave (1997)/Hardcore TV #222August 17The Dudley Boyz(Buh Buh Ray and D-Von Dudley)Hardcore HeavenSeptember 20The Gangstanators(Kronus and New Jack)As Good as it GetsOctober 18The Full Blooded Italians(Little Guido and Tracy Smothers)Hardcore TV #236December 5The Can-Am Express(Doug Furnas and Phil LaFon)Live eventDecember 6Chris Candido and Lance StormBetter than Ever FMW FMW Double ChampionshipIncoming champion – The GladiatorDateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)September 28Masato TanakaFall Spectacular FMW Brass Knuckles Tag Team ChampionshipIncoming champions – The Headhunters (A and B)DateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)April 25W*ING Alliance(W*ING Kanemura and Hido)Fighting Creation TourAugust 21Funk Masters of Wrestling(Mr. Gannosuke and Hisakatsu Oya)Super Dynamism TourOctober 19ZEN(Atsushi Onita and Yukihiro Kanemura)Power Splash TourNovemberVacantN/ANovember 28ZEN/Team No Respect(Mr. Gannosuke and Yukihiro Kanemura)Scramble Survivor Tour FMW Women's ChampionshipIncoming champion – Megumi KudoDateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)March 21Shark TsuchiyaWinning Road tourApril 29Megumi Kudo8th Anniversary ShowJune 13VacantKing of Fight tourSeptember 28Shark TsuchiyaFall SpectacularSeptember 28RetiredN/A FMW Independent World Junior Heavyweight ChampionshipIncoming champion – Taka MichinokuDateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)June 29El SatánicoHouse showAugust 25Taka MichinokuHouse showDecember 18VacantN/A FMW World Street Fight 6-Man Tag Team ChampionshipIncoming champions – Funk Masters of Wrestling (Hisakatsu Oya, Headhunter A and Headhunter B)DateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)March 21Fuyuki-Gun(Kodo Fuyuki, Jado and Gedo)FMWJuly 8VacantN/AAugust 5Funk Masters of Wrestling(The Gladiator, Hisakatsu Oya and Mr. Gannosuke)FMWAugust 31Hayabusa, Masato Tanaka and Koji NakagawaFMWOctober 14ZEN(Atsushi Onita, Tetsuhiro Kuroda and Hido)FMWDecember 20Hayabusa, Masato Tanaka and Hisakatsu OyaSuper Extreme Wrestling War tour NJPW IWGP Heavyweight ChampionshipIncoming champion – Shinya HashimotoDateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)August 31Kensuke SasakiFinal Power Hall in Yokohama IWGP Tag Team ChampionshipIncoming champions – Cho-Ten (Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Masahiro Chono)DateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)January 4Kengo Kimura and Tatsumi FujinamiWrestling World 1997April 12Kensuke Sasaki and Riki ChoshuBattle Formation 1997May 3The Bull Powers(Manabu Nakanishi and Satoshi Kojima)Strong Style Evolution in Osaka DomeAugust 10Kazuo Yamazaki and Kensuke SasakiThe Four Heaven in Nagoya DomeOctober 19Keiji Mutoh and Masahiro ChononWo Typhoon 1997 IWGP Junior Heavyweight ChampionshipIncoming champion – Último DragónDateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)January 4Jushin Thunder LigerWrestling World 1997July 6El SamuraiLive eventAugust 10Shinjiro OtaniThe Four Heaven in Nagoya Dome WCW WCW World Heavyweight ChampionshipIncoming champion – Hollywood HoganDateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)August 4Lex LugerNitroAugust 9Hollywood HoganRoad WildDecember 28StingStarrcade WCW Cruiserweight ChampionshipIncoming champion – Ultimate DragonDateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)January 21Dean MalenkoClash of the Champions XXXIVFebruary 23SyxxSuperBrawl VIIJune 28Chris JerichoSaturday NitroJuly 28Alex WrightNitroAugust 12Chris JerichoSaturday NightSeptember 14Eddie GuerreroFall BrawlOctober 26Rey Misterio Jr.Halloween HavocNovember 10Eddie GuerreroNitroDecember 29Ultimate DragonNitro WCW United States Heavyweight ChampionshipIncoming champion – Eddie GuerreroDateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)March 16Dean MalenkoUncensoredJune 9Jeff JarrettNitroAugust 21Steve McMichaelClash of the Champions XXXVSeptember 15Curt HennigNitroDecember 28Diamond Dallas PageStarrcade WCW Women's ChampionshipIncoming champion – Akira HokutoDateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)June 15VacantN/ASeptember 20Devil MasamiN/ASeptember 20RetiredN/A WCW Women's Cruiserweight Championship(Title created)DateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)April 7Toshie UematsuWCW Main EventJuly 19Yoshiko TamuraThe Dream & Future ~ 2nd Jr. All StarsSeptember 20Sugar SatoGAEA Double Destiny WCW World Television ChampionshipIncoming champion – Lord Steven RegalDateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)February 17Prince IaukeaNitroApril 7Ultimate DragonNitroMay 18Lord Steven RegalSlamboreeJuly 22Ultimate DragonNitroAugust 21Alex WrightClash of the Champions XXXVSeptember 22Disco InfernoNitroNovember 3Perry SaturnNitroDecember 8Disco InfernoNitroDecember 29Booker TNitro WCW World Tag Team ChampionshipIncoming champions – The Outsiders (Kevin Nash and Scott Hall)DateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)January 25The Steiner Brothers(Rick and Scott Steiner)Souled OutJanuary 27The Outsiders(Kevin Nash and Scott Hall)NitroFebruary 23Lex Luger and The GiantSuperBrawl VIIFebruary 24The Outsiders(Kevin Nash and Scott Hall)NitroOctober 13The Steiner Brothers(Rick and Scott Steiner)Nitro WWF WWF World Heavyweight ChampionshipIncoming champion – Sycho SidDateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)January 19Shawn MichaelsRoyal RumbleFebruary 13VacantRawForfeited the title due to a knee injuryFebruary 16Bret HartIn Your House 13: Final FourThis was a four-way elimination match for the vacant title also involving Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Undertaker and Vader.February 17Sycho SidRawMarch 23The UndertakerWrestleMania 13August 3Bret HartSummerSlamShawn Michaels was the guest referee.November 9Shawn MichaelsSurvivor SeriesMontreal screwjob WWF Intercontinental ChampionshipIncoming champion – Hunter Hearst HelmsleyDateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)February 13Rocky MaiviaRawApril 28Owen HartRaw Is WarAugust 3Stone Cold Steve AustinSummerSlamSeptember 8VacantRaw Is WarVacated due to a neck injury that Stone Cold Steve Austin suffered in winning the titleOctober 5Owen HartBadd Blood: In Your HouseDefeated Faarooq in a tournament finalNovember 9Stone Cold Steve AustinSurvivor SeriesDecember 8The RockRaw Is WarAustin handed the championship belt to The Rock, who was formerly known as Rocky Maivia WWF European Championship(Title created)DateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)February 26The British BulldogRawAired on tape delay on March 3. Defeated Owen Hart in a tournament final to become first championSeptember 20Shawn MichaelsWWF One Night OnlyDecember 11Triple HRaw Is WarAired on tape delay on December 22. WWF Light Heavyweight ChampionshipIncoming champion – N/ADateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)December 7Taka MichinokuD-Generation X: In Your HouseThe title was previously defended in Universal Wrestling Association (1981–1995) and Michinoku Pro Wrestling (1995–1997) in a partnership with the WWF, but the title was returned exclusively to the WWF in 1997. Michinoku defeated Brian Christopher in a tournament final to become recognized as the first WWF Light Heavyweight Champion under WWF's banner; they do not recognize any previous champions. WWF Tag Team ChampionshipIncoming champions – Owen Hart and the British BulldogDateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)May 26Stone Cold Steve Austin and Shawn MichaelsRaw Is WarJuly 14VacantRaw Is WarVacated after Shawn Michaels got into a backstage fight with Bret Hart.July 14Stone Cold Steve Austin and Dude LoveRaw Is WarSeptember 7VacantGround Zero: In Your HouseVacated after Stone Cold Steve Austin sustained an injury.September 7The Headbangers(Mosh and Thrasher)Ground Zero: In Your HouseWon in four way elimination match involving The Legion of Doom, Owen Hart and the British Bulldog and The GodwinnsOctober 5The Godwinns(Henry O. and Phineas I. Godwinn)Badd Blood: In Your HouseOctober 7The Legion of Doom(Animal and Hawk)Raw Is WarAired on tape delay on October 13.November 24The New Age Outlaws(Billy Gunn and Road Dogg)Raw Is War Debuts thumb|120px|right|Bill Goldberg thumb|120px|right|Ron Killings Uncertain debut date Matt Bloom Droz (wrestler) Evan Karagias Michael Cole Justin Gabriel Rene Dupree Billy Boy Lodi Chilly Willy Rob Feinstein Rie Tanabe (SPWF)2023 Results Cagematch https://www.cagematch.net/?id=8&nr=559&page=8&s=0 12 April 2023 January 26 – Tony Kozina February 7 – Ernest Miller March 10 – Dennis Rodman March 15 – Ron Killings April 12 - Naoya Ogawa May 7 – Danny Doring May 17 – Seiya Morohashi May 26 – Kazuki June 23 – Bill Goldberg July 6 – Shoichi Ichimiya July 13 – Chiharu August 2 Don Frye Molly Holly September 5 – Perseus Jr. (IWA Japan)1998 #343 - Perseus Comc.com https://www.comc.com/Cards/Wrestling/1998/BBM_Pro_Wrestling_-_Base/343/Perseus/11564502 12 April 2023 September 13 – Rocky Romero September 19 – Vinnie Massaro October 26 – Test November 21 – Nana Nakahara (All Japan Women's) and Noriko Toyoda (All Japan Women's) December 7 – Butterbean December 12 – Rikiya Fudo Births January 5 – Man Like DeReiss January 21 – Persia Pirotta January 23 – Kouki Amarei February 2 – Charli Evans February 6 – Salina de la Renta February 9 – Dan Moloney February 13 – Ren Ayabe February 18 – Xena February 28 – Ace Austin March 3 - Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo March 7 – Tyler Batehttp://www.skysports.com/wwe/news/14203/10731071/who-is-tyler-bate-we-profile-the-first-wwe-uk-champion Who is Tyler Bate? We profile the first WWE UK Champion Ruse, David Sky Sports July 10, 2018 January 17, 2016 March 13 – Master Wato March 15 – Atticus Cogar March 20 – Ami Sohrei March 22 – Kid Lykos April 5 – Dominik Mysterio April 17 – Shota Umino April 24 - Gabe Kidd May 19 Saya Iida Maxxine Dupri May 21 - Elton Prince May 28 – Himeka Arita June 1 – Black Warrior Jr. (d. 2022) June 5 – Gigi Dolin June 9 – Myron Reed June 16 - Jack Perry (wrestler) June 29 - Arianna Grace July 15 – Kohei Kinoshita July 18 – Alexxis Falcon July 21 – Levaniel July 27 - Tavion Heights August 2 Austin Theory Mifu Ashida August 14 – Minorita August 25 – Cole Radrick September 3 – Hana Kimura (d. 2020) September 6 – Tsukushi Haruka September 16 – Yuuri September 29 – Hazuki October 24 – Bron Breakker October 26 - Tyson Dupont October 27 – Ishin Iihashi November 21 – Yuya Koroku December 4 – Itsuki Aoki December 18 – Himawari December 19 – Kurtis Chapman (d. 2023) Retirements Águila Solitaria (1978–1997) Bull Nakano (1983–1997) Denny Brown (1980–1997) Jeff Gaylord (1985–1997) Jimmy Del Ray (1985–1997) Jimmy Jack Funk (1980–1997) Ron Starr (1972-1997) Megumi Kudo (August 8, 1986 – April 29, 1997) Sivi Afi (1974–1997) Mike Sharpe (1973–1997) Tony Halme (1989- December 21, 1997) Deaths January 24 - Dr. Jerry Graham, 68 February 4 - Ray Apollon, 72 February 5 – Bulldog Bob Brown, 58 February 28 Gorilla Marconi, 79 Larry Tillman, 88 March 10 - Aldo Bogni, 82 March 24 - Dr. Bill Miller, 69 April 17 - Mitsu Arakawa, 69 June 19 – Stan Stasiak, 60 June 30 – Larry O'Dea, 53 July 24 - Brian Glover, 63 August 16 – Plum Mariko, 29 August 18 – Robert Swenson, 40 August 30 – Dale Lewis (wrestler), 64 August 31 – Danno O'Shocker, 73 September 10 – Fritz Von Erich, 68http://www.canoe.com/SlamWrestlingArchive/sep11_fritz.html https://web.archive.org/web/19981205212324/http://www.canoe.com/SlamWrestlingArchive/sep11_fritz.html dead December 5, 1998 Fritz Von Erich dead at 68 Slam! Sports 2007-05-30 1997-09-11 September 15 – Bulldog Brower, 63 October 5 – Brian Pillman, 35http://www.wwe.com/superstars/brian-pillman WWE profileWWE Encyclopedia Shields Brian Sullivan Kevin 44 DK 2009 978-0-7566-4190-0 https://archive.org/details/wweencyclopediad0000shie/page/44 November 12 – Luke Brown, 62 December 2 - Shirley Crabtree, 67 See also List of WCW pay-per-view events List of WWF pay-per-view events List of FMW supercards and pay-per-view events List of ECW supercards and pay-per-view events References professional wrestling