WWE RAW kicked off 2001 with a pre-taped broadcast on January 1. The episode featured some of the biggest names in the company at the time. Both “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and The Rock wrestled at the show against William Regal and Kane, respectively.
As months followed, Vince McMahon commenced WCW’s integration into WWE following his purchase of the rival promotion. Titan Towers acquired WCW’s massive video library in addition to buying out the contracts of several roster members.
WWE RAW started featuring WCW wrestlers, giving fans some “dream matches” in the process. That being said, let’s take a look at some of the best WWE RAW matches of 2001:
The Rock vs. Kurt Angle (March 12)
The Rock regained the WWE Championship from Kurt Angle at No Way Out 2001. The archrivals met in a rematch on the March 12 episode of WWE RAW. The Great One was accompanied to the ringside by Steve Austin’s wife, Debra, on Vince McMahon’s orders.
Rocky and Angle put on a great match in front of the Los Angeles crowd at the Staples Center. Both men went toe-to-toe for 13 minutes before The Great One retained his title due to a certain Rattlesnake’s interference.
The Rock vs. Chris Jericho (November 5)
Chris Jericho did the unthinkable when he beat The Rock for the WCW Championship at No Mercy 2001. The pair met in a rematch for the title on the November 5 episode of WWE RAW at the Nassau Coliseum.
The match featured some great spots. Both men resorted to heel tactics in order to get the upper hand. Y2J busted out a Rock Bottom to a huge pop from the New York crowd. The Rock regained the title with a roll-up pin.
Steve Austin vs. Chris Benoit (May 28)
This match took place just a week into Chris Benoit and Chris Jericho’s triumph over the Two-Man Power Tripe. The Rabid Wolverine squared off against Rhyno earlier during the match. He was already banged up by the time the title match main event against Austin got underway.
The Texas Rattlesnake brought his intensity and fierce aggression to the ring. Austin capitalized on Benoit’s injury to keep him at arm’s length. The challenger lost the match due to a Montreal Screwjob finish.
Kurt Angle vs. Chris Benoit (June 11)
Kurt Angle and Chris Benoit had arguably the most competitive rivalry in 2001. The submission masters met each other inside a steel cage. This match took place just two weeks before the King of the Ring PPV event.
Angle and Benoit would go on to deliver one of, if not, the greatest Steel Cage matches of all time. Both men were spot on with their nuances inside the squared circle. The Olympic Gold Medalist even landed a moonsault from the top of the cage, which even popped a reaction from Steve Austin on commentary at ringside.
Steve Austin & Triple H vs. Chris Benoit & Chris Jericho (May 21)
Steve Austin and Triple H joined forces on WWE RAW after WrestleMania 17. The pair destroyed The Rock inside a steel cage. The Two-Man Power Trip went on to capture the tag team titles. The victory ultimately pitted them against Chris Benoit and Chris Jericho.
Benoit and Jericho had earned the tag team title opportunity by winning a tag team turmoil match at Judgment Day 2001. The champions and the challengers met the following night on RAW.
The crowd was red hot for Benoit and Jericho as they looked to dethrone Austin and Triple H. This match is noted for Hunter’s infamous quad injury. Despite the injury, The Game told Y2J to catch him in the Walls of Jericho on the announcer’s desk.
All four men delivered heated action that capped off with a much-deserved win for the challengers.
Honorable Mentions
- Steve Austin vs. Kurt Angle (WWE RAW – January 8)
- Chris Benoit vs. Eddie Guerrero (March 12)
- William Regal vs. Chris Jericho (WWE RAW – May 7)
- Chris Jericho vs. The Rock vs. Kurt Angle (December 12)
Also read: Best WWE SmackDown Matches Of 2003
