WWE Raw, the flagship television program of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), has provided fans with countless hours of entertainment, drama, and unforgettable moments. Throughout its illustrious history, there have been several matches that were so electrifying, so intense, that they have become the epitome of what it means to be a showstopper. These are the matches that had fans on the edge of their seats, the matches that made people jump out of their couches and scream in disbelief. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and relive some of the most thrilling matches in WWE Raw history.
One of the most iconic matches in Raw history took place on March 17, 1997. Known as “The Final Curtain,” this match between The Hart Foundation’s Bret “The Hitman” Hart and Stone Cold Steve Austin was nothing short of legendary. The intense animosity between these two superstars made this encounter a must-watch. Austin, the defiant and rebellious anti-hero, faced off against Hart, the Canadian hero with unparalleled in-ring skills. The match ended with a shocking double-turn, as Stone Cold passed out in Hart’s submission move, the Sharpshooter, after refusing to submit. This match solidified Stone Cold Steve Austin’s status as one of the greatest icons in WWE history and marked the beginning of the Attitude Era.
Another unforgettable Raw match took place on January 4, 1999, when Mick Foley, wrestling under his Mankind persona, faced The Rock in a No Disqualification “I Quit” match. The physicality and brutality of this encounter were unmatched. The Rock, the corporate champion, ruthlessly punished Mankind, using steel chairs, the ring steps, and even handcuffs. Despite the continuous punishment, Mankind refused to quit. The climax of the match came when The Rock put a microphone near Mankind and asked him if he quit. In one of wrestling’s most iconic moments, Mankind answered, “I quit!” These two titans delivered an unforgettable match that will forever be etched in WWE lore.
No list of thrilling matches in WWE Raw history would be complete without mentioning the legendary encounter between John Cena and Shawn Michaels on April 23, 2007. The two fan-favorites collided in an hour-long match that showcased their incredible athleticism and in-ring storytelling. Both superstars pushed their bodies to the limit, delivering hard-hitting maneuvers and executing breathtaking high-risk moves. The match was a beautiful display of resilience and determination from two of WWE’s finest. Cena eventually emerged victorious after hitting Michaels with an Attitude Adjustment, closing one of the most thrilling chapters in Raw’s history.
Finally, one must not forget the remarkable match between The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania XXVI, which had a significant impact on Raw. The match itself took place on April 26, 2010, but its storyline had unfolded over several months leading up to it. The two legends had faced each other a year before at WrestleMania XXV, in what many consider to be the greatest wrestling match of all time. With the stipulation that if Shawn Michaels lost, he would be forced to retire, the stakes were higher than ever. The Undertaker and Michaels delivered an emotional rollercoaster, with near falls, dramatic moments, and an incredible display of athleticism. In the end, The Undertaker’s undefeated streak at WrestleMania remained intact, but at an emotional cost. The match was truly a showstopper and a testament to the immense talent and dedication of both performers.
These matches, among many others, have solidified WWE Raw’s reputation as a platform for unforgettable moments and legendary encounters. From the sheer physicality and intensity of the matches to the emotional storytelling, these showstoppers have captivated millions of fans worldwide. As the years go by, we can only hope that WWE Raw continues to produce matches that leave us breathless and remind us why we fell in love with professional wrestling in the first place.