## Monday Night Raw’s Greatest Matches: A Nostalgic Look Back
Monday Night Raw, WWE’s flagship show, has transitioned from cable television to Netflix, marking a new era for the wrestling giant. Initially conceived as a replacement for *WWF Prime Time Wrestling*, Raw’s evolution over 30 years and 1,500+ episodes has been nothing short of phenomenal. This journey encompasses a vast roster of talent and countless unforgettable matches. While selecting only ten is a monumental task, these ten stand out for their in-ring quality and historical significance. (And yes, the Great Khali is conspicuously absent.)
1. Ric Flair vs. Mr. Perfect (1993): Just three episodes into Raw’s run, this match delivered a monumental moment. Born from the loss of The Ultimate Warrior, the feud between Mr. Perfect and Ric Flair, meticulously built on *Prime Time Wrestling*, culminated in a winner-takes-all bout. The loser would leave the WWF. This clash, featuring a then-recent WWF Champion in Flair, felt monumental, especially given Flair’s limited televised singles matches during his brief WWF stint. The match showcased Perfect’s revitalized career and Flair’s grand send-off, signaling significant change for the fledgling show. (Although, due to pre-taping, Flair wrestled several more matches before his departure, adding a touch of irony.)
2. Bret Hart vs. The 1-2-3 Kid (1993): This match perfectly encapsulates Raw’s early unpredictability. The Kid’s rise from jobber to popular mid-carder was a testament to the show’s evolving nature, while Bret Hart’s reign as WWF Champion redefined the role of the champion. The match itself, pitting champion against underdog, was a masterclass in storytelling. A controversial early near-fall, where The Kid’s foot was on the rope, led to a restart, intensifying the drama. The Kid’s impressive performance elicited a standing ovation from even Randy Savage.
3. Mankind Wins the WWF Championship (1999): This moment was a pivotal turning point, not just for Mankind but for wrestling as a whole. While a stepping stone to the Austin-Rock WrestleMania XV showdown, Mankind’s victory was a cathartic triumph for both the beloved wrestler and the audience. The unexpected win, masterfully foreshadowed by Tony Schiavone’s Nitro blunder, perfectly illustrates the power of well-placed spoilers and the enduring appeal of Mick Foley. The spontaneous eruption of the crowd when Stone Cold Steve Austin’s music hit was possibly the greatest fan reaction in wrestling history.
4. 10-Man Tag Team Match (2000): This match showcased the WWF’s dominance at a time when WCW was crumbling. Featuring a star-studded cast from both companies (a nod to the video game *No Mercy*), the match, won by Chris Benoit, was a high-octane spectacle of pure action. Despite WWE’s reluctance to acknowledge its existence due to Benoit’s later actions, it represents a high point of the Attitude Era’s relentless energy. The post-match brawl, culminating in Kane’s surprise appearance, further cemented this match’s place in Raw history.
5. The Undertaker vs. Jeff Hardy (Ladder Match, 2002): This match marked a turning point for The Undertaker’s character, moving away from the biker persona. It also showcased Jeff Hardy’s burgeoning potential as a singles star. The match is memorable for its emotional intensity and Jim Ross’ legendary commentary, “Climb that ladder, kid! Make yourself famous!” The unexpected comeback and Undertaker’s subsequent face turn added to the match’s impact, elevating Hardy in the process.
6. John Cena vs. Shawn Michaels (2007): Despite the polarizing nature of John Cena’s dominance, this match stands as a testament to his in-ring abilities. Initially planned as a shorter match, Cena and Michaels unexpectedly delivered a nearly hour-long masterpiece, a result of Orton’s last-minute absence. This match proved to be Cena’s best, a testament to his adaptability and in-ring prowess.
7. John Cena vs. CM Punk (2011): This match encapsulates the ongoing clash between fan desires and WWE management’s decisions. It highlights CM Punk’s significance as a representative of the indie wrestling scene, eventually achieving improbable success against the seemingly invincible Cena. The match’s finality, serving as the grand finale to their intense feud, makes it a significant moment in WWE history. The inclusion of a piledriver, reportedly causing backstage friction, demonstrates the risks taken to enhance the match.
8. The Shield vs. The Wyatt Family (2014): The peak of The Shield’s dominance is showcased in this series of matches. Their rivalry with the Wyatt Family resulted in several incredible encounters, with the Raw rematch particularly standing out. The match showcased the cracks within The Shield, culminating in Rollins’ betrayal. This ultimately led to the group’s re-emergence, stronger and more focused than ever.
9. Sasha Banks vs. Charlotte Flair (2016): This match represents a turning point for the women’s division. Sasha Banks and Charlotte Flair’s rivalry was crucial in raising the standard for women’s wrestling. This particular match showcases their exceptional in-ring chemistry, along with Charlotte’s memorable frustrated expressions and near-falls that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
10. Chad Gable vs. Gunther (2023): This trilogy of matches symbolizes the positive shift in WWE’s approach to NXT graduates. Highlighting the skill of both Gunther and Gable, this hard-hitting series re-established Gable’s potential and showcases Gunther’s reign as Intercontinental Champion. The emotional impact of Gunther’s victory, even causing a young fan to cry, underlines the significance of this moment.
These ten matches, representing different eras and styles, showcase Raw’s impact on professional wrestling and offer a glimpse into the show’s rich history. Which matches resonate most with you?