50 Facts About WWE Raw

WWE Raw: A Groundbreaking Beginning

WWE Raw has been a cornerstone of professional wrestling for over three decades. Its journey from a live television show to a global phenomenon is filled with fascinating moments and milestones.

1. WWE Raw first aired on January 11, 1993, on the USA Network, replacing Prime Time Wrestling.
2. The original hosts included Vince McMahon, Randy Savage, and Rob Bartlett. Bartlett, a comedian, was replaced by Bobby Heenan in April 1993.
3. Jerry Lawler became McMahon's permanent co-host on April 10, 1995, adding stability to the show.
4. Early Raw episodes featured competitive matches between top-tier talent like The Undertaker, Bret Hart, and Shawn Michaels.
5. Raw's live format revolutionized professional wrestling television, engaging audiences in real-time.

Iconic Matches and Moments

Raw has been the stage for some of the most memorable matches and moments in wrestling history. These events have left a lasting impact on fans worldwide.

6. One of the most memorable matches is the Six-Man Tag Team Match featuring John Cena, Hulk Hogan, and Shawn Michaels on June 27, 2005.
7. The King of the Ring Qualifying Match between Mr. Perfect and Doink the Clown on May 24, 1993, showcased technical prowess and comedic antics.
8. The Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match between The Miz and Jerry "The King" Lawler on November 29, 2010, was a thrilling contest.
9. AJ Styles has had a significant impact on Raw, consistently delivering high-quality matches.
10. Big Show's career in WWE includes multiple championships and memorable moments.

Milestones and Records

Throughout its history, Raw has achieved numerous milestones and set records that highlight its significance in sports entertainment.

11. In 2005, Raw expanded to three hours, allowing for more content and deeper storytelling.
12. WrestleMania 32 set a new attendance record with 101,763 fans at Arlington's AT&T Stadium in 2016.
13. Since 2008, WWE has banned performers from bleeding in the ring, shifting its programming to TV-PG.
14. The Undertaker's undefeated streak at WrestleMania lasted from 1991 to 2013, with 21 consecutive victories.
15. In 2019, WWE featured an all-female main event at WrestleMania 35 for the first time in history.

Evolution and Innovation

WWE Raw has continually evolved, introducing new concepts and innovations that have kept it fresh and exciting for fans.

16. The WWE Network, launched in February 2014, offers a subscription streaming service with live pay-per-view events and premium content.
17. WWE was originally known as WWF but changed its name due to a lawsuit by the World Wildlife Fund.
18. President Donald Trump is a member of the WWE Hall of Fame, reflecting the organization's broad reach.
19. SmackDown was initially scheduled to be an all-women's wrestling show before its first episode aired.
20. WWE Evolution was WWE’s first entirely female show, showcasing the talents of women in the WWE.

Legendary Superstars

Raw has been home to some of the most legendary Superstars in wrestling history, each leaving their mark on the show.

21. Lita, a high-flying wrestler from the 1990s, has wins against notable Superstars like Stone Cold Steve Austin and Triple H.
22. No Way Jose had a surprising run in 2016 with a higher win percentage than Brock Lesnar.
23. WCW, a major competitor to WWE, faced significant financial struggles, losing $65 million in 2000 alone.
24. Daniel Bryan has won numerous awards, including Best Technical Wrestler from 2005 to 2013.
25. Funaki, a Japanese wrestler known for his fun personality, has a Dave Meltzer awarded 5-star match.

Tag Teams and Championships

Tag teams and championships have played a crucial role in Raw's history, showcasing the talents of various Superstars.

26. The Bushwackers are the only team to have both a 5-star match and a -5 star match from PWI magazine.
27. Demolition holds the record for the longest combined reign at 698 days.
28. Mr. Fuji has the longest combined reign as an individual at 932 combined days with tag titles.
29. The Valiant Brothers and Demolition are the only two tag teams to have held titles for 365 or more days.
30. The Dudley Boyz are the only team to have held the ECW, WCW, WWE, NWA, IWGP, and TNA Tag Team titles.

Memorable Feuds and Rivalries

Feuds and rivalries have been a driving force behind Raw's compelling storylines, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.

31. Seth Rollins was the first wrestler to win a main event at WrestleMania with an age lower than the number of the WrestleMania.
32. WrestleMania XVI did not feature a traditional male singles match, making it one of the weirdest in WWE history.
33. Jerry Lawler finally received a WWE Title opportunity against The Miz on his birthday.
34. The match between Dolph Ziggler and CM Punk was a fast-paced contest with shifting momentum.
35. In a No Holds Barred, Falls Count Anywhere Match, Mick Foley tested his pain threshold against 53-year-old Terry Funk.

Versatility and Adaptability

Raw has showcased the versatility and adaptability of its Superstars, highlighting their ability to perform in various roles and match types.

36. Big Show's adaptability has been a key factor in his success, participating in comedy matches, brawls, and marquee matches.
37. AJ Styles is known for his ability to win the world title but never quite reaching the level of Hulkamania.
38. The history of WWE is filled with Superstars whose contributions have been integral to the company's success.
39. Popularity and impact are crucial factors in determining a Superstar's standing, with stars like Hulk Hogan and John Cena making significant differences.
40. Pay-per-view appearances are another significant factor in evaluating a Superstar's career.

Skills and Charisma

The skills and charisma of WWE Superstars have been essential in engaging audiences and creating memorable moments on Raw.

41. Skills in-ring, mic, and charisma are essential for a Superstar's success, with performers like AJ Styles excelling in these areas.
42. Time active is another critical factor in evaluating a Superstar's career, with legends like Big Show enjoying sustained success.
43. Historical impact on WWE is significant, with Superstars like The Undertaker winning more than 20 consecutive WrestleMania matches.
44. Championships won are a key indicator of a Superstar's success, with Big Show holding multiple titles.
45. The women's main event at WrestleMania 35 was a groundbreaking moment for women's wrestling.

Digital Revolution and Fan Engagement

The digital revolution has transformed how fans engage with WWE content, making it more accessible and interactive.

46. The WWE Network has become one of the most popular streaming video services, offering live pay-per-view events and premium content.
47. WrestleMania 32 set a new attendance record with 101,763 fans at Arlington's AT&T Stadium.
48. Raw's legacy is one of innovation and perseverance, consistently pushing the boundaries of sports entertainment.
49. The show has been a platform for iconic matches, memorable feuds, and groundbreaking moments in wrestling history.
50. As WWE continues to evolve, Raw remains a cornerstone of professional wrestling, ensuring its place in the annals of sports entertainment history.

WWE Raw's Enduring Legacy

WWE Raw has been a game-changer in professional wrestling for over 30 years. From its live debut in 1993 to its expansion to three hours in 2005, Raw has consistently pushed the envelope. Iconic matches, unforgettable feuds, and groundbreaking moments have made it a staple in sports entertainment. Superstars like The Undertaker, AJ Styles, and Big Show have left indelible marks on the show. Raw's commitment to innovation, like the first all-female main event at WrestleMania 35, showcases its evolving nature. The WWE Network has further revolutionized how fans engage with content. As Raw continues to entertain millions worldwide, its legacy remains strong. This show isn't just a part of wrestling history; it's a cornerstone that will keep shaping the future of sports entertainment.