6. What was the first title change on Raw?
Credit: WWE.com
The early days of Raw, while rich with technicolor nostalgia, weren’t exactly must-see TV on a week to week basis. You’d get one true feature match with some angle advancement, and about three other matches with a finish you could see a mile away. In other words, it was like a modern Raw condensed to one hour.
The May 17, 1993 telecast offered a little more in the way of unpredictable fun. Not only did The 123 Kid score his historic victory over Razor Ramon, but Marty Jannetty defeated Intercontinental Champion (and now-sworn enemy) Shawn Michaels to capture the gold. It was the first title change in the history of Raw, and it would not be the last.
7. Imagine a month without Raw
No need – it looks like this.
When WCW Nitro debuted in 1995, the show got a leg up on Raw by first running unopposed. At the time, Raw didn’t air on Labor Day, due to the US Open tennis tournament, which also aired on the USA Network. Vince’s “big sweaty men” would take an annual backseat to “slimmer sweaty men” in Bermuda shorts.
From 1993 through 2000, Raw would be compromised by the scheduling of the tournament, as well as other factors (such as SummerSlam airing on Monday nights through 1994). In 1993, there were four straight weeks in August/September where no episodes of Raw aired. In other years, special episodes of Raw would air on Friday or Saturday nights in late-summer to accommodate tennis coverage.
8. Raw was “New York” for eight months
Credit: WWE.com
In the territory days, wrestlers would refer to WWE as “New York”, as in, “I’m going to New York” or “I can’t wait to get to New York”, due to WWE’s increasing opportunities and popularity. Very few ever wanted to escape from New York, unless they had an eye-patch and a surly attitude.
New York was such an immense part of Raw’s foundation, with its first 32 episodes emanating from the Empire State. Most shows took place at The Manhattan Center, though others were taped in cities like Poughkeepsie, and even the northern border town of Alexandria Bay. It wasn’t until the September 27, 1993 episode that Raw ventured outside state lines (taping in nearby New Haven, CT), and only after they had whisked President Donald Pleasence to safety.
6 years ago by Wrestle Talk
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