WWE Raw, also known as Monday Night Raw, is a staple in the world of professional wrestling and has been bringing high-octane entertainment to your screens since its inception.
Premiere and Broadcasting
WWE Raw made its television debut on January 11, 1993, marking the beginning of an era in professional wrestling. Initially an hour-long program, it has expanded over the years and now consistently delivers a three-hour show every Monday night. As for where you can catch the latest episodes, Raw airs live at 8 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the USA Network, ensuring that your start to the workweek is filled with thrilling matchups and intriguing storylines.
Format and Production
As part of the unique structure of WWE, the Raw brand features its own roster of talented wrestlers who perform and entertain in the ring. The production is a mix of grappling action, character-driven plotlines, and promos that set up future matches and feuds. Each episode brings together a blend of competitive matches, including the prestigious Intercontinental Championship bouts, along with segments that develop ongoing narratives.
Key Moments in WWE Raw History
WWE Raw has been the breeding ground for some of wrestling’s most unforgettable matches, dramatic storylines, and larger-than-life characters.
Historic Matches
1-2-3 Kid upsets Razor Ramon: In an unexpected turn of events, the underdog 1-2-3 Kid defeated Razor Ramon, leaving fans absolutely stunned. This match is remembered for its David versus Goliath outcome.
Shawn Michaels’ Sweet Chin Music on Shelton Benjamin: The precision and timing of Michaels’ superkick on Benjamin is still talked about today as one of the highlights of in-ring athleticism and surprise.
Memorable Storylines
The Nexus debut: You witnessed a group of rookies from NXT disrupt the status quo and assault WWE Superstars, culminating in one of the most shocking events in Raw’s history.
Stone Cold attacks Vince McMahon in the hospital: Your laughter and shock mixed when Stone Cold Steve Austin took his rebel antics to the next level by attacking a hospitalized Vince McMahon, showcasing the height of their notorious feud.
Iconic Superstars
Stone Cold” Steve Austin: His disdain for authority and in-ring prowess cemented his status as a defining figure on Raw.
Bobby Lashley’s WWE Title victory: Your cheers filled arenas when Bobby Lashley overcame the odds to win the WWE title, marking his ascension to the top of the wrestling world.
Title Reigns and Championships
WWE Raw has showcased a spectrum of champions who have carried its titles with pride, setting records and creating history in their dynamic careers.
World Championships
WWE Raw’s World Championships represent the pinnacle of success for male competitors. The WWE Championship, established on April 25, 1963, is steeped in history with legends like Bruno Sammartino and “Nature Boy” Buddy Rogers having etched their names in the record books.
- Longest Reign: Bruno Sammartino held the title for an astounding 2,803 days.
- Current Champion: As per the last updated records, Roman Reigns held the WWE Championship for over two years, with his reign beginning on April 3, 2022.
Tag Team Championships
The Raw Tag Team Championships showcase the best of teamwork and cohesion. Various duos have displayed exemplary chemistry to claim these coveted belts.
- Notable Teams: Teams like The Hart Foundation and The Dudley Boyz have been synonymous with tag team excellence on Raw.
- Recent Reigns: Checking on the most current holders of these titles can always be done by visiting the WWE’s official title history page.
Women’s Championships
The Raw Women’s Championship is a symbol of female empowerment and athleticism in the WWE universe. It has become a centerpiece for highlighting the women’s revolution in professional wrestling.
- Trailblazers: Champions such as Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch have been instrumental in elevating the women’s division.
- Defining Moments: The reign lengths and historic matches for the Raw Women’s Championship can be explored by reviewing the comprehensive list found on the title history section at TheSmackDownHotel.
Special Episodes
WWE Raw has treated you to a variety of memorable episodes over the years, from milestone anniversaries celebrating its legacy to heartfelt tributes honoring beloved wrestlers.
Anniversary Shows
Over the course of its history, WWE Raw has reached significant milestones that have been celebrated with grand anniversary shows. These shows often feature a mix of nostalgia, with returns of legendary wrestlers, and showcase current talent. For instance, the 25th Anniversary of Raw was a particularly notable event that brought together superstars from past and present to honor the show’s enduring legacy.
- 100th Episode: Aired on February 27, 1995, featuring a rivalry culmination between Lex Luger and Tatanka.
- 25th Anniversary: Celebrated on January 22, 2018, this episode reminisced over a quarter-century of Raw moments and included appearances from icons such as Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Undertaker.
Tribute Nights
Tribute nights on Raw hold a special place as they allow you to reflect on the careers and lives of individuals who have made a lasting impact on the industry. These episodes are poignant, often taking place after the passing of a wrestler or as a gesture to honor their retirement. They serve not only as a celebration of their career but also as a moment of unity within the WWE community.
- Eddie Guerrero Tribute: After the sudden passing of Eddie Guerrero in 2005, WWE Raw aired a tribute episode that featured no storyline-driven matches but rather performances dedicated to his memory.
- Ric Flair Retirement: Acknowledging the retirement of Ric Flair in 2008, WWE stars gathered to pay homage to the illustrious career of the “Nature Boy,” showcasing his impact on wrestling.
Behind the Scenes
Discover what happens off-camera and how the WWE Raw experience you love comes to life. Let’s explore the ingenuity of the Creative Team and the exceptional emphasis on Training and Safety.
Creative Team
Your favorite Raw moments are brought to light by a dynamic Creative Team. This group includes writers, producers, and directors who work tirelessly to craft storylines that captivate audiences worldwide. They orchestrate the drama, humor, and action that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The 50 best Raw behind-the-scenes photos offer a visual journey into these unseen efforts.
- Writers develop characters and plot twists.
- Producers blend the written script with live performances.
- Directors ensure that every camera angle captures the intensity of the matches.
Training and Safety
Your favorite superstars’ safety is paramount, so there’s a robust focus on training and safety routines behind the scenes. Wrestlers undergo regular training sessions to perfect their craft and minimize risks during matches. This includes learning how to execute moves safely and falls that look dramatic but are carefully controlled.
- Regular Training ensures skill refinement and match preparedness.
- Safety Routines involve medical staff being on alert for any in-ring accidents.
WWE personnel are dedicated to creating a safe environment, so your beloved athletes can perform at their best, week after week.
