Sunday Night Heat
The show was originally introduced on the USA Network on August 2, 1998 in the United States. The one-hour show would be broadcast on Sunday nights, it would be live most weeks but sometimes would be taped. It was the second primary program of the WWF’s weekly television show line-up, serving as a supplement to the Monday Night Raw program. Heat would feature a format similar to that of Monday Night Raw in that continuing feuds from the previous week would progress during the show, and the following day’s Monday Night Raw would be heavily promoted. On scheduled WWF pay-per-view event nights, Heat would also serve as a preview show to the events. The show was initially signed for only 6 episodes but was very popular and was continued.
It even featured three title changes. The biggest of the bunch was the vaunted “Halftime Heat” during the 1999 NFL Superbowl when Mankind upset The Rock for the WWF title in an empty arena match.
The other two title changes revolved around the cruiserweight belt as Essay Rios knocked off Gilberg for the strap in early 2000, and then Crash Holly beat Dean Malenko for the same belt, a few months later.
As mentioned prior, this show was the perfect lead in for many WWF Pay Per Views. If fans were lingering on the fence on whether or not to buy, a hot episode of Heat would often turn the tide. It was also a great show for young talent to get work in and start getting fans familiar with the new faces. This show worked on every level, until eventually becoming a clip show and then completely dropped.
My proposal to bring it back:
Cut RAW back from 3 to 2 hours, and use this hour long show to feature the wrestlers you would have on Monday Nights. We don’t need to give HEAT it’s own roster. But, simply use the RAW roster and make a point of not using the same guys two nights in a row unless you have too. There is no doubt in my mind, people will watch and enjoy. Again, 60 minute show, and cut RAW down from 3 hours to 2 hours.
Stephanie M Najar
June 16, 2017 at 2:29 am
I think I would have to vote for Sunday nights main event! Great concept and I think it would be great to have especially for those who don’t get ppv and other shows.
Chris Meder
June 16, 2017 at 8:22 am
VIA Twitter
hand’s down, WWF Saturday Night’s Main Event!
Issac
June 16, 2017 at 8:24 am
VIA Twitter
Saturday Night’s Main Event or even Prime Time Wrestling.
Also bring back WCW Bash at the Beach or Halloween Havoc
Mandi Mac lennan
June 16, 2017 at 8:25 am
VIA Facebook
I loved them all. This blog was a great trip down memory lane!
Steve Pajk
June 16, 2017 at 10:33 am
Bring back Saturday Night’s Main Event. Make it meaningful. Number one contenders matches, Championship matches, and debut matches for up and comers would make this worth watching. The one stipulation that should be in place though, in order to make this show a draw, would be to disclose the fact that there are no DQ’s and their is a clear cut winner and a loser. The broadcast should also be on NBC like in year’s past, at 8pm, so the family can watch.