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Looking Back At WWE’s Ten Best Episodes of Raw Ever

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Looking Back At WWE's Ten Best Episodes of Raw Ever

As someone who’s been a fan of professional wrestling for over three decades now, let me tell you, I’ve seen some truly unforgettable Raw episodes, and two that stand out as absolute classics are the ones we’re discussing here. The first one, that Orlando show in May 1999, was a peak Attitude Era spectacle that’s still talked about with reverence today. The main event was a who’s-who of Attitude Era icons, and the chaotic six-man tag team match was pure gold.

Enthusiasts can’t wait for the upcoming chapter of WWE’s weekly programming on streaming platforms. As we approach its premiere on Netflix next year, it’s a good time to reminisce about WWE’s top 10 episodes of Raw. Over the years, America’s longest-running episodic TV show has seen ups and downs, with changing formats, rosters, and even a period when the company wasn’t called WWE. Given this rich history, selecting the best can be subjective. Nevertheless, there are Raw episodes that WWE fans might want to revisit as they look forward to its streaming future.

Noteworthy recognition should be given to the inaugural episode of Monday Night Raw, airing on January 11, 1993. This evening marked the beginning of an era and laid the foundation for the iconic show that dominated wrestling as its flagship program. Luminaries such as Shawn Michaels, Yokozuna, Undertaker, Koko B Ware, and The Steiner Brothers graced the ring that night. Lex Luger (then known as Narcissus) and Razor Ramon made an appearance to build anticipation for the upcoming Royal Rumble event. While opinions may vary on which is the best, this original episode certainly deserves acknowledgment.

A Stunning Moment (Sept 22, 1997)

This specific episode of Raw was crucial, essential viewing, and significantly shaped the era. It’s impossible to discuss Raw without referencing two figures: Stone Cold Steve Austin and Mr. McMahon. In WWE, they were the key characters, with one driving the content at the company’s zenith. This rivalry could have potentially led to the non-existence of WWE. At that time, WCW was a formidable competitor in the 1990s, and this moment was pivotal in reclaiming its position as the industry leader.

On this specific evening, the undercard showcased The Undertaker’s lead-up to his Hell in a Cell clash with the freshly crowned European Champion, Shawn Michaels. Both heavyweights exchanged words, emphasizing the importance of the cage itself, a factor that would significantly contribute to the climax of their match. Additionally, there was a tag team bout between two legendary teams, the Legion of Doom and Nation of Domination, which served its purpose for a TV encounter. Lastly, Cactus Jack and Hunter Hearst Helmsley engaged in a fall-count-anywhere match that remains relevant even by today’s standards, providing the main highlight of the in-ring action.

The real story here is that this was the night that Mr. McMahon took his first Stunner in Madison Square Garden, of all places. Mr. McMahon wanted Stone Cold to “play within the system,” which earned him a whole lot of pain in response. Fans in attendance and on television probably forgot that WWE Champion Bret Hart was on the show. Vince flopping around on the mat and Austin leaving the garden in steel cuffs are the lasting images of the show and one of the more iconic moments of Stone Cold’s career. It also made The Stunner a legendary wrestling maneuver known the world over.

A Gold Standard is Set (May 2, 2005)

Occasionally, a standard is met due to being too comfortable, while other times, people strive to achieve it. Shawn Michaels, frequently appearing in notable Raw episodes, aimed to earn his place alongside Shelton Benjamin in 2005. Examining the remainder of the card that season, much of it revolved around the Gold Rush tournament, which aimed to determine a top challenger for Batista’s world title.

The show featured a great mix of names all competing at the event. Veterans like Chris Jericho, Kane, and Triple H put on solid matches, and some even put over younger talents to really sell how deep the roster was getting. It was also the early days of Edge as the “ultimate opportunist,” having only recently won his Money in the Bank briefcase, which he was using to great effect and paving the way for that gimmick in the future. The talents featured are all iconic now, and the matches were, by and large, suitable for with a decent amount of time allotted to tell different stories.

The Shawn Michaels and Intercontinental Champion Shelton Benjamin Quarterfinal Gold Rush matchup was something totally different. It felt like the longest match of the night, and it was hard-hitting and highly athletic. Shelton was innovative in his offense and defense. He reversed a top rope belly-to-back suplex with a twist into a crossbody. Shawn, the wily veteran, couldn’t outwork the younger champion, so he waited for an opening and one of the most iconic superkicks of all time to end the match bloodied and exhausted. It is one of the best matches in either man’s career; that’s a feat for a guy known as Mr. WrestleMania. It also upped the level fans expected on television, making the product better. Rewatching the match is a must, but the whole show deserves its flowers for the wrestling it put out.

The Upside Down Raw (Apr 8, 2013)

For newer viewers, they might not grasp the excitement surrounding the recent lackluster episodes of RAW following WrestleMania. On the other hand, veteran fans may ponder when people started becoming invested in a TV show. That turning point happened on April 8, 2013, with the “upside-down” RAW. This episode, which owed much to its unpredictable nature due to fan involvement, remains one of the most intriguing RAW episodes to revisit.

Among the notable moments were:

One memorable highlight from this episode is Dolph Ziggler’s Money in the Bank cash-in, a moment that continues to resonate despite some valid critiques of the Money in the Bank concept in 2024. The fervor and excitement displayed by the crowd as his theme song hinted at, eager to witness Ziggler “show the world,” remains unparalleled. This event has significantly contributed to Ziggler’s legacy with the promotion. This episode marked the beginning of the mindset that anything is possible on Raw after WrestleMania, making it one of the most captivating Monday nights in recent memory.

The Man Comes Around (Nov 12, 2018)

For a very long time, there was almost no debate about who the most significant female superstar in WWE history was. Then, there was something of a free-for-all among fans as a ton of contemporary talents raised the bar and far surpassed the iconic Trish Stratus. While there are still plenty of very talented superstars, all of whom are legends and would have been unimaginable in any other era, one name has risen to the top. Becky Lynch is the unquestioned most significant female superstar in WWE of all time, and this is the Raw that made it happen.

As a passionate viewer, I can’t help but express that the latest episode of WWE Raw was brimming with excitement and unpredictability – a testament to its essence being “chaos.” A significant portion of this chaos stemmed from the tumultuous dynamic between Stephanie McMahon and Baron Corbin, the Raw management duo. The remaining dose of pandemonium was expertly orchestrated, fueling anticipation for the Smackdown invasion that was leading up to the Survivor Series weekend.

In conclusion, during the final moments of the show, Team Smackdown initiated a fight with their counterparts from Raw. Becky Lynch, captain of the Smackdown women’s team, got embroiled in the brawl along with most of the WWE female superstars. During the chaos, Lynch received an unintentional heavy blow from Nia Jax which left her concussed and bleeding from her nose. As the segment ended, Lynch, dazed and covered in blood, emerged victorious with a smile on her face, raising her arms high. This brutal fight not only showcased Ronda Rousey’s defeat but also marked a significant shift in women’s wrestling. It was an iconic moment captured by the camera that remains one of the most cherished endings to Raw in history.

Putting Butts in the Seats (Jan 4, 1999)

Occasionally, people blunder significantly, but such errors rarely have profound consequences. There’s ongoing debate on TV about who ultimately brought down WCW, and many believe it’s open to interpretation. However, the Raw episode from January 4, 1999, is widely considered to be the fatal blow, and a misstep during Nitro created an opportunity that altered wrestling forever. For those not in the know, on WCW Nitro, they often mocked Raw while it was airing because it was pre-recorded. On this specific night, they attempted to sabotage the main event, but ironically, their attempt turned out to be free advertising on a rival network, changing wrestling history in the process.

Prior to the grand finale at the Royal Rumble, Shawn Michaels and The McMahon family carried on their rivalry. Inside the ring, it was characteristic of the Attitude Era with famous personalities and lively audiences in fast-paced bouts. Kane brutalized Pat Patterson and Gerald Briscoe, Test faced off against The Godfather ending in a double disqualification, there was an intense hardcore title match, and Triple H pinned Mankind to prevent him from participating in the Royal Rumble. However, things weren’t all gloomy. Triple H offered Foley the boss’s son, Shane McMahon, as a bargaining chip for a title match with The Rock that very night. In essence, WCW could have ridiculed most aspects of this show. Not much was going to attract spectators, as Tony Schiavone remarked. Yet, they didn’t choose almost anything, instead taking aim at WWE’s main event.

As a gamer, I recall the thrill when word spread about Mankind (Mick Foley) and The Rock squaring off during the finale of Raw, causing a mass exodus from WCW viewers. Stepping into this No DQ match, these two talents delivered an electrifying spectacle, with Mankind taking quite the beating – as usual. The showdown between DX and The Corporation escalated, paving the way for Stone Cold Steve Austin to swoop in with a steel chair, siding with The Rock. In the end, it was a three-count victory for Foley, fulfilling WCW’s promise. The crowd erupted for Austin’s entrance, and their cheers didn’t subside as Foley dedicated the win to his children. Even on repeat viewings, that moment remains almost magical.

The Raw that Gravity Forgot (Apr 6, 2015)

2015 wasn’t the best year for WWE programming; instead, the quality of their content started declining annually after that. It was a challenging period as the PG era transitioned into what they called their network or “reality” era, which didn’t gain popularity. However, there were exceptional moments, and one episode of Raw stood out among the rest. Just like a rising star in the show, it was an episode of Raw that seemed to overshadow the general decline of WWE programming, as if it had momentarily forgotten the product sinking to new lows.

The superstar responsible was Neville, and he faced off with the new WWE Champion, Seth Rollins, and his Authority cronies in a title match that very much over-delivered. The near falls and the athleticism were on display as the WWE fans chanted “NXT” to back not only the recent call-up in Neville but the recruitment brand that brought these two talents into the fold. Their match was not only a good Raw match and not only a good title match; it was a match for the future. Contests like this one are more common on Raw, Smackdown, and NXT now. At the time, though, it was like seeing into a crystal ball and WWE’s next phase in evolution.

The future theme resonated elsewhere on the card, too. Both Roman Reigns and Ryback were featured heavily and had a main event contenders match with Randy Orton. The Miz and Damien San(Miz)dow finally got their unironically highly anticipated match. The New Day went ahead and introduced their future heel personas, which would make them legends years later. A mid-carder named Stardust answered John Cena’s US Open challenge and had a fun affair where both men got to use an innovative offense. Today, we all see how that guy made out. The action was good and it felt like a preview of the era we live in now, just several years out of place.

The Rock, This is Your Life (Sept 27, 1999)

It is quite possibly the single most entertaining segment in WWE history. Mankind’s tribute to The Rock and their partnership ahead of his world title match is still the highest-viewed segment in Raw’s illustrious history. It was not beloved backstage, and it may have been responsible for several other segments and matches being cut short as they way overshot their mark. It delivered, though, in a way that nothing else could have. The match later that night for the title was also very good, but this build-up is where the nostalgia lives.

To put it simply, the rest of the evening’s entertainment, apart from the main event and the events leading up to it, wasn’t particularly remarkable. Many matches on that night ended inconclusively or resulted in disqualifications, a occurrence not unusual for the Attitude Era. The show focused heavily on Triple H, as was typical for the time. There was resolution to the referee strike storyline, which wasn’t particularly well executed, and it was teased that Stone Cold Steve Austin would receive a title match at the next event. Overall, there wasn’t much exceptional wrestling, and the stories progressed only slightly given that the show was still several weeks away.

The standout and memorable part of the event was Mankind’s “This Is Your Life” celebration for The Rock’s birthday. During the skit, people from The Rock’s past who had wronged him appeared, unbeknownst to Mankind. Each one was introduced with a grand build-up by Mankind, while The Rock reacted through his body language and facial expressions. He then proceeded to criticize each person, much to the audience’s enjoyment.

The Fans Occupy Raw (March 10, 2014)

The event on Bourbon Street remains a memorable chapter in both WrestleMania lore and Daniel Bryan’s career. The Raw episode leading up to that iconic night is undoubtedly one of the standout shows of its time. Bursting with superstars, it advanced critical storylines, unveiled a novel gimmick match, and featured an incredibly captivating segment. It was innovative, and the live audience was brimming with excitement for what was to come. This energy permeated the show all the way through to WrestleMania 30.

During the main event, Randy Orton and Batista joined forces again with the aim of slowing down Daniel Bryan’s progression. The Wyatt Family was escalating their rivalry with John Cena, but the climax was unsatisfactory, despite the quality of their segments. The Shield provided an engaging match, and both The Undertaker and Hulk Hogan made guest appearances on the show. This event set up many elements for WrestleMania while maintaining the celebrities and narratives that make the journey to WrestleMania so gripping.

During the show, there was a memorable Occupy Raw segment that later became famous. Daniel Bryan garnered audience support as he confronted The Authority and Triple H. The crowd flooded the ring while security attempted to maintain order, but eventually, things turned chaotic. In the end, Triple H conceded to Bryan’s demands. This segment symbolized not only that year in WWE but also that specific era. Fans were eager for their favorite wrestlers to have a significant role, yet it rarely happened. The moment expressed years of pent-up frustration and was a pivotal scene on an otherwise decent Raw on the way to WrestleMania. It eventually led to his inspiring victory in New Orleans.

WWE Hires its Final Boss (Mar 25, 2024)

Many wrestling enthusiasts consider the golden age of the industry as its peak. However, it could be argued that the current renaissance period might rival it. The anticipation for WrestleMania 40 was some of the finest WWE content ever produced, and this statement is not swayed by recent events. This particular episode of Raw in 2024 was the highlight of the road to WrestleMania. It was during this broadcast when Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s dominating character returned to Monday Night Raw, asserting his authority over the WWE Universe.

During the wrestling performances, nothing truly outstanding occurred. Bronson Reed and Sami Zayn delivered a satisfactory match, as did #DIY and The New Day. Ricochet consistently impresses, and his fight with JD McDonuagh and Judgment Day was no different. However, it was the promos that truly stole the show. CM Punk, Drew McIntyre, Cody Rhodes, Seth Rollins, and others ignited the crowd’s excitement for the season’s grand event. Each performer seemed like a significant star; the brand itself buzzed with palpable energy. Social media was flooded with comments about it. The main attractions were the two appearances by The Rock, framing the entire show.

During Cody’s promo, he emerged to a massive applause, promising something we couldn’t quite catch. To wrap up the evening, he kept true to his word and assaulted Rhodes across the entire arena. Later, outside in the rain before their title match in two weeks, he continued his assault on the newly crowned champion, stealing the spotlight with his impromptu comments. His dialogue referencing Cody’s father’s hardships and addressing his mother as “Mamma Rhodes” was particularly memorable. Many spectators believed that wrestling had made a comeback.

Raw is Ratings (May 10, 1999)

Among wrestling enthusiasts and fans alike, it’s strongly recommended to revisit the WWE Raw held in Orlando during May of 1999. To this day, it remains the highest-rated Raw in WWE history, and it’s unlikely that any future episode will surpass it. Contrary to what some may think, having many actors doesn’t necessarily make a show great. In fact, often the anticipation for the next show depends on its predecessor. But this instance was exceptional; the program epitomized the Attitude Era, a period that is nostalgically regarded as WWE’s peak in terms of programming quality.

The highlight of the show featured iconic figures from the Attitude Era: Triple H, Shawn Michaels, The Undertaker, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and The Rock. They participated in an electrifying six-man tag team match that left the audience captivated. The rivalries among them transformed a typical Raw main event into a satisfying resolution to longstanding feuds. Interestingly, Austin even turned against his own teammate to clinch victory. Despite the fight being brief, it was action-packed from start to finish.

The remainder of the show shared a similar vibe. Bradshaw and Farooq, teaming up, found themselves battling in an unfriendly lumberjack match where they ingeniously employed their enforcers. Chyna and Ken Shamrock narrated an engaging tale within a short span, maintaining their menacing personas throughout. Each bout on the program was connected by animosity or ambition, reflecting the raw emotions that defined wrestling in the 90s. This show perfectly encapsulates that era for fans eager to relive the authentic spirit of Raw and wrestling from back then.

Monday Night Raw, The Next Generation

The fundamental structure of Raw is experiencing a significant overhaul. What was once familiar is now transforming into something new, with elements that will work seamlessly and others that may not. This transition brings forth the prospect of creating fresh, captivating moments. The cast boasts an abundance of skill and compelling narratives that keep viewers engaged each week. Regardless of any potential shortcomings, history demonstrates that Raw can produce exceptional, memorable episodes even during challenging periods for the program. It’s this unpredictability that makes Monday night wrestling such a thrilling spectacle to behold.

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2024-09-14 21:16

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