Ranking the Top 19 Must-Watch WWE Raw Episodes of All Time

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Since January 11, 1993, Monday Night Raw has been a steadfast presence in professional sports and entertainment, consistently dominating Monday nights barring rare interruptions like technical issues, low ratings, or extraordinary events. Despite occasional criticism of the show, dedicated fans keep coming back, echoing the sentiment from the Ken Burns baseball documentary: “There’s always a Monday night’s Raw.” When the show hits its stride, it offers a high-quality way to spend the start of the week.

Triple H’s Full Episode of Monday Night Raw

Date: June 9, 2025

Triple H produced one of the most acclaimed episodes of WWE Raw, with highlights including a fiery exchange between John Cena and CM Punk, and R-Truth’s transformation, promoting Ron Killings anew. The King and Queen of the Ring finals brought intense competition and storytelling, while Gunther stunned fans by defeating Jey Uso for the World Heavyweight Championship in a thrilling main event.

Match #ResultType
1AJ Styles defeated Chad GableSingle Match
2Roxanne Perez defeated Kairi Sane, Liv Morgan, and Lea RipleyQueen of the Ring Fatal Four-Way Match
3Sami Zain defeated Bron Breakker, Dominik Mysterio, and PentaKing of the Ring Fatal Four-Way Match
4Gunther defeated Jey Uso (c)World Heavyweight Championship Match

Raw After WrestleMania 29 Redeems a Weak PPV

Date: April 8, 2013

Raw episodes following WrestleMania often feature high energy and surprises, particularly in the mid-2010s. Despite a disappointing WrestleMania, this night shined with Dolph Ziggler’s memorable Money in the Bank cash-in, fueled by enthusiastic fans worldwide.

Match #ResultType
1Big E Langston defeated Daniel BryanSingle Match
2Wade Barrett defeated Miz (c)Intercontinental Championship Match
3Alberto Del Rio defeated Jack Swagger and Zeb Colter2-on-1 Handicap Match
4Dolph Ziggler defeated Alberto Del Rio (c)World Heavyweight Championship Match
5R-Truth, Zack Ryder, and Santino Marella defeated 3MB6-Tag Team Match
6Randy Orton vs. Sheamus ended in No ContestSingle Match
7Fandango defeated Kofi Kingston via DQSingle Match
8Lots of Funk and Fandango defeated Bella Twins and Team Rhodes Scholar8-Person Mixed Tag Team Match
9John Cena defeated Mark HenrySingle Match
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Raw’s 15th Anniversary Celebration

Date: December 10, 2007

Marking 15 years on air, Raw featured a mix of star-studded matches, nostalgic moments, and major returns. Highlights included Jeff Hardy’s ladder match victory and a reunion of Evolution alongside other wrestling legends. Rookie Cody Rhodes celebrated his first title win with Hardcore Holly.

Match #ResultType
1Jeff Hardy (c) defeated CarlitoIntercontinental Championship Ladder Match
2RVD defeated Santino MarellaSingle Match
3Evolution defeated Edge, Randy Orton & Umaga6-Tag Team Match
4Hornswoggle vs. Great Khali ended with No ContestSingle Match
5Ted DiBiase won the 15th Anniversary Battle RoyaleBattle Royale
6Cody Rhodes & Hardcore Holly defeated Trevor Murdoch & Lance Cade (c)World Tag Team Championship Match
7Kennedy defeated Marty JannettySingle Match

Edge Retains WWE Championship in TLC Match

Date: January 16, 2006

Edge overcame Rick Flair in a thrilling TLC match to retain the WWE Championship, setting the stage for a hot rivalry with John Cena. The episode also featured Shawn Michaels’ farewell match against Kurt Angle and several entertaining bouts.

Match #ResultType
1Shawn Michaels defeated Kurt AngleSingle Match
2Vince’s Devils defeated Trish Stratus, Ashley, and Mickie James6-Tag Team Match
3Shelton Benjamin defeated Big Show by Count OutSingle Match
4Edge (c) defeated Rick FlairWWE Championship TLC Match

Netflix’s First Live Raw

Date: January 6, 2025

The debut Raw episode on Netflix was met with excitement, featuring appearances from legends like Stephanie McMahon and Nikki Bella. Key moments included Rhea Ripley’s Women’s World Championship win, Jey Uso’s victory over Drew McIntyre, and a main event triumph for CM Punk over Seth Rollins.

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Match #ResultType
1Rome’s Rule (w/ Paul Heyman) defeated Solo SikoaTribal Battle
2Rhea Ripley defeated Liv Morgan (c)Women’s World Championship Match
3Jey Uso defeated Drew McIntyreSingle Match
4CM Punk defeated Seth RollinsSingle Match

A New Era Begins

Date: July 25, 2016

This episode marked a pivotal moment with the launch of a separate brand split and the announcement of the WWE Universal Championship. Finn Balor won the number one contender match, Sasha Banks claimed the WWE Women’s Championship, and Roman Reigns continued his dominance.

Match #ResultType
1Dean Ambrose defeated Finn Balor, Cesaro, Kevin Owens, and RusevFatal 5-Way Match
2Nia Jax defeated Britt BakerSingle Match
3Roman Reigns defeated Chris Jericho, Sami Zayn, and SheamusFatal 4-Way Match
4Neville defeated Curtis AxelSingle Match
5Sasha Banks defeated Charlotte Flair (c)WWE Women’s Championship Match
6Braun Strowman defeated James EllsworthSingle Match
7Big Cass and Enzo Amore defeated The Shining StarsTag Team Match
8Finn Balor defeated Roman ReignsNo. 1 Contender Match (Universal Championship)

The Invasion Storyline Ends

Date: November 19, 2001

Following WWE’s victory over the WCW/ECW alliance at Survivor Series, this episode focused on McMahon’s power, Paul Heyman’s removal from commentary, and Kurt Angle’s controversial betrayal. Ric Flair’s surprise return revealed him as McMahon’s co-owner, adding a shocking twist.

Match #ResultType
1Trish Stratus (c) defeated LitaWWE Women’s Championship Match
2Dudley Boyz defeated Rob Van Dam2-on-1 Handicap Table Match
3The Rock (c) defeated Kurt AngleWorld Championship Match
4Kane defeated Chris Jericho by DQSingle Match
5William Regal defeated TazzSingle Match
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Shocking Moments on Raw

Date: May 17, 1993

This unforgettable episode featured Marty Jannetty’s surprise victory over Shawn Michaels for the Intercontinental Championship and notable upsets including an upset over Razor Ramon. Yokozuna’s momentum also set up future title opportunities.

Match #ResultType
1Smoking Guns defeated Glen Ruth & Tony VandaTag Team Match
2The 1-2-3 Kid defeated Razor RamonSingle Match
3Tatanka defeated Scott TaylorSingle Match
4Yokozuna defeated KamalaSingle Match
5Marty Jannetty defeated Shawn Michaels (c)Intercontinental Championship Match

Brutal Attack on American Nightmare

Date: March 25, 2024

In the buildup to WrestleMania 40, this edition featured high-stakes matches with Ricochet and JD McDonagh standing out. The Rock and Cody Rhodes opened the show with an intense segment, while CM Punk, sidelined by injury, fired shots at top champions. The night culminated with Rock attacking Cody Rhodes, continuing the storyline beyond the show.

Match #ResultType
1Ricochet defeated JD McDonaghSingle Match
2Candice LeRae defeated Ivy NileSingle Match
3DIY vs. New Day ended in No ContestTag Team Match
4Andretti defeated Giovanni VinciSingle Match
5Bronson Reed defeated Sami ZaynSingle Match
6Jey Uso defeated Shinsuke NakamuraSingle Match

Raw’s 30th Anniversary

Date: January 23, 2023

Raw celebrated three decades with compelling moments, including Sami Zayn’s trial and defense of the Raw Tag Team titles alongside The Usos. The episode also built anticipation for the Royal Rumble and featured intense confrontations, notably between The Undertaker and Bray Wyatt in what would be Wyatt’s final match.

Match #ResultType
1The Usos (c) and Sami Zayn defeated Damage CTRLRaw Tag Team Championship Match
2Seth Rollins and Street Profits defeated Imperium6-Tag Team Match
3Bianca Belair defeated Sonya DevilleSingle Match
4Austin Theory (c) defeated Bobby LashleyNo Disqualification US Championship Match

Fan Take: Monday Night Raw remains a cornerstone of WWE’s success, blending history and innovation while delivering thrilling moments across generations. These iconic episodes show WWE’s ability to evolve while honoring its roots, keeping fans engaged and the sport vibrant.

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