Eyes On RAW: The 9 Greatest Superstars In RAW History

By @TrueGodImmortal

RAW 25 is here. This week, we will take a look at some great moments, matches, and everything in between about the flagship show of the WWE. Today, I wanted to take a look at who I consider to be the 9 best wrestlers in RAW history. These are the wrestlers who made the most impact, had the biggest longevity, and made RAW the long running program that it is. Who makes my list of 9? Read on and find out.

9. Triple H 

-You might be surprised to see Triple H ranked at the bottom of this list.... don't be. The truth of the matter is, Triple H wasn't as integral to RAW as one would have you believe, but he's still an important piece of the show. When he was with DX, first as sidekick to Shawn Michaels, then as the leader, he still felt like second fiddle for some reason. For me, I think the biggest thing about Triple H is that he never led RAW to higher heights, but he was always a constant to the show. As a heel in 1999 and 2000, Triple H reached the peak of his RAW run, but he also would be responsible for the darkest age of RAW in 2002-2004 before scaling back and heading over to Smackdown for a while (after another dark age of Triple H, Randy Orton, and John Cena), before coming back to wrestle once in a while as an authority figure. Triple H is a legend, but his importance to RAW isn't top 5 worthy, thus he lands at no. 9 here. He was still important, but just not at the top of the list.

8. Bret Hart 

-It is hard to rank Bret outside of the top 5, but it has to be done. Bret was there when RAW was created and he stayed there through some dark times, including the first two years of the Monday Night War, and that's a big reason why he ranks at this level. Whether Bret was in a feud with Yokozuna, Hakushi, Diesel, Shawn Michaels, or Stone Cold Steve Austin, he was a centerpiece on RAW, and has a number of all time classics on the show, including his battle with the 1-2-3 Kid, which is a wonderful match. Bret didn't have as many years invested like some wrestlers in RAW history, but his impact was so major in the first four years that the show existed that he has to be mentioned on this list.

7. John Cena 

-Settle down, children. Cena is a legend. However, his impact on RAW is sort of like Triple H. He was a go to guy for RAW, but he also wasn't THE GUY. When Cena was on top, RAW would end up seeing a huge rating drop over the years, and Cena was getting booed out of the building a number of nights in a row. With that being said, Cena would have big feuds on RAW with Edge, Randy Orton, Brock Lesnar, Triple H, and Batista through his era of RAW, before coming full circle with a feud against The Rock. That might be the most important feud for Cena on RAW, though one could argue his battles with CM Punk take the cake. He was a consistent piece on RAW, and Cena is a top name in the WWE so of course he makes this list. Speaking of CM Punk....

6. CM Punk 

-If only Punk never left WWE, he would be on this list much higher, probably top 3 or 4. However, just outside the top 5 is where he belongs. Punk is the most important wrestler on RAW of this generation and era and it's not even close. No one has impacted the business or RAW quite like Punk and it all goes  back beyond the Pipebomb. Whether it was Punk cashing in his first MITB on Edge, doing commentary while injured, starting the New Nexus, feuding with Randy Orton, or winning triple threat matches, he was always at the top of his game when on the flagship show. When you add in his work after the infamous Pipebomb promo, you really have an understanding of exactly what Punk did for the show. Punk was the MAN from 2011-2013 and there was no one even close. From Punk killing Cena, Kevin Nash, Triple H, and others on the mic to one upping The Rock in promos to the infamous moment with the Urn and the ashes of Paul Bearer against Undertaker, Punk gave the world moment after moment to etch his name in RAW history. Punk could very well be top 5 on any other list. He was just that damn good.

5. The Undertaker 

-It was tough.... Taker is honestly a tough one to call. He was never the top guy on RAW, but he was always a leading attraction. For nearly 25 years on RAW. While he might be retired now (or not), Taker has been there from the first RAW and he just walked away this past year. There is no way he is anything other than top 5. Taker gave the world so many moments and awe inspiring battles on RAW that it's clear he deserves to be ranked higher than those who were given the reigns to carry the company. Taker was consistent, always put in effort, and through his battles and promos with Stone Cold, The Rock, Triple H, Shawn Michaels, CM Punk, and so many others, Taker proved why he was a living legend and one of the greatest of all time.

4. Chris Jericho 

-The best debut in RAW history will always belong to Jericho. He's given us so many moments and his debut is the greatest of them. However, there are so many more moments and matches that Jericho was a part of that makes him a RAW legend. He spent some time on Smackdown, but at his core, Jericho is a RAW legend. Whether it was his debut against The Rock, his overturned title win against Triple H, his feud with Stone Cold Steve Austin, his classic feud with Shawn Michaels, his battles with John Cena, his 2008 heel run, or even his most recent run with Kevin Owens, Jericho can do no wrong on RAW. He is just outside the top 3, but if anyone had Jericho as top 3 in RAW history, I wouldn't be mad at that.

3. Shawn Michaels 

-HBK used to be no. 1 on my list. I used to think Shawn was the greatest RAW star ever, but instead, he's top 5. He's still the GOAT in terms of overall wrestling, but for RAW, he's just a small notch below my top 2 choices and that's more for their impact than wrestling. In the ring, HBK is the greatest, but he definitely had his share of moments on RAW especially in the Attitude Era. Whether it was HBK against Bret, Razor Ramon, The Undertaker, Stone Cold, Chris Jericho, Mr. Kennedy, Triple H, or anyone, HBK was one of the longest tenured stars, and his matches never disappointed. He had classic moments against Shelton Benjamin, with DX, and against Mr. McMahon. HBK could do no wrong on RAW and for that, he is easily top 3 on the show.

2. The Rock 

-Of course, the biggest crossover star in the WWE history books makes the list. The Rock is known for the Smackdown, but RAW is where he built his name. Starting with his heel turn in 1997, leading up to his run in The Nation in 1998, or his epic heel run with The Corporation the year following, Rock would be one of the most important pieces in the Attitude Era for RAW. In 1998 and 1999, Rock was in his prime and ready to ascend higher and higher. Most of his best promos (think "This Is Your Life") and moments came on RAW, and of course, Stone Cold Steve Austin vs The Rock was the biggest feud in WWE history, and it took place on RAW. RAW would see The Rock return for feuds with CM Punk and John Cena in 2012-2013, solidifying his ranking in the RAW history books. The huge crossover movie star had RAW in a great place when he was a big part of it, and I can't see anyone knocking him off the top two. He's cemented as the no. 2 in RAW history.

1. Stone Cold Steve Austin 

-I mean, obviously right? When RAW was struggling, they needed a hero. They needed a savior. That man would be Stone Cold. RAW was struggling when Austin came up, but I'll be honest: 1997 would be the greatest year of Austin's career from a character and promo perspective, and I was tuned in every Monday to see his antics. When Mr. McMahon managed to get Austin where he wanted him, Austin used to make him play for that. He would try to end The Rattlesnake, and Austin wouldn't budge. In addition to being the most popular wrestler, Austin gave us so many moments from the Beer Bash to a ton of Stone Cold Stunners to saving the WWF from the Alliance to the birth of "WHAT", Austin was the man on RAW. There is no other choice for no. 1 on RAW except Austin. The gap between Austin and anyone else is far too significant to matter. Stone Cold is no. 1 all time on RAW.

-True 

Read More

Eyes on the Ring 2:34 AM  No comment

EOTR Match Of The Week: 1992 Royal Rumble Match

By @Phranchize19

Background
After an indecisive battle between Hulk Hogan and The Undertaker for the WWF title once again, the president of the WWF at the time decided to vacate the title. The winner of that year’s Royal Rumble would be crowned WWF Champion.

The Match
With a Royal Rumble match, it is tough to really point out what went on so I'll start with the big moments in the match. One, 
Randy Savage almost eliminating himself just to attack Jake Roberts was actually a fun moment and would seemingly set up their feud to continue. Another moment would be Roddy Piper coming out to attack a fatigued Ric Flair. Then, it was fun to see The Undertaker coming in and dominating, which would set him up for the future. Of course, the match was won by Ric Flair, who became the WWF Champion and gave the speech of a lifetime following the win.

Key Eliminations
-Ted Dibiase being tossed out first
-Undertaker being eliminated by Hulk Hogan
-Hogan eliminated two people in short order
-Hogan being eliminated by Sid
-Flair eliminating Sid with Hogan’s help
-Nikolai Volkoff being eliminated shortly after his arrival
-Bulldog eliminated after being in for a lengthy time period
-Ric Flair not only had the most eliminations in this match with 5 but he set the record (at the time) for the longest time in the Royal Rumble match with just over an hour.

Grade and Analysis
This match set history. It was great considering all the talent and Hall Of Fame guys involved. Flair’s performance was legendary as well as seeing how long Bulldog went. The continuation of the Sid and Hogan was the real story in the match as well as the end of the Savage vs Roberts rivalry. Hearing Heenan on commentary was hilarious as he rooted for Flair. Undertaker’s performance sort of stood out although I felt he could’ve stayed longer, especially considering the fact that Sid had not come out yet. All in all, if this isn’t the greatest Rumble in history, it’s very close to it. 

Rating: 10/10

-Phranchize 

Read More

Eyes on the Ring 11:18 PM  No comment

EOTR Match Of The Week: Brock Lesnar vs The Undertaker

By @Phranchize19

We continue our theme for the month on Ruthless Aggression PPV main events. We have a forgotten yet good one for you this week as we look back at Brock Lesnar vs The Undertaker in a Biker Chain Match WWE Championship from No Mercy 2003.

Background
Brock Lesnar turned heel and won the WWE Title from Kurt Angle. Undertaker, who had recently feuded with John Cena, was named number 1 contender at No Mercy by Stephanie McMahon. Lesnar would defend the title in a separate match but Taker would interfere in that match and let it be known that their title match was a Biker Chain Match in which a Biker Chain would be suspended above the ring and whoever grabbed it would be able to use it.

The Match
We start with the Deadman attempting to corner Lesnar, who is playing keep away. Lesnar would get his famous shoulder thrusts in but Taker would then take control. Lesnar would block an Old School attempt by Taker. Lesnar would then make a mistake and Taker would take control but then Lesnar would take over for a while until the Undertaker's big boot would regain control of the match. Taker would finally get Old School on Lesnar and attempt a pin fall. The action would spill outside and Lesnar would remain in control out there. Lesnar would get Taker back in the ring and continue the assault. Taker would try to gain control but a missed corner boot got Lesnar back in the driver's seat. The match would again spill outside and Lesnar would keep control of the match. After the action comes back to the ring, Taker would punch his way back into this match as Lesnar and Taker would trade control until Taker would attempt to go for the chain but the lights would go out. Taker would climb down but Lesnar would be up and he would gain control again. The steps would then get involved in the match as Lesnar would drop toe hold Undertaker into the steps. Taker would block more attempts of his head being smashed in the steps. Taker would regain control and attempt to get the chain again only for Lesnar to stop him but Taker reverses his attempt into a submission. Lesnar would low blow Taker and hit Taker with the steel steps.

Taker would kick out of multiple pinfalls. Taker would thwart Lesnar's attempts at hitting him with the steel steps and then Taker would attempt to take Lesnar’s head off with the steps now. Lesnar would counter and maintain control. Lesnar tried to get the chain for the first time and Taker would almost hit a last ride but Lesnar counters. Taker would try a choke slam which Lesnar countered and after an attempted pin, Taker would lock in another submission on Lesnar. who would counter with brute strength. Taker would get a sleeper on until Lesnar countered it into an F5 but Taker would get a foot on the ropes before the three count. Lesnar would attempt to get the chain again but Taker would hit a top rope chokeslam. Taker would attempt to get the chain now, but the FBI would interfere and jump on Taker and while he got rid of them, Lesnar would recover and attempt a F5, but he would get countered and suffer a Last Ride. Taker would take out the FBI once and for all next. Nunzio would try to get the chain only to be knocked off by Taker. Taker would climb up and get the chain but Vince McMahon would push Taker off the top rope. Lesnar would get the chain and hit Taker with it and get the pinfall to retain.

Highlights
-Taker piledrives Lesnar into the steel steps
-Taker hits the Suicide dive on two of the FBI members

Grade and Analysis
This match wasn’t all that. It’s a solid contest no doubt but I felt like the energy and intensity lacked from both men. I felt both men knew this was a holdover feud for something new and it showed. The crowd seemed tired by the time this match came on. There wasn’t a whole lot in the way of storytelling but still a solid contest nonetheless.

Rating: 6/10

-Phranchize 

Read More

Eyes on the Ring 11:28 PM  No comment

Eyes On Survivor Series: 10 Most Memorable Moments

By @Phranchize19

Survivor Series is one of the big 4 PPVs that WWE usually tries to go all out for. Survivor Series had lost its luster for a while but it has attempted to pick back up over recent years. Here are the 10 most memorable moments of this event.

10. The Debut Of Rocky Maivia

-The man known as The Rock is a worldwide phenomenon and in 1996 at Survivor Series, we were all introduced to him. The blue chip third generation star came out and amazed with his performance. His athleticism was unparalleled. Even though he was a cookie cutter babyface, people were quite intrigued as to where he would go from this strong outing. I think he did alright in his career following this.

9. The Debut Of The Undertaker

-Ted Dibiase’s Million Dollar Team had the million dollar acquisition of The Undertaker. While the WWF was still in its goofy character stage, this character of a western mortician stuck in a way that I don’t think anyone could imagine. Taker debuting is an all time classic moment.

8. Bret Hart vs Shawn Michaels 
Survivor Series 1992 Main Event

-Long before the Montreal screwjob, Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels were leading the post Hogan era of WWF. This was significant due to the fact that WWF was in transition from the Hogan era. It was quite surprising to see Vince go with Bret Hart as the face of the new era because he usually picked the bodybuilder larger than life sized guys but Bret was a relatively smaller champion. Conpounded with the up and coming Shawn Michaels, who also was a small competitor, this was not your typical WWE main event but this match was simply fantastic.

7.  The Shield Debut

-Arguably one of the greatest factions of all time debuted at this event in 2012. Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins would interfere in the main event and cause utter destruction. These three men are now the top guys in WWE and it all began on this night.

6. Goldberg defeats Brock Lesnar 

-Brock Lesnar has been built to be unbeatable, so many people (myself included) assumed there was no way a man who hasn’t wrestled in 12 years was going to beat the most unbeatable wrestler we’ve seen in years. We all thought Goldberg was gonna be in Suplex City and it was gonna be over but boy were we all wrong. Not only did Goldberg defeat Lesnar, he defeated him QUICKLY and DECISIVELY. The crowd erupted. This was such a shocker and honestly it was needed because we all thought the same old predicable outcome was coming.

5. Never Before Never Again

-Who would’ve thought two of the most charismatic entities in wrestling history would face each other. Who would've thought they would even team together? Well at Survivor Series 2011, that’s what we got. The Rock and John Cena TEAMED up to take on Miz and R Truth. Building hype for their eventual Wrestlemania 28 showdown, it was smart to keep people's minds on it with a match like this.

4. Debut of Kurt Angle

-The Olympic gold medalist made his debut at survivor series 1999. Kurt Angle would go on to have a hall of fame career and become one of the absolute best wrestlers of all time. This debut wasn't very eventful, but it was solid enough to let people know he had arrived.

3. Debut of Sting

-Sting is arguably the greatest wrestler that had never worked for WWE. At Survivor Series 2014, that all changed. Sting came out and the internet broke as the crowd erupted and things were never the same. Sting decided that it was time to finally make the jump and The Icon was finally in the building to our surprise and enjoyment.

2. The Rock Turns Heel 

-Survivor Series 1998 needed a big ending and what better way to end it off than having your new big time face completely surprise everyone by turning heel and winning the WWF Title, while also joining forces with the McMahon family? That was completely unexpected and exciting for many of us. This was also a career changing move for The Rock.

1. The Montreal Screwjob

-You knew this was coming. This is the most important moment because it changed a lot. Bret Hart left WWF. Vince became a heel after this. Shawn became champ and DX got stronger. Survivor Series has had a lot of great moments but this is the top of the mountain.

-Phranchize

Read More

Eyes on the Ring 11:35 PM  No comment