1997 was one of the most important years in WWF history. We will examine the story lines like the USA-Canada angle of course but the real story is what is actually happening within the company. The WWF has greater attendance but ratings and PPV buys are down. We're less than two months away from Vince McMahon coming to Bret to tell him, "I can't afford your contract." We know that the following month, Vince "found the money." But how? We examine what changes the company made to cut costs and raise revenues, some that fans wouldn't have ever even noticed. Of course at the end of this show, Bret would become champion. If he hadn't, would the "screwjob" have ever happened three months later? Why did Vince still go with Bret as champion here? What were people saying about Shawn's knee? What happened before, during, and after Owen piledrove Austin? Of course we examine the love heaped on Whitman for changing the tax situation in New Jersey for the WWF and the silly million dollar contest with calling fans live on the air. Join us on a "State of the WWF" for the Summer of 1997! Pre-Order the Roast of Bruce Prichard, the Monday Night War Debate with Bruce & Eric, and 20 other shows for just $79 at FITE.tv/starrcast -- but hurry, offer ends 8/10! Want more content? Want the shows early and ad free? Support us on Patreon! patreon.com/SomethingToWrestle New York, San Antonio, Winston Salem, LA, Scotland, Ireland, England, and Phoenix on sale now: www.BrucePrichard.com Ask a question about Hogan 1989 next week: facebook.com/SomethingToWrestle or twitter.com/PrichardShow Tees are at BrucePrichard.com and everything else is at BoxOfGimmicks.com Save Yourself Some Money: www.SaveWithBruce.com Take your manhood to the max by trying Ageless Male Max and get your first 30-day bottle FREE – just pay shipping and handling - when you text the word "SLAM" to 79 79 79

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices