WWE One Night Only 1997 GRADED - Review

For many, 1997 was the creative zenith for WWE (or the WWF to us old-skool lot). The Attitude Era was in full swing, and had been since early 1997 - to those who say it started with Vince McMahon’s ‘good guys and bad guys’ address in December 1997, you’re very, very wrong - and the company was still putting on great wrestling, before fully leaning into the crash TV whims of Vince Russo in 1998.

Still punching at WCW from the number two position, the WWF came to the UK  for One Night Only with a UK-exclusive pay-per-view that had severe ramifications for the company going forward, with the backstage influence of The Kliq going to shameless new lows.

But what about the show itself? An 11,000-seat sell-out in Birmingham’s NEC Arena, with a 20,000 buy-rate in the UK and Canada was strong, doubly so as it came less than two weeks after In Your House: Ground Zero, and two weeks before In Your House: Badd Blood. Let’s see if it all holds up, eh?

WWF One Night Only 1997 GRADED:

Sky Box Office logo to open things, and you’d think 20th Century Fox would be furious about the blatant gimmick infringement, until you realise both were owned by Rupert Murdoch at the time of broadcast. 

We kick off with a video package on Davey Boy Smith, with childhood pics showing a young Davey, as JR on voice-over duties noted how he wanted to make his friends and family proud. We see clips from SummerSlam 1992, and Davey’s triumph in Berlin to become the inaugural WWF European Champion. “Davey Boy is home again for One Night Only. To defend the title, a country, and a young boy’s dream.” I’m sure it’ll all go well.

A stripped-back version of the then-new Raw entrance stage, and thankfully not a red phone box or a Hackney cab in sight. There are some dodgy looking Beefeaters though. In Birmingham. Should’ve got Lenny Henry or a 10-year-old Gabby Agbonlahor instead. Vince McMahon on comms for this event, one of the last before his evolution into the nefarious ‘Mr. McMahon’. He’s joined by Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler.

Hunter Hearst Helmsley def. Dude Love

McMahon tells us King of the Ring Helmsley vs. ‘Owen Hart’ is a great way to kick off the show. We then see a backstage promo from Dude Love who does a crap English accent full of ‘jolly goods’ and the like. 

Very basic house show action to start off, but the crowd are into it - so rare was a televised WWF show on British soil at this time. Lots of strikes by Dude, Hunter on bumping duty, with Chyna watching on and glowering. Arm wringer into an armbar by Dude, and he is firmly in control. Helmsley fights back as JR calls him ‘cerebral’, but Dude outwrestles him and locks in an Indian Deathlock. Not what you’d expect from a Mick Foley match in 1997. 

Hunter avoids Sweet Chin Music and bails to the floor, but a pursuing Dude Love runs straight into a Chyna clothesline to huge boos. Chyna again slugs Dude behind ref Mike Chioda’s back, but Helmsley can’t get a three-count when attempting a pinfall. Hunter running knee-chinbreaker, and an abdominal stretch because this is a glorified house-show, lest ye not forget. Hunter and Chioda have a shove-off, with the ref going berserk and yelling at a cowering Helmsley, much to the crowd’s delight. 2.99 for Dude after a running bulldog, and a corner catapult after avoiding a Pedigree attempt - Hunter was miles off making contact. Dude rams Helmsley’s noggin into the turnbuckles as the crowd counts along, and remains in control with a Bret’s rope armdrag.

Sweet Shin Music and the Double Arm DDT, but Chyna puts Hunter’s foot on the ropes to break the count. Pedigree by Helmsley, and that’s all she wrote.

Grade: C - Very basic match, but a good choice to open the show. Lull the crowd into a false sense of security, thinking they’re only going to get A-listers competing on this show. As for Hunter and Foley, they’ll clash the next Raw in Madison Square Garden as Cactus Jack finally arrives to wreak utter havoc. Watch that match instead.

We hear from British fans who give their thoughts on who will win in tonight’s main event; British Bulldog or Shawn Michaels. A split crowd of some of the most 90s looking people you’ll ever see, including a Meatloaf lookalike who doesn’t like Frank Bruno, a bald man in a Burger King crown, lots of women who love Shawn Michaels, and a lad with Ian Walker’s hair with British Bulldog written on his torso, amongst others. The iconic Bulldog fan from 1992 was sadly nowhere to be seen.

Sunny comes out to a pop wearing thigh high boots and a tie-dye two piece as JR makes a ‘page three’ reference - don’t buy The Sun, folks. JR also says Sunny could be a Spice Girl, as the camera picks out some horny dads in the crowd. Sunny is on ring announcer duties for the next bout.

Tiger Ali Singh def. Leif Cassidy 

Tiger Ali is the great new hope of the WWF, and comes out to soft flamenco guitar music alongside his dad Tiger Jeet Singh who unfortunately does not have his sword on him. Leif at this time was very underrated and could work a match with a broom, let’s see how he gets on.

Tiger grabs the mic and calls himself a ‘true and proud Asian-Canadian’ and gets booed - he is a babyface, FYI. Tiger wants all the children of the world to stay drug free because he is the ‘true messiah’ and he’s going to set the wrestling world on fire. Mixed messages here. Tiger Jeet then cuts a promo in Punjabi, and Leif attacks his son.

McMahon notes the ‘mixed greeting’ for Tiger Ali, and you can all but hear Vince give up on the project in real time. Nice belly-to-belly by Tiger, and lots of stomps to Leif’s head which backfire as when Leif - the heel - fires back he gets loud cheers. McMahon notes how tonight Tiger Ali is fighting for the large Asian community across the UK, then Lawler and JR get bored and start bickering about Brian Christopher. Leif takes a nice bump from Bret’s rope, then Tiger hits the Tiger Bomb diving bulldog for the win. Sunny announces the winner, and there’s more boos.

Grade: E - Remember when I said the crowd thought they were only getting A-listers? Well they came back down to Earth with a bump here. Not a bad match strictly speaking, but there was zero heat, about three actual moves, and louder reactions for Sunny than either competitor.

This was Singh’s fifth televised match since joining WWF in April 1997, and he’d not show up again until September 1998. Kept a job until 2001 though, hats off.

We see a recap of Ground Zero: In Your House where Steve Austin nailed Owen Hart with a Stunner to allow The Headbangers to win the WWF Tag Team Championships, with the lads going on to celebrate with some hot dogs.

The Headbangers (Mosh & Thrasher) (c) def. Los Boricuas (Savio Vega & Miguel Perez) - WWF Tag Team Championships

Nice pop for Headbangers who were pretty hot for a minute, then WWF just decided to de push them all the way into the bin. A shame. T-shirt watch; Thrasher in a ‘Smells Like Children’ era Marilyn Manson tee, Mosh in a Napalm Death tee - both would cost you a hefty chunk of change now.

Mosh starts strong with butt bumps and arm drags to a responsive crowd before some double team offence by the champs. Mat wrestling by Savio and Thrasher - a sentence I was not expecting to type - as JR hypes Headbangers supposed amateur credentials. Boricuas shenanigans to take control, Savio nailing some nice roundhouse and spinwheel kicks to assert control in spite of loud ‘HEADBANGERS’ chants. 

Mosh frustrated as Savio and Miguel wail on Thrasher behind the ref’s back, Thrasher fights back with a nice running crossbody for two, then eats another big roundhouse to the back of the head. Miguel whiffs on a Bret’s rope corkscrew senton but lands flush on a standing moonsault for two as Lawler comments on Miguel’s hairy hairy back. Crowd rallies as Mosh tags in, but the ref didn’t see it so he’s scooted back to the apron. Classic house show fare, and the fans are eating it up. 

Boricuas continue to absolutely leather Thrasher, and after levelling Savio with a back suplex he finally gets the hot tag to Mosh as the crowd goes wild. Mosh runs wild with strikes, then hits Miguel with an avalanche Frankensteiner for two, as all four men start scrapping. Deadlift powerbomb on Thrasher by Miguel, but Mosh flattens him with a flying leg guillotine for the win.

The champs briefly celebrate with fans as a very excited woman starts kissing Mosh on the neck. He quickly makes his excuses and leaves.

GRADE: C+ - Standard house show action really, but both teams played their parts well, and the crowd were fully invested. Miguel in particular put in a shift.

We see footage from earlier today of JR sitting down for an interview with Davey Boy Smith. Davey notes how his sister Tracy will be in attendance fresh from a second battle with cancer. Davey dedicates his match tonight to Tracy, and mentions how his mum, his dad, his other sister, brother Terrence, wife Diana, and trainer Walter O’Malley will all be in attendance. Davey notes how he’s dropped about 28 lbs to try and keep up with Shawn and puts over HBK as one of the WWF’s best. Davey says tonight will be one of the biggest of his career. I’m sure it’ll all go off without a hitch.

The Patriot def. Flash Funk 

Flash Funk is a babyface. Patriot is a babyface… in America, but as this was during the big USA vs. Hart Foundation feud on Raw is War then he was a big heel here, coming out to massive boos as he waved Old Glory as Kurt Angle’s theme blared over the PA.

Code of Honour upheld with a handshake, as an excited fan holds up a ‘Die Bischoff, Die’ sign. Yikes. Flash flies out of the traps but Patriot overpowers him to yet more boos, and despite flurries of offence by Funk he is again levelled by Big Pat. Two for Flash off a diving crossbody, and despite sustained momentum he can’t keep Patriot down who ‘Hulks up’ to more boos, before hitting a nice backdrop driver. Flash Funk locks in a surfboard stretch, and gets a two off a nice twisting bicycle kick. Patriot powerslam for two - despite being booed he is still very much working as a bayface, he is a Patriot for all nations after all, he just happens to love America the most.

Patriot missile diving shoulder block for two, but Flash fights back with a nice Funk Flash Splash 180 bodysplash for two, but a follow-up Moonsault eats knees, allowing Patriot to hit Uncle Slam for the win and another wave of boos.

GRADE: C- - Not a bad match, but odd booking considering we’re in what WWF would dub ‘Bizarro land’ with Patriot soundly booed by the capacity crowd. He was feuding with WWF Champion Bret Hart so he was all but guaranteed a win here, but he should have leaned in and worked more heel-ish for my money.

Animal and Hawk with a trademark shouty big lad promo, as Animal yells how tonight is the biggest event the UK are ever going to see (LOD wrestled SummerSlam ’92 lest we forget), yells about how Godwinns slopped them, and yells that they’re going to get payback with a Doomsday Device. Hawk then yells a poem about a bird pooing in his eye, before yelling about The Godwinns some more.

The Legion of Doom (Hawk & Animal) def. The Godwinns (Henry O. Godwinn & Phineas I. Godwinn)

In watching Raw Is War week-by-week with Tom Campbell on the Cultaholic Classic Raw Review, the Godwinns were very much justified in their continued attacks of LOD, as the Road Warriors legit broke Henry’s neck with a Doomsday Device. Still, they’re booed here, and the LOD get a massive pop, as is tradition.

Slow plodding start as Henry and Animal slug it out, before Phinneas and Hawk slug it out. Godwinns work over Hawk, but he barely sells it because, well, that’s what Hawk does. Double back elbow by LOD, then a nice Cactus Clothesline by Henry O. Godwinn as he takes Animal to the floor. Fujiwara Armbar by Phinneas I. Godwinn which takes JR by surprise, as the crowd continues to rally behind the LOD. Flying nothing by PIG as he eats a boot from Animal, before Hawk tags in and runs wild with clotheslines, bodyslams, and a Rude Awakening for two.

Godwinns double clothesline Hawk, then HOG hits the Slop Drop on Hawk, but delays in covering so only gets a two. Idiot. PIG chokes Hawk with the Confederate flag behind the ref’s back, as the Godwinns continue to work over Hawk. Eventual hot tag to Animal who hits a lovely powerslam on Henry to almost zero reaction, but a double clothesline on the Godwinns gets a reaction. Doomsday Device on Phinneas for the win.

Grade: D - Now, the Road Warriors may be legends, but by 1997 they were definitely a relic of a bygone era. No selling, very little psychology, seemingly concerned with getting themselves over. For all their popularity the crowd weren’t as loud as you’d expect here, and their matches with The Godwinns were always plodding muddy affairs. This was no different.

Lawler mugs to the camera and complains about his hair, before we cut to JR in ring who introduces ‘The World’s Most Dangerous Man’ Ken Shamrock for a chat. Shamrock was set to face Owen tonight, but is unable to compete after suffering internal bleeding at the hands of Faarooq on Raw. Ken says if it was up to him he’d be competing tonight, but unfortunately he punctured his lung. Shamrock says he’ll be right back, as JR notes how Shamrock wanted to be a part of the event in front of the UK fans. Ken thanks the fans, but admits his frustration at not being able to compete.

Rockabilly saunters to the ring and laughs at Shamrock saying he had a doctor write a note for a stomach ache. Billy mocks Ken and slaps him, and the silly tit gets pasted by Shamrock in return. Ankle Lock locked in, before Mike Chioda and Earl ‘Center of Attention’ Hebner run in to break it up.

WWF Champion Bret Hart grimaces backstage whilst awkwardly leaning on the title and his Hart Foundation jacket. Mixed reaction for Bret here. McMahon asks Bret what attitude he’ll have tonight when he faces The Undertaker. Bret notes how he is still the same man deep down and values his fans in England, and despite ‘Taker and his fan base being in the building he’ll fight fire with fire and do the best he can. McMahon notes how Taker will be furious tonight after the events of SummerSlam (Bret duped Shawn Michaels into blasting ‘Taker with a chair and cost him the WWF Title), to which Bret puts over Taker’s toughness and again sucks up to the fans, to which Vince says the English don’t like you tonight. McMahon needles Bret about whether the UK fan support matters to him or not, to which Bret sheepishly admits it matters.

Odd one this. Bret was fully anti-American on WWF TV, and the history books like to present it as Hart being soundly booed in America, and universally cheered in Canada, The UK, and Europe. In reality, it was definitely a mixed bag here.

Vader def. Owen Hart

Vince McMahon notes how despite Vader being an ally of The Patriot he’s not receiving the same hostile reception tonight. That’s because he’s Vader and he’s cool. Great reception for Owen Hart, although there was definitely a smattering of boos in there. Lawler calls Owen ‘sound as a pound’, and I speak on behalf of all of Merseyside when I say we do not claim Jerry Lawler.

Vader starts strong, tossing Owen about and flashing the guns to a mixed reaction. Frankensteiner by Owen restores parity, and a nice rebound crossbody gets a two. Sharpshooter denied on several occasions - it’s far too early for that Owen mate. Owen crucifix reversed into a Samoan drop by Vader (JR calls it a fallaway slam because of course he does), and Vader gets a near fall after a big Bret’s rope body-splash. Vader stays in control with some meaty clotheslines, and a Fujiwara armbar. The crowd boos as Vader continues his dominance, with Owen attempting some Hogan Andre bodyslams to no avail, obviously. Owen rains down blows on Vader to fight back, but gets walloped and bodysplashed for two.

Owen fights out of a powerbomb attempt to hit the patented deadly enziguiri, and finally locks in the Sharpshooter to cheers, but Vader quickly reaches the ropes. Owen finally slams Vader, but again only gets two. Vader quickly fights back, but a Vader Bomb attempt meets knees, allowing Owen to hit a missile dropkick, then the spinning heel kick for two. Flying hug by Owen is turned into a lovely powerslam by Vader, who gets the three-count, seemingly out of nowhere.

Grade: C+ - The crowd were up for this, despite at times not being sure who to throw their support behind. A good win for Vader, his and Owen’s styles complimented each other well. Try to act shocked.

The Undertaker backstage says Bret Hart has ‘one night only’ to prove he deserves to be WWF Champion. ‘Taker tells Hart to look into the eyes of the Reaper, and deal with ‘Taker one-on-one. 'Taker says Bret is a demon, and he shall expose the demon tonight. He also says Bret is not a creature. A muddled bit of nonsense from Undie.

Bret Hart (c) def. The Undertaker by DQ - WWF Championship

Big reaction for The Undertaker, including someone repeatedly screaming like a startled parrot. Mixed reaction for Bret, but it seems there’s more cheers than boos for his entrance. Mike Chioda reffing this one, you’re safe for now, Hitman.

Crowd are hot for this as both men fly out of the traps, exchanging strikes in the corner. ‘Taker chokes Bret as the ref admonishes him, with sneaky Bret exposing the top turnbuckle. Back-and-forth action as the fight spills to the floor, Bret sending ‘Taker into the announce table, before himself getting caught off an axe handle and being inadvertently spinebusted on the floor as Taker loses his footing. The fight spills up the ramp, Taker firmly in control with a thudding bodyslam.

Back in ring and Bret plants the Deadman with a snap DDT to loud boos. Bret takes his patented sternum bump into the exposed turnbuckle, and shades of Mean Mark Callous as Undertaker nails Bret with a heart punch. Taker continues to work over Bret, with the fans again divided. Bret fights back, targeting ‘Taker’s knee and softening him up for the Sharpshooter, the crowd booing loudly as Bret sinks in the ring post assisted Figure Four Leglock. Bret takes the fight back into the ring and again applies a Figure Four as the crowd loudly rallies behind ‘Taker. Undertaker reverses the hold and the pressure, but Bret makes the ropes to more boos. A hobbling ‘Taker slugs Bret in the corner, but a missed big boot again allows Bret to take control, Hitman taking the unusual route of repeatedly headbutting Taker above his arse. Side Russian legsweep for two, a gorgeous snap suplex for two, backbreaker, but the follow-up Bret’s rope elbow ends with a boot to the mush for Hart.

Both men go down after a double clothesline, ‘Taker sitting up to a mixed reaction before leg dropping Bret’s bollocks. The wily Hitman saw a second leg drop attempt coming and transitions into a Sharpshooter to a loud pop. Taker powers up and out of the hold and goozles Bret, but the chokeslam is avoided. An incensed Hitman grabs the ring bell, but eats a big bell before he can use it. Taker then goes to use the bell but the ref confiscates it, allowing Bret to tackle ‘Taker and again work his knee. As Bret goes to stomp ‘Taker’s knee he is launched over the top rope and into a cameraman, ‘Taker sending the champ into the steel steps as a treat. Old Skool denied as Bret whips Taker off the top rope, and a Tombstone attempt is thwarted with a Bret roll-up for two. Bret goes for a Tombstone of his own, but ‘Taker reverses, however Bret wriggles out and is tied up in the ropes by his neck, the crowd booing as ‘Taker strikes him repeatedly. Mike Chioda has seen enough and calls for the bell, disqualifying Undertaker.

With Bret still in the ropes, ‘Taker chokeslams Chioda, allowing WWF officials and Owen Hart to free Bret. Taker then chokeslams Jerry Brisco onto his neck for good measure. 

Grade: B - Despite this show at times being a glorified house show, the memo didn’t make it to Bret Hart and The Undertaker, who put on a solid title match. The crowd were thoroughly invested, their support switching throughout. The ending was a bit flat, but again, this is a glorified house show. If you must check out a Bret vs. Undertaker match from 1997 then opt for SummerSlam instead.

A smug Shawn Michaels grins backstage as he hypes up the main event, proclaiming he’ll become the first Grand Slam Champion in WWF history by being the only man to hold WWF, Intercontinental, Tag Team, and European gold. 

Shawn Michaels def. The British Bulldog (c) - WWF European Championship

Yet another mixed reaction as Shawn makes his entrance, especially when he tells the gormless Beefeaters to suck it. Young woman mob HBK as a young boy repeatedly smacks him in the face with a Hasbro Bulldog figure… so Shawn grabs the figure and stuffs it down his pants. Big ovation for Davey Boy as he walks down the ring with his sister Tracy, Tracy taking a seat front row with Diana Hart and the rest of Davey’s clan.

Lots of theatrics from HBK as this starts, as a fan holds up a ‘Sporty Spice 4 Life’ sign - Mel C apparently a member of the nWo. Lots of shoves and tosses by Davey to kick off, HBK in bumping mode it seems. Reverse release suplex into the ring by Bulldog, and into a huge military press as Earl ‘Everyone Look At Me’ Hebner gets in his way to prevent Davey from launching Michaels to the floor. Huge bump as HBK is back body dropped over the top rope, and another as he is launched back into the ring. 

Bulldog is in control, just tossing Michaels about with ease. HBK back into the match with a thumb to the eye, but a Frankensteiner attempt is countered into a sit-out powerbomb by Davey for a two count. Mexican surfboard by the British Bulldog, Earl ‘I’m the Star of the Show’ Hebner counting Bulldog’s shoulders on the mat for two, Davey chewing Hebner out accordingly. Delayed vertical suplex by Bulldog gets another two, and the crowd start booing loudly as ‘insurance man’ Rick Rude walks to the ring - but who has secured his services this week? Shawn has, with Rude breaking up a Bulldog pin attempt behind the ref’s back. Rude then grabs the ropes as Davey attempts a clothesline, allowing HBK to send the champ to the floor. Rude launches Davey shoulder first into the ring post in front of his family, as we see Diana Smith glaring up a storm. Double axe handle to the floor by Michaels, then Rude shoves Bulldog into the apron, Davey’s lower back taking the brunt of the impact. 

HBK slows Bulldog down with a sleeper hold, Davey eventually fighting out with a big back suplex for two. Huge show of strength by Bulldog as he lifts HBK up with one arm to counter an armbar, but both men are knackered. More boos as Michaels’ close friends Hunter Hearst Helmsley and Chyna arrive on the scene, but Bulldog doesn’t miss a step, running HBK over with clotheslines, and a catapult into the corner for two. Bulldog eats the ring post when missing a corner charge. Heartbreak Elbow by Shawn, and a second, but a lax Sweet Chin Music attempt misses, allowing Davey to hoist Shawn up for the running powerslam, but again Rude interferes to stop him.

As Rude distracts the ref, Davey takes the fight to the floor, but a powerslam attempt doesn’t come off, with Davey’s leg getting trapped between the ring post and the ringside area - the ring itself elevated from the fans on the floor. HBK nails Sweet Chin Music on the floor, as Hunter and Rude repeatedly attack Bulldog’s bad knee. Pedigree on the floor, as the camera shows a visibly concerned Diana Hart. In-ring, HBK takes off Davey’s knee brace and tosses it at Diana, before locking in a figure four leg lock, with Chyna and Hunter providing assistance behind Earl ‘I’m Useless in Kayfabe’ Hebner’s back. Rude again slugs Bulldog as the deck is further stacked against the champ - but where on Earth are Owen and Bret? HBK continues with the leg lock, as Davey passes out, with Earl calling for the bell. 

Fans start throwing things into the ring as HBK is presented with the title. Shawn grabs a mic and tells all the ladies in Birmingham to take a look at the champ. HBK then aims his words at the Harts and Diana. We see Davey’s family looking glum as reality dawns on them. Hunter takes the mic and starts taunting Davey as HBK locks the figure four in again, Diana rushing the ring only to be accosted by Chyna. Owen and Bret finally hit the ring as HBK, Hunter, and Chyna celebrate on the ramp, fans pelting them with rubbish as they walk to the back. In-ring, a visibly upset Diana asks Bret and Owen what is going on as they attend to Davey

Grade: B- - A great performance by Michaels and Davey, but an oddly booked spectacle. All the beats were there leading to a valiant babyface win, especially in front of his countrymen, and ESPECIALLY in front of his sick sister. But alas, The Kliq gets what The Kliq wants.

Show Grade: C - A curio for sure. At times a glorified house show - such was the flavour of international shows at this time - but saved by a strong one-two punch in the form of the WWF Title and European Title matches.

As for the ending? The original plan was for Davey to win, with his family believing that to be the case heading into the show. However, Shawn Michaels in September 1997 was at his worst, and at the 11th hour politicked to win saying he needed a title for his upcoming feud with Bret Hart, as to be seen as on the same level as his fiercest rival. Vince agreed, Bulldog had no leverage, and HBK walked off with the gold. This came as Shawn vowed to not do jobs for anyone - especially Bret - and as D-Generation X started to come into being on TV. The belief was that HBK would eventually drop the European Title back to Bulldog at another televised UK show in 1998, but thanks to a little incident in Montreal in November 97, that match would not come to be. Shawn would defend the title zero times, then basically handed it to HHH in December '97, who would hold it until July across two reigns, somehow not jobbing for the first loss to - you guessed it - Owen Hart.