Raw: 1997
Season five of the television series Raw picks up where the previous installments left off, extending the show’s long‑running narrative across a full slate of fifty‑two episodes. As the fifth chapter in the ongoing saga, this season maintains the continuity of the story world that has been built over earlier seasons, preserving the established tone and thematic concerns that define the series. Each of the fifty‑two i
Season 5 Lore Primer
Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.
- The series has an overarching saga established in earlier seasons.
- Characters and storylines have been developed over the prior four seasons.
- The narrative stakes involve the continuation and expansion of the saga.
- Season 5 builds directly on the events and themes of the previous seasons.
Season overview
Season five of the television series Raw picks up where the previous installments left off, extending the show’s long‑running narrative across a full slate of fifty‑two episodes. As the fifth chapter in the ongoing saga, this season maintains the continuity of the story world that has been built over earlier seasons, preserving the established tone and thematic concerns that define the series. Each of the fifty‑two installments contributes to the broader arc, ensuring that plot threads introduced previously are carried forward and that the momentum of the overarching storyline is sustained. The season’s structure allows for a gradual unfolding of events, with the cumulative effect of deepening the series’ central conflicts and expanding its setting. By adhering to the established framework, Season 5 reinforces the series’ commitment to a cohesive narrative, offering viewers a continuation that respects the groundwork laid in earlier episodes while moving the saga toward its next phase. The season’s length provides ample space for character development and plot progression, staying true to the series’ established pacing. Viewers familiar with the show will recognize the consistent production values and storytelling style that have defined Raw since its inception, reinforcing the sense of continuity across the franchise.
Episode Guide
Season 5 Progress Shield
January 6, 1997
Jan 6, 1997 · 48 min
Bret Hart goes one-on-one with the man they call Vader in a huge main event as Shawn Michaels watches from ringside. However, when Sycho Sid targets another member of the Lothario
January 13, 1997
Jan 13, 1997 · 48 min
Shawn Michaels and WWE Champion Sycho Sid give their final thoughts on their upcoming match. As The Undertaker takes on Crush in the main event, the Nation of Domination looks to l
January 20, 1997
Jan 20, 1997 · 48 min
Following his highly controversial loss in the Royal Rumble match, a frustrated Bret Hart lashes out and bids farewell to WWE. However, President Gorilla Monsoon looks to lure the
January 27, 1997
Jan 27, 1997 · 47 min
Before Shawn Michaels can celebrate his reign as the new WWE Champion, The Heartbreak Kid is greeted by the four men who are hell-bent on taking the title from him. In the main eve
February 3, 1997
Feb 3, 1997 · 93 min
Bret Hart's newly adopted attitude continues to put him at odds with his fellow Superstars including WWE Champion Shawn Michaels. With managers barred from ringside, Marc Mero gets
February 13, 1997
Feb 13, 1997 · 87 min
Bret Hart's new attitude puts him at odds with WWE Champion Shawn Michaels. With managers barred from ringside, "Wildman" Marc Mero takes on Hunter Hearst Helmsley for the Intercon
February 17, 1997
Feb 17, 1997 · 92 min
Bret Hart defends his newly-won WWE Championship against Sycho Sid. But before the "Hit Man" can face this tall order, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin looks to strike first. Plus, an upd
February 24, 1997
Feb 24, 1997 · 89 min
Back where it all began in New York City's famed Manhattan Center, Monday Night Raw gets hardcore as ECW invades WWE. In response to Jerry "The King" Lawler's challenge, Paul E. Da
March 3, 1997
Mar 3, 1997 · 93 min
The British Bulldog faces his tag team partner Owen Hart in the finals to crown the first-ever European Champion.
March 10, 1997
Mar 10, 1997 · 96 min
WWE Champion Sycho Sid and The Undertaker must put aside their differences as they team up against Vader & Mankind. The rivalry between "Stone Cold" Steve Austin and Bret Hart esca
March 17, 1997
Mar 17, 1997 · 96 min
Bret Hart competes in a steel cage match with Sycho Sid for the WWE Championship. Plus, Hunter Hearst Helmsley battles Flash Funk, Vader takes on the British Bulldog, and Shawn Mic
March 24, 1997
Mar 24, 1997 · 91 min
Bret Hart discusses his recent change in attitude and sends a message to his fans in the United States. As The Undertaker looks to usher in a new era of darkness after capturing th
March 31, 1997
Mar 31, 1997 · 95 min
As Bret Hart faces Rocky Maivia for the Intercontinental Championship in the main event, the rest of the Hart Family joins the foundation of his crusade against the United States.
April 7, 1997
Apr 7, 1997 · 92 min
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin and Mankind battle for a chance at Bret Hart's WWE Championship. The WWE Universe gets a look at how dangerous Ken Shamrock really is when he takes on Ver
April 14, 1997
Apr 14, 1997 · 90 min
This edition of Raw features matches from both the United States and South Africa. Ahmed Johnson gets his hands on another member of the Nation of Domination when he takes on Crush
April 21, 1997
Apr 21, 1997 · 90 min
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin battles Bret Hart in a Street Fight, but The Hart Foundation has a surprise for the Rattlesnake. The Undertaker faces Hunter Hearst Helmsley in the main e
April 28, 1997
Apr 28, 1997 · 90 min
Brian Pillman reveals a more spiritual side of himself when he sides with The Hart Foundation. The British Bulldog faces WWE Champion The Undertaker. An injured Bret Hart resolves
May 5, 1997
May 5, 1997 · 92 min
The Hart Foundation's anti-American crusade continues as they set their sights on Shawn Michaels. The British Bulldog goes one-on-one with "Stone Cold" Steve Austin in the main eve
May 12, 1997
May 12, 1997 · 90 min
Bret Hart call outs Shawn Michaels. Weeks after being burned by The Undertaker, Paul Bearer returns with Mankind to deliver a grave warning to the Deadman. Plus, "Stone Cold" Steve
May 19, 1997
May 19, 1997 · 91 min
Hart Foundation members Owen Hart & the British Bulldog offer "Stone Cold" Steve Austin & Shawn Michaels a chance at the Tag Team Championship next week. WWE Champion The Undertake
May 26, 1997
May 26, 1997 · 94 min
After weeks of threats, Paul Bearer looks to bring The Undertaker to his knees when he prepares to reveal a secret from the Deadman's past. Despite their recent issues, Shawn Micha
June 2, 1997
Jun 2, 1997 · 92 min
With The Undertaker reluctantly aligned with Paul Bearer, Sycho Sid challenges him for his WWE Championship. The rivalry between Shawn Michaels and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin gets i
June 9, 1997
Jun 9, 1997 · 94 min
After being crowned the 1997 King of the Ring, Hunter Hearst Helmsley looks to begin his ascension to the top of WWE. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin's faces The Hart Foundation's Brian
June 16, 1997
Jun 16, 1997 · 94 min
Ahmed Johnson reveals his allegiance when he teams with The Undertaker to face Faarooq & Kama Mustafa. With the members of The Hart Foundation handcuffed at ringside, "Stone Cold"
June 23, 1997
Jun 23, 1997 · 93 min
The Undertaker's temper gets the better of him when Paul Bearer forces the Deadman to team with Vader against two members of the Nation of Domination. Mankind dedicates his match a
June 30, 1997
Jun 30, 1997 · 90 min
Paul Bearer reveals a dark secret about The Undertaker's childhood. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin battles The Hart Foundation's Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart. The war between the Nation of
July 7, 1997
Jul 7, 1997 · 83 min
The Hart Foundation receives another warm reception in Canada. After weeks of trying to be "Stone Cold" Steve Austin's partner, Mankind is treated to a stunning lesson courtesy of
July 14, 1997
Jul 14, 1997 · 90 min
The Hart Foundation's Owen Hart & British Bulldog challenge "Stone Cold" Steve Austin for the Tag Team Championship in the main event. After weeks of absence, Shawn Michaels return
July 21, 1997
Jul 21, 1997 · 101 min
In The Hart Foundation's homeland of Canada, the Canadian heroes face The Undertaker, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, and Dude Love in a Flag Match. Tensions between Shawn Michaels make
July 28, 1997
Jul 28, 1997 · 99 min
Bret Hart goes one-on-one with The Patriot. The British Bulldog looks to give Ken Shamrock a taste of defeat in an Arm Wrestling Match. Plus, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin & Dude Love
August 4, 1997
Aug 4, 1997 · 90 min
A new Commissioner is appointed to teach a lesson in respect to The Hart Foundation. Shawn Michaels embraces a new attitude while earning a new enemy. With "Stone Cold" Steve Austi
August 11, 1997
Aug 11, 1997 · 90 min
Shawn Michaels promises to reveal his special insurance policy when he returns to action against Mankind. Vince McMahon interviews Dude Love. The Nation of Domination welcomes its
August 18, 1997
Aug 18, 1997 · 85 min
Shawn Michaels teams with Hunter Hearst Helmsley against The Undertaker and Mankind in the main event.
August 29, 1997
Aug 29, 1997 · 89 min
The showdown unfolds as Vader takes on Bret Hart, and the clash continues with Dude Love facing off against Rockabilly.
September 5, 1997
Sep 5, 1997 · 85 min
The Patriot takes on Owen Hart. Dude Love wrestles the British Bulldog. Hunter Hearst Helmsley clashes with The Undertaker.
September 8, 1997
Sep 8, 1997 · 88 min
Commissioner Slaughter learns an injured Rattlesnake's strike is the most vicious when he suspends "Stone Cold" Steve Austin. The Undertaker warns Shawn Michaels their rivalry will
September 15, 1997
Sep 15, 1997 · 85 min
WWE Champion Bret Hart and European Champion the British Bulldog challenge The Headbangers for the Tag Team Championship. Jerry Lawler receives some stunning news when he conducts
September 22, 1997
Sep 22, 1997 · 90 min
From Madison Square Garden, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin ignites the most storied rivalry in WWE history with a single Stunner. The Intercontinental Championship Tournament continues
September 29, 1997
Sep 29, 1997 · 88 min
Shawn Michaels and his pals disrupt order in WWE, but Commissioner Slaughter gets the last laugh as he forces Hunter Hearst Helmsley to battle the Undertaker. As Mr. McMahon consid
October 6, 1997
Oct 6, 1997 · 86 min
WWE mourns the untimely passing of Flyin' Brian Pillman. The Hart Foundation come face-to-face with Shawn Michaels and his band of degenerates as Bret Hart faces Hunter Hearst Helm
October 13, 1997
Oct 13, 1997 · 92 min
One of the most controversial groups in WWE history is born as Shawn Michaels and his allies form D-Genenration X to target The Hart Foundation. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin's future
October 20, 1997
Oct 20, 1997 · 85 min
DX looks to cause dissension in The Hart Foundation. The Undertaker insists that he will never fight his brother Kane. Following a lackluster run in WCW, Jeff Jarrett returns and s
October 27, 1997
Oct 27, 1997 · 89 min
Shawn Michaels pushes the envelope even when he decides to show the WWE Universe another side of himself. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin stops at nothing to protect his Survivor Series
November 3, 1997
Nov 3, 1997 · 88 min
Shawn Michaels goes one-on-one with Ken Shamrock in the main event. Ahmed Johnson finds himself in the middle of Kane's path of destruction when he looks for payback on "Stone Cold
November 10, 1997
Nov 10, 1997 · 83 min
Following one of the most controversial matches in sports-entertainment, there is a new WWE Champion in Shawn Michaels. The Rock issues a challenge to "Stone Cold" Steve Austin for
November 17, 1997
Nov 17, 1997 · 87 min
Mr. McMahon sits down with Jim Ross to share his side of what happened with Bret Hart at Survivor Series. Hunter Hearst Helmsley shows Commissioner Slaughter how much DX respects h
November 24, 1997
Nov 24, 1997 · 80 min
After DX's reenactment of Survivor Series comes up short, WWE Champion Shawn Michaels makes a special offer to Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart. The New Age Outlaws challenge the Legion of
December 1, 1997
Dec 1, 1997 · 88 min
Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart takes on Triple H. While the New Age Outlaws begin their reign as Tag Team Champions, the Legion of Doom goes on a hunt for vengeance. "Stone Cold" Steve A
December 8, 1997
Dec 8, 1997 · 90 min
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin reveals his championship aspirations. With most of their enemies gone from WWE, Degeneration-X turn their attention to the sole survivor of The Hart Found
December 15, 1997
Dec 15, 1997 · 91 min
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin shows The Rock what the Intercontinental Championship means to him. When DX takes on the Legion of Doom in the main event, the New Age Outlaws decide to p
December 22, 1997
Dec 22, 1997 · 90 min
When DX gives the WWE Universe a special Christmas present, Commissioner Slaughter gives the duo a gift of his own by ordering Shawn Michaels to defend his European Championship ag
December 29, 1997
Dec 29, 1997 · 89 min
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin faces The Artist Formerly Known as Goldust. With Triple H out of action due to a knee injury, Commissioner Slaughter orders Shawn Michaels to take his pla