WWE RAW first aired 31 years ago on January 11. USA Network, the current home of the red brand, broadcast the first episode from the Manhattan Center in New York City. Both The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels worked on the first show.
Who would have imagined that these two would be on the Mr. Rushmore of fans and wrestlers alike one day? Michaels, especially, would become synonymous with some of the best WWE RAW matches for years to come.
Check out some of the red brand’s greatest hits from 1993 featuring Michaels and others:
Intercontinental Title Battle Royal (October 4)
The Intercontinental Championship was a hot commodity in 1993. Champions used to wear it on their waist with pride. You just knew any match with the workman’s title on the line would be a show stealer.
The fate of the Intercontinental Championship was on the line in this 20-man battle royal at the September 27 WWE RAW taping. On paper, this may seem like a convoluted idea, but the execution was done right.
Rick Martel and Razor Ramon emerged as co-winners in this match-up. Both men would meet just a week later to determine the new Intercontinental Champion.
Bret Hart vs. Bam Bam Bigelow (WWE RAW – July 26)
Bret Hart scored a huge win over Bam Bam Bigelow at 1993 King of the Ring PPV. The Hitman faces The Beast from the East in this highly-acclaimed rematch from RAW in 1993.
While this match isn’t better than their KOTR encounter, it still manages to capture the PPV feel with its in-ring action. Bret does a wonderful job selling his knee. The count-out finish keeps Bigelow protected while furthering Bret’s feud with Jerry Lawler.
Marty Jannetty vs. The 1-2-3 Kid (October 25)
Marty Jannetty and The 1-2-3 Kid were both babyfaces when they squared off against each other. This was a rare occasion because WWE didn’t do face vs. face matches during that era.
Both men displayed incredible chemistry in this match-up. The two drawbacks were time constraint and continuous interference from Johnny Polo (aka the future Raven). The double count-out finish protected both wrestlers.
Shawn Michaels vs. 1-2-3 Kid (December 6)
Shawn Michaels and The 1-2-3 Kid carried the November 29 WWE RAW taping with a solid 15-minute match. Michaels arrives with the Intercontinental Title belt, but he isn’t the official champion.
The spots are way ahead of their time, but that’s what you’d expect from a match involving Michaels and Kid. We also get to see a little bit of interference from Razor Ramon to help set up the iconic ladder match at WrestleMania X.
Shawn Michaels vs. Marty Jannetty (July 19)
Having previously scored an upset over Michaels, Jannetty enters this match with a lot of confidence. The supposed weak link of The Rockers spends the first half dominating the match, much to his former partner’s frustration.
There are plenty of near falls and some great counters at play. Jannetty knows he can beat Michaels for the title but, unfortunately, he doesn’t. Apart from the finish, which could’ve been executed better, the whole match is of PPV quality on free television.
Honorable Mentions
- Ric Flair vs. Mr. Perfect (Loser Leaves WWE – January 25)
- Shawn Michaels vs. Jim Duggan (Lumberjack Match – May 10)
- Marty Jannetty vs. Doink The Clown (WWE RAW – June 21)
- Razor Ramon vs. Rick Martel (WWE RAW – October 11)
Also read: Best WWE SmackDown Matches Of 1999
