The Highlight Reel is your trip to AaronNation! This is the place with all the musings of a writer from North Carolina with strong opinions, a sarcastic tone, and a lot of time on his hands. Enjoy!
Christian Bale is one of the most talented actors in Hollywood today. He is currently in the number one movie in the world as The Dark Knight Rises reigned supreme again at the box office this weekend. However, it was Bale’s selfless act on July 24th that earned this honor. In the aftermath of the horrible Aurora, Colorado shooting, Bale traveled to Colorado to visit the survivors and pay his respects to the 12 victims of the Aurora theater shooting. On the big screen, Batman is a heroic figure for saving Gotham City from evil. In real life, Christian Bale is a hero for showing compassion and heart rarely shown by celebrities. In most cases, celebrities do not deserve the hero worship they receive. In Christian Bale’s case, he deserves every bit of it. Good job, Christian.
Jerk of the Week: Kristen Stewart
Earlier this week, actress (and I use the term loosely) Kristen Stewart came forward with an apology to her boyfriend of three years, Robert Pattinson, after rumors saying that Stewart was having an affair flourished. Us Weekly photographers caught Stewart and her Snow White and the Huntsman director Rupert Sanders in many public displays of affection in Hollywood. The 41-year old Sanders, married with two children, and the 22-year old Stewart have acknowledged their affair in hopes of salvaging their respective relationships.
Kristen Stewart is not the Jerk of the Week for this affair. Anyone who has ever watched her act had to know she was sleeping with every director and producer she worked with because sweet vagina skills are the only reason she would find work in Hollywood. Stewart is the Jerk of the Week because of her apology to Robert Pattinson. Why apologize to him? She should apologize to the movie going public and to me. We deserve an apology for the Twilight movies, Adventureland, The Runaways, and Snow White and the Huntsman. Until we, the movie going public, receive this apology, Kristen Stewart is going to be in the running for Jerk of the Week. Not only is she an adulterer, she is a horrible, horrible actress. Just horrible.
Babe of the Week: Sara Walsh
A Melancholy Happy Trails to… - Lupe Ontiveros, 69 - American actress best known for Desperate Housewives and Selena (July 26th) - Neil Reed, 36 - American basketball player involved in the Bobby Knight choking incident at Indiana University (July 26th) - Sherman Hemsley, 74 - American actor best known for The Jeffersons and Amen (July 24th) - Sally Ride, 61 - First American woman in space (July 23rd) - Kitty Wells, 92 - First major female country music artist and the Queen of Country Music (July 16th)
The final part of director Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy, The Dark Knight Rises, opened on July 20th to epic levels of anticipation. Tragedy quickly clouded the anticipation as result of the heinous actions of a cowardly psychopath in Aurora, Colorado. By now, we all know what 24-year-old James Holmes did at the midnight showing of The Dark Knight Rises at the Cinemark Century 16 Theater - 12 dead, 59 wounded. While the world mourned the tragic loss of 12 lives in Colorado, The Dark Knight Rises still had a record-setting opening weekend of $161 million; the largest opening ever for a 2D film and third largest opening weekend in cinema history. I watched The Dark Knight Rises last weekend and, after a week to absorb what I watched, I firmly believe that The Dark Knight Rises is the culmination of the greatest trilogy in cinema history.
Spoilers are below so you may want to avoid the remainder of this post until you see The Dark Knight Rises. While we are at it, why have you not see The Dark Knight Rises yet? What is wrong with you? There are NO excuses. Go to the theater now.
The Dark Knight Rises is a masterpiece. The culmination of director Christopher Nolan’s take on the Batman story unfolds perfectly over 160 minutes that felt like 20 minutes. That is the beauty of incredible filmmaking, when you can take a lengthy period of time and turn it into a blink of an eye that is still meaningful and powerful. Christopher Nolan is an amazing filmmaker. The story of The Dark Knight Rises sees Bruce Wayne return to society and Batman return to crime fighting after a self-imposed exile in the aftermath of the events of The Dark Knight. A new love interest in Miranda Tate (played by Marion Cotillard), a new enemy threatening Gotham in Bane (played by Tom Hardy), and a possible frenemy in cat burglar Selina Kyle (played by Anne Hathaway) motivate the return of Bruce Wayne of society and Batman to the role of Gotham’s protector. While Lucius Fox (played by Morgan Freeman) and Commissioner James Gordon (played by Gary Oldman) return to aid Batman, officer John Blake (played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt) joins the team as loyal Wayne butler and Batman confidant Alfred Pennyworth (played by Michael Caine) leaves out of fear of burying the final member of the Wayne family. The cast of characters in this film make for a star-studded lineup without a weak link in the acting chain. Everyone involved play his or her role to perfection. I cannot stress enough how Nolan did not waste a single performer’s talents throughout this film (or the trilogy for that matter). As for the film, The Dark Knight Rises casts aside the notion of being another summertime action film (i.e. cinematic junk food) and provides viewers with the thrills and explosions of typical mindless action fare combined with dialogue and plot points that appeal to the most cerebral of viewers. Bane’s attempt to destroy Gotham City using the power of the people and the idea of liberation (a warped version but a version equally warped as that of our own political leaders) reflects greatly on today’s society. Despite not intending on a social commentary, The Dark Knight Rises provides an excellent example of social commentary while also remaining true to itself as an action film of the highest regard.
Unlike the previous film The Dark Knight, Christian Bale’s portrayal of the Caped Crusader is not lost in the shuffle of overwhelmingly powerful performances. Instead, Bale gives a tremendous performance as Bruce Wayne/Batman. I feel the rehabilitation of Wayne inside the Pit, after his assault at the hands of Bane, mirror his training sessions with Ra’s al Ghul in a positive manner. Bale brought his A-game for the final installment of the trilogy. Two other performances stole the show. Anne Hathaway and Joseph Gordon-Levitt both deserve award recognition for their roles in The Dark Knight Rises. Hathaway breathed a life into Selina Kyle (a.k.a. Catwoman) like no other has before. Gordon-Levitt’s turn as officer John Blake (first name: Robin *hint hint*) brought another heroic figure to believe in alongside Batman. In both cases, a spin-off and new series of films would be a great joy for fans as their characters are simply too good to be limited to one film. If there is any legitimacy to the Academy, we will hear their names in January when Academy Award nominations are announced.
The best praise I can give The Dark Knight Rises is that this film concludes the greatest trilogy in cinema history. There are many trilogies rich with praise heaped upon them. I love The Godfather trilogy. I enjoyed the Dollars trilogy and the original Star Wars trilogy. However, for my money, the greatest trilogy ever to grace the silver screen is Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy. From the beginning of Batman Begins through The Dark Knight to the final moments of The Dark Knight Rises, every scene is dedicated to telling one complete story - one of the best stories in cinema history. Together, these three films make for an epic unlike any other action film series or superhero series in cinema history. Nolan’s Batman trilogy makes every other superhero film look like a children’s film. Whatever you have to do in order to see The Dark Knight Rises, do it and DO IT NOW!
Superstar of The Dark Knight Rises: Anne Hathaway
Among the many incredible performances in The Dark Knight Rises, the one that stands out the most is that of Anne Hathaway as Selina Kyle a.k.a. Catwoman. Her performance added an undeniable sex appeal to Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy that Katie Holmes and Maggie Gyllenhaal did not bring. However, Hathaway maintained the high quality set by Gyllenhaal concerning female performances as Hathaway simply stole the show. Her on-screen time with Batman showed a unique chemistry between two characters that should be at one another’s throats and yet find a common ground. In a film full of terrific performances, Anne Hathaway was the gold standard of The Dark Knight Rises.
Jerk of The Dark Knight Rises: James Holmes
This monster murdered 12 innocent people and wounded 59 more as they tried to enjoy a film. A special place in Hell awaits this young man. In my opinion, he cannot get there soon enough.
Babe of The Dark Knight Rises: Anne Hathaway and Marion Cotillard (TIE)
Power Rankings - Top 5 Actors to Portray Batman 5. George Clooney - Batman & Robin 4. Val Kilmer - Batman Forever 3. Adam West - Batman (1966) 2. Michael Keaton - Batman (1989) and Batman Returns 1. Christian Bale - Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, and The Dark Knight Rises
Power Rankings - Top 6 Actresses to Portray Catwoman 6. Halle Berry - Catwoman 5. Eartha Kitt - Batman (TV series) 4. Julie Newmar - Batman (TV series) 3. Lee Meriwether - Batman (1966) 2. Michelle Pfeiffer - Batman Returns 1. Anne Hathaway - The Dark Knight Rises
Power Rankings - Top 10 Villains in All of the Batman Films 10. Carmine Falcone (Tom Wilkinson) - Batman Begins 9. The Rogues Gallery of Villains: Catwoman (Lee Meriwether), The Joker (Cesar Romero), The Penguin (Burgess Meredith), and The Riddler (Frank Gorshin) - Batman (1966) 8. Catwoman (Michelle Pfeiffer) - Batman Returns 7. The Scarecrow (Cillian Murphy) - Batman Begins 6. The Penguin (Danny DeVito) - Batman Returns 5. Ra’s al Ghul (Liam Neeson) - Batman Begins 4. Two-Face (Aaron Eckhart) - The Dark Knight 3. The Joker (Jack Nicholson) - Batman (1989) 2. Bane (Tom Hardy) - The Dark Knight Rises 1. The Joker (Heath Ledger) - The Dark Knight
This is the hardest letter I have ever had to write. You and I have gone through a lot of ups and downs over the course of our 23-year relationship. I still remember when we met like it was yesterday. I was a young boy of six-years-old when I stumbled across two men in a square structure enclosed by red, white, and blue ropes. They were fighting but it was unlike any other fighting I had witnessed in my brief time on this planet. I watched as Tito Santana pinned Iron Mike Sharpe on the Saturday morning broadcast of Superstars of Wrestling in the very first wrestling match I ever watched. From that moment, I was captivated with everything to do with wrestling. While I lived in the heart of Jim Crockett Promotions and the NWA, my first taste of wrestling came from World Wrestling Entertainment (then known as the World Wrestling Federation). You, WWE, were my first great love.
From Hulk Hogan to Bret “Hitman” Hart, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin to Kurt Angle, Trish Stratus to Mickie James, and Chris Jericho to CM Punk with many more in between, the wrestlers I found myself most aligned to were in the WWE. Despite my tastes for in-ring action evolving and my growing annoyances with the “sizzle over substance” approach taken by you, I remained true to you, WWE.
In 2010, we had our worst fight. I remember how the company fired my beloved Mickie James on the heels of one of the worst WrestleManias ever. My love for you was never lower than it was in that moment. I left. I started seeing TNA Wrestling and I found my love for wrestling blossom again. Despite my best judgment, I let you back into my life and started to believe that you could be good to me again. The Miz won the WWE Championship. Some of the matches on TV were really good with young talent getting the spotlight usually reserved for the same tired acts. Then, WrestleMania 27 came and you ripped my heart out again. WWE, you and I have been on shaky ground for far too long. The Michael Cole-Jim Ross/Jerry Lawler rivalry hurt my heart. Hornswoggle’s reign of terror hurt my spirit. The celebration of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, despite everything he did to distance himself from the business that made him famous, hurt my soul. However, I kept taking you back because I wanted to believe you could change. Despite TNA Wrestling and Ring of Honor Wrestling giving me everything I needed and more, I continued to allow you in my life, World Wrestling Entertainment. WWE, I just could not quit you… until now.
WWE aired the 1000th episode of Monday Night RAW on July 23rd. I knew this three-hour broadcast would not be great. In fact, I was positive that it would be terrible. I just did not know how terrible it would be. The show started innocently enough with a reunion of DX. It was funny and entertaining despite lasting over 20 minutes. Then, I got the first wrestling match of the evening - World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus, Rey Mysterio, and Sin Cara vs. Dolph Ziggler, Chris Jericho, and Alberto Del Rio. Instead of a solid 15-minute wrestling match between five great performers and Sin Cara, the match lasted for five minutes with a commercial break included. Brodus Clay defeated a former World Champion in less than 30 seconds when he beat Jack Swagger. Then, there was the wedding.
I hate AJ Lee. She is a cute girl. But WWE, I do not understand why you insist on pushing her so hard. Why? She does not deserve any of the push she has received. AJ Lee ruined the CM Punk/Daniel Bryan rivalry for the WWE Championship. Despite hating weddings in general, I had a glimmer of hope that AJ was to return to the mid-card along with Bryan as a married couple. Instead, Vince McMahon named her the General Manager of RAW. Why, WWE? Why did you kick me in the groin with steel-toed boots and spit in my face? Why?!?
The rest of the night was a blur for me. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson graced us with his presence long enough to say he was going to become WWE Champion at the Royal Rumble in January 2013. Stephanie McMahon stole the show from Triple H, Brock Lesnar, and Paul Heyman in a segment confirming Brock’s next jobber duties at SummerSlam. Lita and the APA returned alongside a list of legends for a fun segment against Heath Slater. The Miz defeated Christian for the Intercontinental Championship in a solid match. The Undertaker looked more decrepit than ever while helping Kane beat up on six jobbers. Then there was the main event - WWE Champion CM Punk vs. John Cena. WWE was not going to let me down with this match, right? Right?!?
I was wrong. I was so wrong to believe in you, WWE. Instead of another great match between these two, they went through the motions for abut ten minutes of sloppy action before Big Show interfered. For some reason, you always want to say everything is better with Big Show involved but it is not, WWE; it is not. Big Show makes nothing better. As the match ends via DQ, Dwayne Johnson runs to the ring to save John Cena when CM Punk attacked him. As the announcers screamed, “Why Punk Why,” while fans got their poster-board and magic markers to make signs reading that for the next month of television, I felt myself finally ready to say two magic words to you, WWE.
We’re through.
I, in good conscience, cannot continue to stay in this relationship. For one, I know that you are going to give me more of this AJ girl and I just cannot take anymore of her. Only World Wrestling Entertainment can turn a red-blooded heterosexual male against a cute girl with skimpy outfits. However, this constant push and the constant referrals to her as “crazy” despite her only on-screen talent being that she can skip is too much for me to take.
More importantly though, I cannot stay with you, WWE, and watch the most cherished prize in the history of your company get devalued even more as you take a page right out of the WCW Playbook by having a Hollywood actor win the WWE Championship on January 27th, 2013. There is no doubt that CM Punk will lose this title to Dwayne Johnson on this night. The only question is who Dwayne will drop the title to on April 7th, 2013 at WrestleMania XXIX - John Cena or Brock Lesnar. In all good conscience, I cannot stick around for your descent further into the depths of squalor and hell that you have brought upon yourself. I will be watching professional wrestling from TNA Wrestling and Ring of Honor. They both treat me so much better.
This is goodbye, World Wrestling Entertainment. Thank you for the memories and the good times. Maybe someday, we can be friends again. However, someday is not for a long, long time to come.
On Monday, July 23rd, World Wrestling Entertainment will air the 1000th episode of Monday Night RAW. Starting on January 11th, 1993 at the Manhattan Center in New York City, World Wrestling Entertainment offered a weekly installment of WWE action every Monday night for over 19 years (sans a couple of Thursday or Friday night specials because of tennis or dog shows on the USA Network). It is an incredible accomplishment and, like or hate what World Wrestling Entertainment has become, is an accomplishment worthy of respect.
The opening match of the very first Monday Night RAW saw WWE Hall of Famer Yokozuna defeat WWE Hall of Famer Koko B. Ware. The last match of the 999th episode of RAW saw CM Punk defeat the Big Show by disqualification. In between those two bouts, thousands of matches have occurred over the 19-year history of Monday Night RAW. The majority were forgettable. Some matches were so terrible that they live on in infamy. However, a select few matches were so incredible that fans still talk about them today. From intense rivalries to spectacular upsets and classic championship encounters to never-ending epics, some matches live on as examples of professional wrestling greatness. On this list, I am going to reveal my picks for the Top 10 Matches in RAW history and the Worst 5 Matches in RAW history. These matches are the gold standards of RAW greatness and the biggest epic fails to occur inside the squared circle on Monday nights.
On with the list…
The Worst 5 Matches in Monday Night RAW History
Dishonorable Mentions: Too many to list
5. Trish Stratus and Bradshaw vs. Jackie Gayda and Christopher Nowinski (July 8th, 2002) - Trish Stratus is one of the greatest women to ever lace a pair of boots. Bradshaw is one of the greatest brawlers of all-time. Before concussions ended his career, Chris Nowinski was showing promise. Jackie Gayda never showed an ounce of promise in her wrestling career. Labeled “the Jackie Gayda match” for years because of her horrible in-ring performance, this match has lost some of its luster thanks to the majority of current WWE Divas performing like Gayda weekly. However, on this night in 2002, there was nothing worse in the WWE.
4. Hornswoggle vs. Chavo Guerrero (Anytime in 2009) - For some ungodly reason, WWE decided to punish Chavo Guerrero by having him job weekly to Hornswoggle in a series of ridiculous matches that did nothing for anybody. Below is footage of the Cow Tipping match between these two. Chavo wrestled as a cow. Don’t you feel Eddie’s tears falling from Heaven for his nephew?
3. John Cena vs. Kevin Federline (January 1st, 2007) - John Cena, the WWE Champion who loses to nobody, lost to Britney Spears’ ex-husband on RAW. That is all you have to say.
2. “Rosie O’Donnell” vs. “Donald Trump” (January 8th, 2007) - For some reason, Vince McMahon thought it would be funny to mock the hot celebrity feud of the moment with a match between Rosie O’Donnell and Donald Trump. It is great to hear the crowd chant “TNA! TNA! TNA!” during this match at a time when TNA was offering action just as poor. That is how horrible this match was.
1. “Barack Obama” vs. “Hillary Clinton” (April 21st, 2008) - Vince McMahon decided to parody the race for the Democratic Presidential nomination with a match between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. Considering McMahon is a card-carrying Republican, I am sure this was great comedy for him. However, it simply wasted a lot of valuable time on RAW for everyone else.
The Top 5 Matches in Monday Night RAW History
Honorable Mentions: Chris Benoit vs. Kurt Angle (Steel Cage - June 11th, 2001), Intercontinental Champion Eddie Guerrero vs. Rod Van Dam (Intercontinental Championship Ladder match - May 27th, 2002), Shawn Michaels vs. Shelton Benjamin (May 2nd, 2005), WWE Champion The Rock vs. Mankind (WWE Championship - January 4th, 1999), Women’s Champion Trish Stratus vs. Lita (Women’s Championship - December 6th, 2004)
5. Davey Boy Smith vs. Owen Hart (European Championship - March 3rd, 1997) - In the tournament finals for the European Championship, two heels and brother-in-laws squared off in an epic encounter. Davey Boy Smith and Owen Hart were WWE Tag Team Champions at the time yet did not let their partnership stand between themselves and individual glory. Smith and Hart battled for almost 20 minutes before Smith picked up the victory to become the first European Champion.
4. WWE Champion The Undertaker vs. Jeff Hardy (WWE Championship Ladder match - July 1st, 2002) - In one of his first big opportunities for individual glory, Jeff Hardy showed signs of the future world champion he would become in a classic against The Undertaker. The Undertaker was in the midst of his Big Evil era (my favorite time of his) and brought his work shoes into an environment the ring legend was previous unfamiliar with. While The Undertaker retained his gold on that night, Jeff Hardy’s star rose in a big way with the outstanding match.
3. Mr. Perfect vs. Ric Flair (Loser Leaves RAW - January 25th, 1993) - only in the third week of RAW, Mr. Perfect and Ric Flair saw their brief but bitter feud reach a boiling point as they battled in a Loser Leaves RAW match. For almost 20 minutes, Perfect and Flair wrestled as if their lives depended on the outcome. In the end, Perfect scored one of the biggest victories of his career in a match that is any wrestling purist’s dream.
2. World Tag Team Champions Kane and The Hurricane vs. Bubba Ray Dudley and Spike Dudley vs. Chris Jericho and Christian vs. Jeff Hardy and Rob Van Dam (World Tag Team Championship TLC match - October 7th, 2002) - In one of the finest TLC matches of all-time, Kane overcame the early obstacle of losing his partner to an attack by Evolution and withstood the best of three teams well-versed in ladder matches to retain the World Tag Team Championships. The match was pure insanity was beginning to end with Kane scoring one of the biggest wins of his career. It is best to ignore the aftermath of this match when Triple H came out and called Kane a “mur-diddly-erer.”
1. WWE Champion John Cena vs. Shawn Michaels (Non-title match - April 23rd, 2007) - In London, England on April 23rd, 2007, Shawn Michaels and John Cena squared off for almost an hour in what I believe is the greatest match in the history of Monday Night RAW. With their epic at WrestleMania only weeks behind them, Michaels and Cena battled again in a tremendous match. The seesaw action near the end epitomized the greatness in both men as Michaels brought the best out of Cena while Cena came to perform and earned his spot on that night. While Cena left with the championship because of the non-title stipulation, Michaels looked like the best wrestler in the world on that night in London. John Cena vs. Shawn Michaels is the greatest match in Monday Night RAW history.
RAW 1000th Episode Special - The Superstars of RAW
On Monday, July 23rd, World Wrestling Entertainment will air the 1000th episode of Monday Night RAW. Starting on January 11th, 1993 at the Manhattan Center in New York City, World Wrestling Entertainment offered a weekly installment of WWE action every Monday night for over 19 years (sans a couple of Thursday or Friday night specials because of tennis or dog shows on the USA Network). It is an incredible accomplishment and, like or hate what World Wrestling Entertainment has become, is an accomplishment worthy of respect.
Without the Superstars of the WWE, Monday Night RAW would just be a show with nonsense occurring centered around a wrestling ring. Yes, Monday Night RAW would have been as it currently is from the very beginning. Throughout the years, hundreds of wrestlers have appeared inside the WWE ring on Monday nights. Some had legendary careers and left a mark on Monday nights that fans will never forget. Others were so terrible that fans could not forget their time in the WWE quick enough. On this list, I am going to reveal my picks as the Top 10 Superstars in RAW history and the Worst 5 Superstars in RAW history. I believe that I am identifying the worst of a long list of blunders to grace the ring on Monday nights. In addition, I believe that these 10 Superstars symbolize the greatest in terms of in-ring success, mesmerizing promo skills, and the ability to capture the imaginations of the men and women watching from the crowds and their televisions at home.
On with the list…
The Worst 5 Superstars in Monday Night RAW History
5. Giant Silva - Billed at 7’2” and arguably one of the ugliest human beings on the planet, the Giant Silva was a member of the Oddities in 1998. That is about it. I cannot remember him wrestling on RAW. He just stood in the background as the late John Tenta carried the load under the guise of Golga.
4. The Great Khali - If there has ever been a more inappropriate name in wrestling, this is the name. At his finest, the Great Khali should be called the Alright Khali. Perhaps the Somewhat Passable Khali. However, he should never be the Great Khali. From lumbering moves that make present-day Dynamite Kid look like Rey Mysterio to a knowledge of in-ring rules that have seen Khali attempt a pinfall in the middle of a beat down, the Great Khali is one of the worst wrestlers of all-time.
3. Hornswoggle - I hate this midget. Hornswoggle is the poster child for everything wrong in World Wrestling Entertainment over the last five years. Worse than John Cena‘s superhero act, senile Vince McMahon, or anything else over the period of time, Hornswoggle symbolizes everything wrong with WWE. He killed the Cruiserweight division. He was the payoff to a four-month search for Vince McMahon’s illegitimate son. His feud with Chavo Guerrero did more damage to the Guerrero name than Vickie in a two-piece bikini would. His time with DX literally killed the credibility of one of the great duos of all-time. Hornswoggle is truly an example that life is not fair.
2. Bastion Booger - The late Mike Shaw was a good man. However, he did not have friends in the booking side of the wrestling business. In 1993, he performed on RAW as the disgusting Bastion Booger. Wearing revolting ring attire while constantly picking his nose and farting, Bastion Booger surely was the prototype for what WWE planned to do with Natalya Neidhart in 2012. Add to that image a man who physically was one of the worst big men in wrestling history; you have the second worst wrestler in RAW history.
1. Michael Cole - Yes, Michael Cole is a commentator… sort of. However, in 2010, WWE decided to begin a feud between Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler. In 2011, Cole’s rivalry with Lawler entered the ring. Not only did Cole compete in matches on pay-per-view, Cole competed on Monday Night RAW. Throughout the year, Cole competed in matches against Lawler, Zack Ryder (while dressed as Triple H), and even a tag match alongside Alberto Del Rio against John Cena and Jim Ross. The worst match of all for Michael Cole saw John Cena defeat him in the main event of the June 4th RAW and then slather him in JR’s BBQ sauce. For everything the above men did that was horrible, Michael Cole simply tops them all as the worst Superstar in Monday Night RAW history.
The Top 10 Superstars in Monday Night RAW History
Honorable Mentions: Chris Benoit, Christian, CM Punk, Kurt Angle, Randy Orton
10. Bret “Hitman” Hart / Kane (TIE) - There was no way I could choose between these two for the final spot on my list. While one is clearly greater than the other in the grand scheme of things, both Bret Hart and Kane had similarly legendary runs on Monday Night RAW. Bret Hart was in the WWE from the very beginning of RAW in 1993. His legendary feuds with Jerry “the King” Lawler, Yokozuna, and his late brother Owen were among the greatest feuds of the early days of RAW. When Bret lost the WWE Championship to Shawn Michaels in March 1996, Hart left for seven months and returned to a new World Wrestling Entertainment. His rivalry with “Stone Cold” Steve Austin helped firmly establish Austin as a main event talent. The feud with Austin, evolving into the US-Canada War of 1997, turned Hart into a heel for the first time in almost a decade and created a near-riot atmosphere at every RAW throughout the year. While Bret Hart’s run in WWE ended unceremoniously with the Montreal Screwjob, his impact remained on RAW for years afterwards in various screwjobs and trips to Montreal. In 2010, Hart returned to RAW and rekindled a feud with Vince McMahon that stunk for months. However, the stench of that does not take away from an outstanding run in the early days of RAW. A stench of poor runs is what forced me to place Kane so far down on this list. For the record, Glen Jacobs has appeared regularly on Monday Night RAW since 1995, first as the mad dentist Isaac Yankem and then as the fake Diesel. It was in October 1997 when Jacobs debuted as Kane, the demented and scarred baby brother of The Undertaker. Throughout the next decade, Kane and The Undertaker feuded and teamed all over the WWE. Kane also took part in lengthy rivalries with Mankind and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin in the late 90s. In late 2002, Kane saw his RAW career epitomized in one night. Kane single-handedly won a TLC match to retain the World Tag Team Championships in one of the greatest matches in Monday Night RAW history. Then, while basking in the glory of that moment, Triple H walked out and called Kane “a murderer.” That was the start of the infamous Katie Vick storyline. In June 2003, Kane lost his mask in a match against Triple H. The unmasking of Kane breathed new life into his career as Kane started feuds with Rob Van Dam and Shane McMahon. Then, Kane entered a feud with Matt Hardy over Lita that turned to a feud with Gene Snitsky when a Snitsky attack resulted in the miscarriage of Kane and Lita’s child. For every good period of Kane’s career on RAW, a horrible period followed. Despite returning with his mask in 2011, the squash of Kane by John Cena did nothing to help the Big Red Machine elude the stench of poor booking that has Kane only in a tie for 10th on this list.
9. Mick Foley - Debuting the night after WrestleMania XII in 1996 as Mankind, Mick Foley achieved legendary status on Monday nights using three personas and a white sock. Foley’s first major feud was also arguably his greatest. Foley’s legendary war with The Undertaker saw both men fight all over the world for three years. Primarily known as Mankind, Foley also achieved success on Monday nights as Cactus Jack and the free spirit Dude Love. While a hardcore legend, Foley’s career reached new heights on Monday nights with the addition of a sock puppet on his hand one November night in 1998. The creation of Mr. Socko gave Mankind a new element to an already interesting character. Mick Foley won his first WWE Championship on January 4th, 1999 when he defeated The Rock as WCW announcer Tony Schiavone said “That’ll put a lot of butts in seats.” Mrs. Foley’s baby boy did just that as 600,000 Monday Nitro viewers turned to RAW. Nitro never won a ratings battle again. As for Foley, injuries took their toll on his career and Foley retired from full-time competition in 2000. Foley later entered brief feuds in 2004 with Randy Orton and 2006 with Edge and Ric Flair. He still occasionally appears on WWE programming.
8. Chris Jericho - On August 9th, 1999, the Millennium clock reached 0:00 and Y2J was born. Chris Jericho debuted on Monday Night RAW to much fanfare as he interrupted The Rock in Chicago. However, Jericho’s initial years on RAW were mundane in comparison to his later years. Jericho remained a fixture of the mid-card title picture from 1999 throughout 2001. Despite a brush with the WWE Championship in 2000 and a feud with Triple H over the summer of 2000, it was in late 2001 when Jericho broke through the glass ceiling to become a main event star. Rivalries with The Rock, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, and Triple H helped Jericho firmly establish himself an a main event star in 2001 and 2002. Staying a top star on RAW for years, Jericho left WWE in 2005 after a series of losses to then-WWE Champion John Cena. Jericho returned in 2008 and quickly began the greatest run of his career. During this time, Jericho feuded with Shawn Michaels over the World Heavyweight Championship in one of the last great feuds on RAW. After another hiatus, Jericho returned to Monday nights again in 2012. While this run has not been on the level of his previous runs, Jericho still remains one of the top stars in WWE history and one of the icons of Monday night.
7. John Cena - Whether you love him or hate him, you have to respect the career of John Cena. Cena’s RAW career started in 2005 when he was the first pick in the 2005 WWE Draft. Yes, the Draft used to mean something. Cena brought the WWE Championship with him to Monday nights on that night and began a feud with Chris Jericho. Over the next few years, Cena feuded with Edge, Triple H, Randy Orton, Shawn Michaels, The Great Khali, and the late Umaga over the WWE Championship with Cena remaining victorious through the majority of his matches. A modern day superhero in jean shorts, Cena’s act made him a polarizing figure in the wrestling world - a statement remaining true today. As the years have passed, Cena’s time on RAW remained consistent with Cena overcoming the odds to win world titles while squashing numerous stars, many up and coming stars, in the process. Only in 2011 and 2012 did Cena finally taste the other side of the shoe when placed in a feud with Hollywood movie star Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. However, this did little to tarnish the star of John Cena on Monday nights. John Cena has a list of accolades a mile long in the WWE. While the worth of these accomplishments is debatable, the fact remains that John Cena is the face of Monday Night RAW for a generation. That puts him seventh on my list.
6. “Rated R Superstar” Edge - The career of Edge is a career that developed on Monday nights for over a decade. Edge debuted in 1998 with vignettes announcing the arrival of a loner. Quickly, Edge joined Christian and Gangrel to form the Brood. While the Brood did not last long, Edge and Christian joined the Hardy Boyz and the Dudley Boyz in redefining tag team wrestling in the WWE from 1999-2001. Edge found individual success early too as he won both the Intercontinental and United States Championships during these years. The greatest time of Edge’s career started in 2005 with the victory of the first Money in the Bank contract. While riding the momentum of that win, Edge and Matt Hardy entered into an intense feud on Monday nights over Lita that mixed real-life hatred with professional talents second to none. Edge won the WWE Championship from John Cena in 2006 and, despite only holding the gold for three weeks, breathed life into a stale show. Over the next couple of years, Edge remained a fixture in the world title picture when on RAW. Ultimately, injuries shortened his career as Edge announced his retirement on the April 11th, 2011 episode of RAW. In an era of PG, Edge brought about an aura of intensity that matched his moniker as Edge made RAW rated R.
5. The Undertaker - The Undertaker defeated Damien Demento in the main event of the very first edition of Monday Night RAW on January 11th, 1993. Nineteen years later, The Undertaker may only work one night a year but he is still a marquee member of the WWE roster. A fixture of RAW, especially in the years before brand separation, The Undertaker participated in legendary feuds with the late Yokozuna, Mankind, Shawn Michaels, Kane, and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, as the character evolved from the western mortician to the leader of the Ministry of Darkness. In 2000, as The Undertaker evolved into the American Bad Ass, rivalries with The Rock, Kurt Angle, and Triple H saw the Dead Man begin a new era of main event stardom on Monday nights. The Undertaker was a focal point of the Invasion angle in 2001 as WCW star Diamond Dallas Page obsessed over Undertaker’s then-wife Sara. After the Invasion angle, The Undertaker returned to a more evil entity as Big Evil turned heel and won another WWE Championship before moving to SmackDown for the majority of the next decade. His time on SmackDown exclusively is why The Undertaker is not any higher on this list. A majority of his finest accomplishments in the later half of his career came on the blue brand. However, for the years he was a focal part of Monday nights, The Undertaker had a legendary run on RAW worthy of recognition.
4. The Rock - Some people may think I am crazy for placing him this low on the list. However, for me personally, it is a gift to say that the Rock is the fourth greatest Superstar in Monday Night RAW history. Debuting in 1996 as Rocky Maivia, The Rock really achieved success in late 1997 as his time with the Nation of Domination allowed The Rock to display the personality and quick wit that captivated a generation. His feud with “Stone Cold” Steve Austin over the Intercontinental Championship in 1997 was the beginning to one of the greatest rivalries in the history of the WWE. While Austin moved to the WWE title in 1998, The Rock and Triple H headlined the Nation/DX feud that ran for a year with both men elevating their game to main event status. The Rock was on the losing end of the infamous WWE Championship match on the January 4th, 1999 episode of RAW but regained his title finally from Mankind on the February 15th episode of RAW. Over the next two years, The Rock remained in the thick of the main event with his rivalries with Austin, Triple H, and The Undertaker headlining Monday nights all over the world. In 2001 as his star rose, The Rock began the flirting with Hollywood that ultimately saw The Rock die and Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson born. Johnson returned briefly in 2002, 03, and 04 before taking a seven-year break from the professional wrestling world. In 2011, Johnson returned to give us a handful of appearances, mainly via satellite, as he feuded with John Cena. For almost a five-year stretch, The Rock was among the top draws in professional wrestling during a time when wrestling was on top of the world. That earns him fourth on my list.
3. “The Heartbreak Kid” Shawn Michaels - Shawn Michaels was a focal point of Monday Night RAW from the very first night in 1993. At the time the Intercontinental Champion, Monday Night RAW was the place to watch the evolution of an Icon as Michaels’ career rose with each high-profile feud. Michaels was a part of one of the first in-ring classics on RAW when he lost the Intercontinental title to Marty Jannetty on May 17th, 1993. In the mid 90s, Michaels feuded with Mr. Perfect and Razor Ramon over the title before moving on to challenge Diesel for the WWE Championship in 1995. In October 1995, Shawn Michaels was a part of one of the most shocking moments in RAW history as he collapsed in the ring after a kick from the late Owen Hart. Moments like this, centered on the dramatic, became a fixture of Shawn Michaels’ career in the mid-to-late 90s. After a successful 1996 in which Michaels held the WWE Championship for a majority of the year, it was on RAW where Michaels “lost his smile” and forfeited the title before WrestleMania 13. As he returned, Michaels joined forces with Triple H and DX was born. Michaels feuded with The Undertaker briefly, before the Montreal Screwjob occurred in November 1997. As Bret Hart left, Michaels feuded with Owen Hart and then “Stone Cold” Steve Austin over the WWE Championship before a back injury resulted in Michaels’ temporary retirement. Michaels returned in 2002 and feuded with long-time friend Triple H over the next three years with the World Heavyweight Championship at the center of the rivalry often. Michaels also engaged in intense feuds with Edge, Kurt Angle, Vince McMahon, Chris Jericho, and Randy Orton before his final great rivalry with John Bradshaw Layfield in 2009. Michaels’ final years on RAW saw him coming and going with his only focus on defeating The Undertaker at WrestleMania; an accomplish Michaels did not achieve before he retired in 2010. A mainstay on Monday Night RAW for two eras, Shawn Michaels had one of the most legendary careers of all-time on Monday nights.
2. Triple H - Starting meagerly in 1995, Triple H has evolved from an arrogant Connecticut blueblood to a cold, calculating Cerebral Assassin before our eyes on Monday nights. Triple H was already a former Intercontinental Champion when his career jumped into the fast lane in 1997 with the formation of DX alongside Shawn Michaels and Chyna. Triple H assumed the leadership of the faction when Michaels retired after WrestleMania XIV. Alongside Chyna and new members X-Pac, Road Dogg, and Billy Gunn, Triple H was a part of memorable moments from 1998 that defined the Attitude Era. DX invaded WCW twice and parodied the Nation of Domination in one of the funniest moments in wrestling history. All of this occurred while Triple H found success in the ring as European Champion and Intercontinental Champion in a feud with The Rock that would last for years. Triple H’s domination of Monday nights really started in August 1999 when he won his first WWE Championship over Mankind. Later in the year, he married Stephanie McMahon in a Vegas ceremony that set the standard for wrestling weddings. RAW was full of Triple H domination for the next 18 months as Triple H participated in feuds with Foley, Rock, Chris Jericho, Undertaker, Kurt Angle, and “Stone Cold” Stave Austin. On May 21st, 2001, Triple H’s image changed forever when his left quadriceps muscle tore in a tag match on Monday Night RAW. Instead of slipping out of the match, Triple H competed for seven additional minutes before losing alongside Austin to Jericho and the late Chris Benoit. Triple H returned to fanfare in January 2002 at Madison Square Garden in one of the most emotional moments in RAW history. His time as a hero was short-lived as he attacked Shawn Michaels over the summer and sparked their legendary rivalry. In September 2002, General Manager Eric Bischoff awarded the World Heavyweight Championship to Triple H in a scene mirroring the real-life politics surrounding many of his successes. During this time, Triple H joined forced with Ric Flair, Randy Orton, and Batista to form Evolution. The faction dominated RAW for almost two years before Orton and Batista both broke away. Over the next few years, Triple H was involved in feuds with Michaels, Benoit, Jericho, Batista, Orton, Kane, and John Cena while remaining one of the premiere heels in the business. Triple H joined forces with Shawn Michaels again in 2006 as DX feuded with Vince McMahon before a second torn quadriceps sidelined him in 2007. In the later years of Triple H’s career, another intense rivalry with Orton saw Triple H participate in a home invasion of Orton in one of the most outstanding segments of the PG era. However, he has also joined Shawn Michaels to reform DX with countless comedy segments that fell flat more times than not. Triple H has remained a focal point of Monday Night RAW for 15 years. Regardless of your personal feelings for the man, the reality is that he did a lot to earn the opportunities that “The Game” has taken advantage of for so many years.
1. “Stone Cold” Steve Austin - In my opinion, there is not another Superstar in Monday Night RAW history to accomplish what “Stone Cold” Steve Austin did during the stretch of time where Austin 3:16 ruled the wrestling world. Starting as Ted DiBiase’s Million Dollar Champion, Austin made a name for himself in the WWE with his first feud, against Savio Vega. After winning the 1996 King of the Ring tournament, Austin floundered around throughout the fall of 96 until his first epic rivalry started as Austin battled Bret Hart. With his unique charisma and reckless disregard for authority, Austin’s star rose as he captured the imagination of the WWE audience. He represented America, whether he wanted to or not, in the US/Canada wars of 1997 while feuding with Owen Hart over the Intercontinental title. Despite winning the title at SummerSlam 1997, Austin suffered a neck injury at the hands of Hart and forfeited the title shortly afterwards. Austin reclaimed the title in November and entered a feud with The Rock over the belt. Austin relinquished the gold to The Rock in December 1997 in epic fashion as he ended RAW by tossing the title in a river. While this occurred, Austin’s most recognizable rivalry was also beginning. On September 22nd, 1997, Austin hit Vince McMahon with the Stone Cold Stunner for the first time. This blow started a war that defined the Attitude Era. While feuding with McMahon over the next two years, Austin also engaged in feuds with The Undertaker, Mankind, Kane, The Rock, Triple H, Big Show, and the many members of Vince McMahon’s Corporation. While these matches occurred in the ring, the Austin-McMahon rivalry fueled everything. The Austin-McMahon rivalry was in the background of the skirmish between Austin and “Iron” Mike Tyson that made headlines around the world and got the Attitude Era fully going in my opinion. Austin drove vehicles to the ring like a beer truck, monster truck, Zamboni, and a cement truck all in efforts to humiliate his corporate-based fiend. Injuries took their toll on Austin’s career and he missed a year of action from November 1999-2000. Upon returning, Austin quickly feuded with Rikishi and Triple H before shocking the world at WrestleMania X-Seven by joining forces with Vince McMahon. Two weeks later on RAW, Austin solidified his heel turn by assaulting the Hardy Boyz and Lita with steel chairs. Austin briefly feuded with Chris Jericho and Chris Benoit over the WWE Championship before becoming a focal point of the Invasion angle of 2001 as a leader of the Alliance. When the angle ended in November 2001, Austin returned to popularity and feuded with Booker T and the n.W.o. Austin’s physical injuries and mental frustrations with management led to Austin leaving the WWE in the summer of 2002 before a feud with the late Eddie Guerrero could start. Austin returned to the ring for one final match with The Rock at WrestleMania XIX. Austin’s impact of RAW did not disappear with retirement though as Austin spent time as the co-General Manager and “sheriff” of RAW in 2003 and 2004. “Stone Cold” Steve Austin won championships and participated in matches and segments on Monday Night RAW that defined the first 1000 episodes of the show unlike anybody else. For my money, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin is the greatest Superstar in the history of Monday Night RAW.
On Monday, July 23rd, World Wrestling Entertainment will air the 1000th episode of Monday Night RAW. Starting on January 11th, 1993 at the Manhattan Center in New York City, World Wrestling Entertainment offered a weekly installment of WWE action every Monday night for over 19 years (sans a couple of Thursday or Friday night specials because of tennis or dog shows on the USA Network). It is an incredible accomplishment and, like or hate what World Wrestling Entertainment has become, is an accomplishment worthy of respect.
Since the beginning, Monday Night RAW has built its image on exciting action and memorable moments. Some moments were historic and shaped the course of professional wrestling forever. Some were heartbreaking moments that fans will carry with them forever. Others were downright terrible moments that fan cannot forget because of their atrociousness. On this list, I am going to reveal my picks for the Top 5 Moments in RAW history and the Worst 5 Moments in RAW history. These moments are the 5 that I believe were the biggest moments in the history of the program alongside the five moments that made me question what I was watching the most.
On with the list…
The Worst 5 Moments in Monday Night RAW History
Dishonorable Mentions: The Guest Hosts of RAW, Hornswoggle is Vince McMahon’s illegitimate son, Katie Vick, Mae Young gives birth to a hand, “Rosie O’Donnell vs. Donald Trump”
5. Trish Stratus barks like a dog for Mr. McMahon (March 6th, 2001) - I never enjoy seeing a young woman humiliated and degraded. It is just not my thing. On the March 6th, 2001 episode of Monday Night RAW, Vince McMahon ordered Stratus to strip in the ring for his pleasure. Then, he ordered her to crawl in the ring while barking like a dog for his approval. It made for some of the most disgusting television of the era and is still biting the company in the rear today.
4. Vince McMahon dies in a limousine explosion (June 11th, 2007) - As if Vince McMahon had not already worn out his welcome on WWE television, McMahon himself became the focal point of a “whodunit” when his limousine exploded at the end of the June 11th, 2007 episode of RAW. Two weeks later, McMahon returned from the dead after Chris Benoit murdered his family and committed suicide. This aborted angle turned into the Illegitimate Son storyline because Vince McMahon needed the attention on himself desperately in 2007 apparently.
3. DX goes to Leprechaun Court (December 21st, 2009) - I hate Hornswoggle. I really hate Hornswoggle. In late 2009, WWE was in the midst of shoving the midget up our collective rectum when Shawn Michaels and Triple H ran afoul of the Leprechaun. It resulted in two seemingly endless segments that surely will haunt Michaels and Triple H for the rest of their days.
2. Michael Cole vs. Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler (2010-current) - This is a continuous string of moments that slowly kill World Wrestling Entertainment’s integrity as a professional wrestling organization with each new addition. There is nothing redeemable about these moments or the rivalry between three commentators. Cole appears more worthless by the night while the legacies of Ross and Lawler become more tarnished. Disgusting is an understatement. The following is one example of their garbage called an angle.
1. Jim Ross’ colon surgery (October 24th, 2005) - Vince McMahon takes great pleasure in humiliating Jim Ross. Ross is an image of old school professional wrestling and Vince hates him for it. While Vince has humiliated Ross on countless times on television, fired him multiple times (storyline-wise and in reality), and disrespected him too many times to mention, no time was more offensive than on the October 24th episode of RAW. A week earlier for no reason, McMahon fired Ross on RAW. Then, McMahon participated in this skit to add further humiliation to Ross. The sad reality is that Ross was actually undergoing real colon surgery at the same time as this skit aired for a very real-life heath scare. For a man who has made a living humiliating those who have made him a millionaire, no one segment sums up why I hate Vince McMahon more than this.
The Top 5 Moments in Monday Night RAW History
Honorable Mentions: CM Punk’s Pipebomb, DX mocks the Nation of Domination, The debut of Chris Jericho, Ric Flair’s retirement ceremony, “This is Your Life” with Mankind and The Rock
5. RAW is Owen / RAW is Eddie (May 24th, 1999 / November 14th, 2005) (TIE) - On May 23rd, 1999, Owen Hart died at the Over the Edge pay-per-view from a tragic accident. On November 13th, 2005, Eddie Guerrero passed away of a massive heart attack in his hotel room before that night’s RAW and SmackDown tapings. In both instances, RAW became moving tributes to these men the night following their demise. Matches, storylines, egos all fell to the wayside as the Superstars and Divas performed out of respect for their fallen comrades while sharing stories with fans that touched everyone to their very core. These two nights are among the most memorable nights I have when thinking of Monday Night RAW. Saying goodbye is never easy but these nights made it a little easier to say goodbye to two wonderful performers.
4. The Final Nitro (March 26th, 2001) - Less than a week before WrestleMania X-Seven, WCW went out of business. World Wrestling Entertainment purchased the company’s assets and aired a portion of the final Monday Nitro on RAW as well. In the end, Shane McMahon purchased WCW and the Invasion angle started. While that angle was unsuccessful, seeing two McMahons on WCW Nitro and WWE RAW made an epic moment in wrestling history.
3. Mankind wins the WWE Championship (January 4th, 1999) - Thanks to the live-taped-live scheduling of RAW at the time, spoilers already revealed that Mick Foley was going to win the WWE Championship from The Rock on the first RAW of 1999. While WCW attempted to counteract this title change with the infamous “Fingerpoke of Doom,” WCW commentator Tony Schiavone sealed WCW’s fate with his now-famous spoiler: “Mick Foley, who used to wrestle here as Cactus Jack, is going to win their world title. That’ll put butts in the seats.” An estimated 600,000 televisions changed to RAW and Nitro never recovered in the Monday Night Wars.
2. “Stone Cold” confronts “Iron” Mike (January 19th, 1998) - Has any other moment in Monday Night RAW history received the attention of this moment? Has any other moment (outside of a tragedy) received the attention that came from the night “Stone Cold” Steve Austin encountered “Iron” Mike Tyson in a ring in San Diego? No. This moment was everywhere! I remember relieving the moment on SportsCenter ten minutes after it aired on RAW. Tom Brokaw covered it on the NBC Nightly News the following day. Newspapers and local news affiliates covered this story. It was a case of wrestling genuinely treated like a sport and made for an excellent building block to the Shawn Michaels-Steve Austin WrestleMania XIV main event.
1. “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and the beer truck (March 22nd, 1999) - This is my favorite moment in the history of Monday Night RAW. I don’t care that Michael Cole is announcing. I don’t care that it includes two people I loathe in Dwayne Johnson and Vince McMahon. The night “Stone Cold” Steve Austin drove a Coors Light beer truck into the arena in Albany, New York was one of the coolest moments in professional wrestling history. Austin’s promo to The Rock was one of the greatest displays of trash-talk ever. EVER. The beer bath was hilarious and it was simply a moment that we will never see again on Monday nights. That was greatness in the Attitude Era at its very best. Steve Austin and the beer truck is the greatest moment of all-time on Monday Night RAW.
On Monday, July 23rd, World Wrestling Entertainment will air the 1000th episode of Monday Night RAW. Starting on January 11th, 1993 at the Manhattan Center in New York City, World Wrestling Entertainment offered a weekly installment of WWE action every Monday night for over 19 years (sans a couple of Thursday or Friday night specials because of tennis or dog shows on the USA Network). It is an incredible accomplishment and, like or hate what World Wrestling Entertainment has become, is an accomplishment worthy of respect.
One major component to the success of Monday Night RAW has been the beautiful WWE Divas. Strong, sexy, and the things of every young man’s dreams, the WWE Divas have been a major part of RAW since the later half of the 90s. Many have reached heights never seen before by female performers in the business. Others have left less-than-stellar memories during their time on RAW. On this list, I am going to reveal my picks as the Top 10 Divas in RAW history and the Worst 5 Divas in RAW history. While I am sure that many will disagree with these rankings, I believe wholehearted that each woman earned her place on this list through her contributions, good or bad, to the 1000 episodes of Monday Night RAW.
On with the list…
The Worst 5 Divas in Monday Night RAW History
Dishonorable Mentions: Hervina, Jackie Gayda, Mae Young, Nicole Bass, Tori
5. Kharma - Kharma entered World Wrestling Entertainment in 2011 amidst much hype and fan anticipation. After weeks of vignettes, Kharma appeared on RAW for the first time on May 2nd, 2011. After multiple attacks on Divas, Kharma broke down in the ring on the May 23rd episode and announced her pregnancy the following week. Other than an appearance at the 2012 Royal Rumble, Kharma never appeared again on RAW. She stands as a testament to what today’s WWE can do with the best of performers, as Kharma is one of the worst Divas of all-time.
4. Ryan Shamrock - Debuting in January 1999 as Ken Shamrock’s sister, Ryan Shamrock initiated a feud between Shamrock and Val Venis. Ultimately, her most memorable moments came when she joined the Blue Meanie alongside Goldust and her brief time with Terri Runnels and Jacqueline as a member of PMS. WWE released Shamrock in July 1999 to little dismay.
3. Mrs. Cleavage - In May 1999, Marianna Komlos debuted alongside the repackaged Headbanger Mosh as Mrs. Cleavage and Beaver Cleavage. She appeared in vignettes for weeks alongside him before the gimmick was dropped via a worked shoot from Chaz. As his girlfriend Marianna, she began appearing with black eyes and bruises while blaming Chaz of domestic abuse in a tasteless angle that went nowhere. She left WWE soon afterwards. Komlos passed away in 2004 from breast cancer.
2. B.B. (Barbara Bush) - Appearing as an EMT on WWE programming, B.B. debuted by saving Miss Kitty from choking on the Thanksgiving edition of SmackDown. In the following weeks, B.B. became involved in a rivalry with then Women’s Champion Ivory as Ivory was jealous of the attention B.B. received because of her chest. Let’s face it, her chest was the only reason she was on TV too. They should have called B.B. either D.D. or E.E. In February 2000, Bubba Ray Dudley put B.B. through a table and she never appeared again.
1. Santina Marella - At WrestleMania 25 (known inaccurately by WWE as the 25th Anniversary of WrestleMania), Santino Marella won the 25-Diva Battle Royal when he competed in drag as his sister, Santina. While that was bad enough, Marella then entered a feud on RAW with Vickie Guerrero that lasted two painful months. It amazes me that WWE was not stupid enough to put the Women’s Championship on Marella. In June 2009, RAW owner Donald Trump (Yes, that happened.) fired Santina Marella and “she” never appeared on RAW again.
10. Beth Phoenix - Beth Phoenix debuted in 2006 as Trish Stratus’ help/back-up in Trish’s rivalry with Mickie James. That was a short-lived experience as Phoenix suffered a broken jaw in her second match. Phoenix returned to RAW in July 2007 and quickly dominated the WWE Diva ranks. Phoenix was involved in legendary feuds with Mickie James and Melina from 2007-2009 and joined forces with Santino Marella to form Glamarella in 2008. With three Women’s Championship reigns and a Divas Championship reign under her belt, Phoenix has shined during her career in WWE.
9. Terri Runnels - Terri Runnels debuted in 1995 as Marlena, the cigar-smoking muse of Goldust. As one of the original crop of WWE Divas, Terri ditched the gold dresses of Marlena in 1997 for her own identity. While never achieving the fame of her Diva counterparts, Terri outlasted both Sunny and Sable in World Wrestling Entertainment. Terri was a manager of many including Meat (Shawn Stasiak) in 1999, Matt and Jeff Hardy in late 1999/early 2000, and notably Perry Saturn as a member of the Radicalz in 2000 and the Alliance in 2001. Before requesting her release in 2004, Terri spent her final years in WWE as an interviewer and host for various WWE programs.
8. Victoria - Originally appearing as one of The Godfather’s Hos in 2000, Victoria made her name as one of the premiere women’s wrestlers in the business beginning in 2002. Victoria’s first major feud was with fellow fitness model-turned-wrestler Trish Stratus. Throughout the next five years, Victoria engaged in feuds with Stratus, Molly Holly, Jazz, and Mickie James over the Women’s Championship that were among the best rivalries in female wrestling history. Victoria participated in the first women’s cage match in WWE history on RAW in November 2003, defeating Lita. While the later years of her WWE career were forgettable, Victoria’s time on RAW saw the Widow Peak Freak achieve incredible levels of success that simply seemed impossible for a woman who started her career as a Ho.
7. Sunny - While there were women in World Wrestling Entertainment before her, Sunny was the original WWE Diva. Debuting alongside the late Chris Candido in 1995 as The Bodydonnas, Sunny quickly outshined her partner. As her popularity rose, Sunny made the covers of magazines and was the most downloaded woman in the world in 1996. In the ring, Sunny never achieved success physically. However, she led three tag teams consecutively to World Tag Team Championship reigns (Bodydonnas, Godwinns, and Smoking Gunns) and later managed the Legion of Doom in 1998. Drug problems led to Sunny’s untimely departure from WWE in mid-1998. However, Sunny already left her mark on World Wrestling Entertainment.
6. Chyna - While she was not the conventional Diva, Chyna indeed was one of the most successful Divas of all-time. Debuting alongside then-real life boyfriend Triple H in 1997, Chyna served as the muscle behind Shawn Michaels and Triple H in the early days of DX. Staying with Triple H throughout 1998, Chyna turned heel with an attack on DX in January 1999. Triple H rejoined Chyna in April 1999. The heel turn did not last as Chyna’s popularity grew when she began facing men. Her feud with Jeff Jarrett ended with Chyna as the first female Intercontinental Champion. Chyna and Chris Jericho feuded over the title for months before Chyna started her last great relationship in WWE alongside the late Eddie Guerrero. Chyna won the Women’s Championship in April 2001 from Ivory in the culmination of her feud with the Right to Censor but vacated the title in May 2001. Chyna left WWE after discovering the real-life relationship between Triple H and Stephanie McMahon. While she was not the prototypical Diva, Chyna achieved incredible success and inspired a new generation with a style all her own.
5. Mickie James - Mickie James is personally my favorite WWE Diva of all-time. The spitfire from Richmond, Virginia debuted in WWE in October 2005 as Trish Stratus’ biggest fan. Over the next few months, Mickie stalked Trish and they had segments that created lesbian fantasies for men of all ages, including a kiss under the mistletoe on a Christmas episode of RAW that fans still talk about today. After her feud with Trish and a brief feud with Lita over the Women’s Championship, Mickie entered into her most prolific feuds over the Women’s Championship with Victoria, Melina, and Beth Phoenix. While WWE never promoted her the way they did Sunny, Sable, Lita, or Trish, it could be argued that Mickie James’ popularity reached levels as high as those women during her premiere years in WWE from 2007-2009. Mickie James achieved great success inside the ring while inspiring generations of future Divas with character and abilities that were second to none during her time on RAW.
4. Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley - The daughter of WWE owner Vince McMahon started her time on RAW in 1999 as part of an angle involving The Undertaker and Vince McMahon. Initially the innocent daughter of the boss, Stephanie developed an on-screen relationship with Test (the late Andrew Martin) the culminated in a November 1999 wedding where Triple H revealed he married an abducted and drugged Stephanie in Las Vegas. Weeks later, Stephanie turned heel and joined forces with her on-screen husband to start the McMahon-Helmsley Era. Throughout 2000, Stephanie used on-screen political stroke to benefit her husband and his cohorts. McMahon herself won the Women’s Championship once on RAW. When Triple H left because of injury in 2001, McMahon ran ECW as part of the ill-fated Invasion angle of 2001. Upon his return, Stephanie entered a feud with Triple H as he divorced her on-screen while marrying her in real-life. Despite leaving RAW in 2002, Stephanie’s impact has remained through much of Triple H’s reign of terror. While she never fit the mold of the traditional WWE Diva, Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley influenced Monday Night RAW unlike no other female during her time on RAW.
3. Sable - Entering the WWE as the valet of Triple H at WrestleMania XII, Sable quickly found herself alongside then-husband Marc Mero in 1996. Clad in black leather with a whip, Sable added much-needed charm to the otherwise drab “Wildman.” Sable’s sex appeal outshined any of her other attributes. While I personally found her third of the Divas in her era, WWE did not as the company pushed her to the moon in 1997-1999. She was a focal point of the Attitude Era as she participated in Evening Gown matches and bikini contests to show off her body. Sable won the Women’s Championship in late 1998 and posed for Playboy, the first Diva to do so, in 1999. With the success of Playboy, Sable developed an attitude on-screen that mirrored one off-screen that led to her departure from WWE in June 1999. Despite not being one of my personal favorites, the success of Sable is a story of success that most women in wrestling could only dream of achieving.
2. Lita - The tattooed, thong-exposing, redhead from North Carolina moonsaulted her way to second on my list. Lita was the first WWE Diva to bring a high-flying style to her in-ring work. That, along with a style that screamed punk sex appeal, captured the imaginations of fans all over the world. Debuting alongside Essa Rios in 2000, Lita quickly joined forces with Matt and Jeff Hardy to form Team Xtreme and reach new heights in their careers. Lita won her first Women’s Championship in August 2000 from Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley in one of the few women’s main events in RAW history. Despite a neck injury that sidelined her for 18 months, Lita returned to RAW and resumed her high-risk matches as she competed against Victoria in the first women’s cage match on RAW in November 2003. Lita’s greatest rivalry on RAW was with Trish Stratus. From 2000-2006, these two battled over the Women’s Championship. I was in Charlotte, NC on December 6th, 2004 when Lita defeated Stratus for the Women’s Championship in the main event of RAW. While an excellent wrestler, injures toned down Lita’s in-ring career in 2005. However, Lita remained important as she achieved tremendous success alongside Matt Hardy and Kane on RAW. Her real-life split from Hardy and relationship with Edge led to her final major pairing in WWE as she joined Edge and helped him develop the “Rated R Superstar” gimmick that defined his career. Whether in the ring as a competitor or outside in a managerial role, Lita’s impact on Monday Night RAW is one that cannot be denied. She was one of the greatest Divas in RAW history.
1. Trish Stratus - Trish Stratus is the greatest WWE Diva in the history of Monday Night RAW. There is no argument. Trish debuted in March 2000, assembling Test and Albert to create the team T & A. While she never led them to championship glory, Trish did assist Val Venis in winning the Intercontinental title in July 2000. Her first major angle saw Trish become the on-screen lover of Vince McMahon. Trish was degraded in March 2001 in one of the most tasteless angles in WWE history, covered in sewage by Stephanie and forced to strip and bark in the ring for Vince. While Trish got revenge at WrestleMania X-Seven, her image did not shake the image for a long time. Trish won the Women’s Championship in November 2001 and Stratus turned her image from a blonde bombshell to a hard-working, fighting champion over the next few years. Trish’s feuds with Victoria, Molly Holly, and Jazz were outstanding. Her feud with Lita was a legendary rivalry that changed the course of women’s wrestling for years to come. Meanwhile, her beauty helped Stratus’ popularity reach levels unheard of for a female performer in World Wrestling Entertainment. Stratus refused to pose for Playboy numerous times, citing her desire to be remembered as a multiple-time Women’s Champion and not the girl who posed for Playboy. In late 2005, Stratus entered her final major feud against her obsessive fan-turned-stalker Mickie James. Despite still popular, Trish retired in September 2006 after a final match on PPV with Lita. Her final match on RAW was against Mickie James in Madison Square Garden. Throughout seven years, Trish Stratus reshaped the image of a WWE Diva and a women’s wrestler in general with a legendary career showcased on Monday Night RAW.
