Well before the internet and steaming services, cable television was dominating the at-home entertainment industry. The popular cable channel USA Network had a long relationship with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) that began in the early 1980s. This relationship created a partnership that broadcasted several wrestling programs over the years. In 1997, the WWF had multiple television programs on air, including WWF Superstars, which first aired in syndication in 1986, and switched to cable in 1996 on the USA Network.
During the 1980s and 1990s, many top-rated professional wrestling matches occurred on pay-per-view events, such as WWF Wrestlemania and WWF Summerslam. However, the television wrestling programs offered important build up moments that were critical to adding significance to the upcoming pay-per-view matches. In addition, there were times where title changes occurred as well as significant storyline moments. Above all, wrestling programs during this era offered entertainment on a weekly basis showcasing WWF talent.
On February 9, 1997, the USA Network aired WWF Superstars which featured Steve Austin, Bret Hart, The Undertaker, Paul Bearer, Vader, Jim Cornette, Jim Ross, referee Earl Hebner, WWF Official Gerald Brisco, and Sunny as a ring announcer, all in one wrestling segment!
