History of WWE Raw in Timeline
WWE Raw, a professional wrestling television program produced by WWE, airs live every Monday on Netflix. Debuting on January 11, 1993, it features wrestlers from the Raw brand and is considered one of WWE's flagship programs alongside Friday Night SmackDown. The show is a key component of WWE's programming, showcasing wrestling matches and storylines.
January 11, 1993: Raw Debut
On January 11, 1993, WWE Raw, a professional wrestling television program, debuted and is considered one of WWE's flagship programs.
April 1993: Raw Taped in Poughkeepsie
In April 1993, WWF taped several weeks worth of Raw from the Mid-Hudson Civic Center in Poughkeepsie, New York.
November 1993: Raw Taped Outside of New York
In November 1993, the first episode of Raw produced outside of New York was taped in Bushkill, Pennsylvania.
September 4, 1995: WCW Monday Nitro Premieres
On September 4, 1995, WCW's Monday Nitro premiered, starting the Monday Night War.
September 11, 1995: Raw and Nitro Go Head-to-Head
On September 11, 1995, Raw and Nitro went head-to-head for the first time.
1995: Raw Entrance Way Changed
In 1995, the entrance way for Raw was changed to feature "Raw" in giant letters.
1996: Nitro Begins Ratings Win-Streak
Beginning in mid-1996, Nitro started a ratings win-streak that lasted for 84 consecutive weeks.
February 3, 1997: Raw Goes to Two-Hour Format
On February 3, 1997, Raw went to a two-hour format to compete with Nitro.
March 10, 1997: Raw Split Into Two Hour-Long Blocks
Beginning on March 10, 1997, broadcasts of Raw were split into two hour-long blocks, Raw Is War and War Zone.
March 10, 1997: Raw Renamed Raw Is War
On March 10, 1997, Raw was renamed to Raw Is War.
March 31, 1997: Theme Song Change
On March 31, 1997, "Thorn In Your Eye" featuring Scott Ian of Anthrax became the theme song.
June 9, 1997: On-Screen Graphics Reflect Show Names
Beginning with the June 9, 1997 episode, Raw's on-screen graphics reflected the Raw Is War and War Zone names.
November 24, 1997: War Zone Receives Distinct Opening Video
On November 24, 1997, the War Zone hour of Raw received its own distinct opening video.
1997: Raw on the Road
From Spring 1993 until Spring 1997, Raw would tape several week's worth of episodes after a live episode had aired. By 1997 Raw left the Manhattan Center permanently as the show would be taken on the road throughout the United States.
1997: Ring Ropes Changed to Red
In 1997, the WWF changed the color of the ring-ropes to red and began printing Raw Is War along the ring.
March 1998: WWF Regains Lead in Monday Night War
After WrestleMania XIV in March 1998, the WWF regained the lead in the Monday Night War with its new "WWF Attitude" brand.
April 13, 1998: Raw Is War Wins Ratings Battle
On April 13, 1998, the episode of Raw Is War headlined by Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Vince McMahon, marked the first time that Nitro had lost the head-to-head Monday night ratings battle in 84 weeks since 1996.
January 4, 1999: Mankind Wins WWF Championship
On January 4, 1999, Mick Foley, as Mankind, won the WWF Championship on Raw Is War, leading to viewers switching from Nitro after the result was revealed.
1999: "WWF.com: 'Download This!'" Logo Placed on TitanTron
By 1999, the WWF placed a "WWF.com: 'Download This!'" logo on the bottom of the TitanTron and added two vertical sides on the stage along with a USA Network logo on top of the TitanTron.
June 28, 2000: Viacom Wins Deal for WWF Programs
On June 28, 2000, Viacom won the deal with the WWF to move all of its WWF programs stemming from the lawsuit action against WWF from USA Network.
September 2000: Raw Moves to TNN
In September 2000, Raw moved from the USA Network to TNN.
September 25, 2000: Raw Is War Premieres on TNN
On September 25, 2000, Raw Is War premiered on TNN.
December 11, 2000: TNN Logo Added to TitanTron
On the December 11, 2000 episode, the TNN network logo was added atop the TitanTron.
March 2001: WWF Purchases WCW
In March 2001, the WWF purchased selected WCW assets for $3 million.
March 26, 2001: Final Episode of Nitro Airs
On March 26, 2001, the final episode of Nitro aired, featuring a simulcast with Raw and an appearance by Shane McMahon.
July 2, 2001: Chyron Graphics Added
Beginning with the July 2, 2001 episode, chyron graphics were added to the bottom of the screen.
October 1, 2001: Raw Retitled, Raw Is War Moniker Retired
On October 1, 2001, Raw was retitled as Raw, retiring the Raw Is War moniker.
March 2002: WWF Institutes Brand Extension
In March 2002, WWF instituted the brand extension, treating Raw and SmackDown! as distinct divisions. Also, the WWF was legally required to change the name of the company to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).
March 25, 2002: Theme Song Change
On March 25, 2002, Raw stopped using "Thorn In Your Eye" featuring Scott Ian of Anthrax as its theme song.
April 1, 2002: Theme Song Change
On April 1, 2002, Raw used "Across The Nation" by The Union Underground as its theme song.
2002: New TitanTron
In 2002 Raw updated to a new, industrial-inspired, parallelogram-shaped TitanTron.
2002: Broadcast Table Moved to Entrance Ramp
In 2002 the broadcast table was moved to the entrance ramp
August 11, 2003: Spike TV Logo Replaces TNN Logo
On August 11, 2003, the Spike TV logo replaced the TNN logo on the TitanTron.
August 2003: TNN Rebrands to Spike TV
In August 2003, TNN rebranded to Spike TV.
2003: Cameras used for show
According to Eric Bischoff on a 2003 episode of WWE Confidential, the show utilized 13 cameras at the time at a cost of $85,000.
March 10, 2005: Viacom and WWE End Agreement with Spike TV
On March 10, 2005, Viacom and WWE decided not to continue their agreement with Spike TV, ending Raw's tenure on the channel in September 2005.
April 4, 2005: WWE Announces Deal with NBCUniversal
On April 4, 2005, WWE announced a deal with NBCUniversal to bring Raw back to USA Network.
September 2005: Raw Leaves Spike TV
In September 2005, Raw's deal with Spike TV expired.
October 3, 2005: Raw Returns to USA Network
On October 3, 2005, Raw returned to USA Network.
2005: Broadcast Table Moved to Entrance Ramp
In 2005 the broadcast table was moved to the entrance ramp
October 2, 2006: Theme Song Change
On October 2, 2006, Raw used "Across The Nation" by The Union Underground as its theme song.
October 9, 2006: New Logo and Theme Song
On October 9, 2006, Raw debuted a new logo and opening intro featuring "...To Be Loved" by Papa Roach as its theme song.
January 21, 2008: Raw Broadcasts in HD
On January 21, 2008, Raw transitioned to broadcasting in high-definition.
June 18, 2008: Canadian Intellectual Property Office Decision
On June 18, 2008, the Canadian Intellectual Property Office found certain wares listed in WWE's trademark application confusingly similar to Muscle Flex's trademark.
June 2009: Legal Action Against WWE
In June 2009, Muscle Flex Inc. took legal action against WWE over trademark similarities between 'Raw' and 'In the Raw'.
July 20, 2009: Muscle Flex Press Release
In a press release issued on July 20, 2009, Muscle Flex Inc. disclosed its possession of WWE Raw-labeled items believed to infringe on its 'In the Raw' trademark.
August 2009: Court Ruling in Favor of Muscle Flex, Inc.
In August 2009, the court ruled in favor of Muscle Flex, Inc. in defending its 'In the Raw' trademark against WWE.
November 9, 2009: Logo and Intro Retained
The logo and intro that debuted on October 9, 2006, remained in use until November 9, 2009. This period also included the transition to broadcasting Raw in high-definition.
November 16, 2009: Theme Song Change
On November 16, 2009, the theme song for the Raw brand was changed to "Burn It to the Ground" by Nickelback.
2010: Red Ropes Retired
In 2010, WWE retired the red ropes for Raw after thirteen years, opting for an all-white scheme.
August 29, 2011: Brand Extension Dissolved
On the August 29, 2011 episode of Raw, it was announced that performers from Raw and SmackDown were no longer exclusive to their respective brand, thus effectively dissolving the brand extension.
May 17, 2012: Raw Switches to Three-Hour Format
On May 17, 2012, WWE and USA Network announced that Raw would permanently switch to a three-hour format beginning with the 1,000th episode on July 23, 2012.
July 16, 2012: Nickelback Theme Ends
On July 16, 2012, "Burn It to the Ground" by Nickelback stopped being used as the theme song for Raw.
July 23, 2012: Raw Airs 1,000th Episode
On July 23, 2012, Raw aired its 1,000th episode, which also began its permanent three-hour format.
September 24, 2012: Hulu Signs Deal with WWE
On September 24, 2012, Hulu signed a multi-year deal with WWE to stream TV shows and web series, including Raw.
October 2012: Pink Middle Rope for Breast Cancer Awareness
Throughout October 2012, the middle rope at all WWE programming was changed to pink due to WWE's alliance with the Susan G. Komen organization for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
January 14, 2013: Raw Celebrates 20th Anniversary
On January 14, 2013, Raw celebrated its 20th year on the air.
May 2013: Raw Shown Live in Canada
Around May 2013, Raw started being shown live in Canada on The Score (Sportsnet 360) to match the United States airtime.
2013: Breast Cancer Awareness Month
In 2013, WWE repeated its alliance with the Susan G. Komen organization for Breast Cancer Awareness Month from late September to early November.
February 4, 2014: Raw Airs Live in Australia
As of February 4, 2014, Raw started airing live in Australia.
August 18, 2014: Widescreen Presentation and Graphics Update
On August 18, 2014, Raw switched to a full 16:9 letterbox widescreen presentation and updated its graphics package, including a new WWE logo.
October 6, 2014: Raw Airs Live in Latin America
Since October 6, 2014, Raw has been airing live throughout Latin America on Fox Sports.
2014: Breast Cancer Awareness Month
In 2014, WWE repeated its alliance with the Susan G. Komen organization for Breast Cancer Awareness Month from September 29.
March 23, 2015: LED Board Added to Ringside
On March 23, 2015, WWE added a small LED board to the left side of the ring on Raw, which was also used at WrestleMania 31.
September 14, 2015: Gold Middle Rope
On September 14, 2015, the season premiere of Raw featured a gold middle rope.
October 2015: Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Throughout the month of October 2015, Raw partnered with Susan G. Komen for the Cure to promote Breast Cancer Awareness Month, incorporating pink stage elements.
May 20, 2016: Syfy Airs Replay of Raw
Syfy in the United States started airing a 2-hour replay of Raw on May 20, 2016.
May 25, 2016: WWE Reintroduces Brand Split
On May 25, 2016, WWE reintroduced the brand split, and a new set with red ring ropes, a brand new stage, used at SummerSlam was introduced.
July 25, 2016: Set and Graphics Debut
On July 25, 2016, the ropes returned to red, the announce table moved back to the top of the stage, and a new HD set and graphics were debuted.
December 9, 2016: Raw Episodes on WWE Network
As of December 9, 2016, all episodes of Raw are available on demand on the WWE Network.
2016: Raw Episodes on YouTube
After WrestleMania 32 in 2016, WWE began airing the newest episodes of Raw and SmackDown on YouTube for countries that do not air WWE programming on traditional TV.
2016: Raw Airs on Syfy Due to U.S. Open
Since 2016, the two-hour version of that week's Raw has aired on Syfy due to the U.S. Open airing on USA.
June 2017: WWE Legal Order to Raw Motors
In June 2017, WWE issued a legal order to Raw Motors over a logo that allegedly infringed on one of WWE's logos for Raw.
2017: Raw Airs on S Sport in Turkey
In 2017, Raw began airing on S Sport and S Sport Plus in Turkey.
2017: e.tv Ends Broadcasting Deal with WWE
In 2017, e.tv chose not to renew its broadcasting deal with WWE, which previously aired Raw on Sundays with a 7-day delay.
January 22, 2018: Raw Celebrates 25th Anniversary
On January 22, 2018, WWE celebrated the 25th anniversary of Raw with a simulcast show.
January 29, 2018: New Graphics and Updated Logo
On the January 29, 2018 episode of Raw, new graphics and an updated logo were introduced, which lasted until September 23, 2019.
June 26, 2018: Five-Year Contract Extension
On June 26, 2018, WWE and USA Network announced a five-year contract extension for Raw.
September 23, 2019: End of Graphics and Logo
The graphics and logo introduced on January 29, 2018, were used until September 23, 2019.
October 2019: Contract Extension Commences
In October 2019, the new agreement for the live, weekly three-hour block commenced.
2019: SuperSport Signs Deal to Broadcast WWE Channel
In 2019, SuperSport and MultiChoice signed an agreement to broadcast the 24-hour WWE channel as a pop-up channel on DStv for five months.
January 2020: Raw Airs Live on TNT Sports
Since January 2020, Raw is shown live on TNT Sports in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
April 5, 2021: WWE Network Content Moves to Peacock
On April 5, 2021, WWE Network ceased operations in the United States, with content moving to Peacock.
May 21, 2021: WWE Announces Return to Live Fans
On May 21, 2021, WWE announced their return to live fans with a 25-city tour.
July 12, 2021: Final WWE ThunderDome Show
On July 12, 2021, the edition of Raw was the final WWE ThunderDome show.
September 2021: Ring Ropes Change to White
In September 2021, the ring ropes color was changed from red to white, which was also reflected on SmackDown.
February 2022: Raw Temporarily Moved to Syfy
In February 2022, Raw temporarily moved to Syfy for two episodes due to USA's coverage of the 2022 Winter Olympics.
January 23, 2023: RAW IS XXX
Raw celebrated its thirtieth anniversary on RAW IS XXX on January 23, 2023.
September 2023: SmackDown Returning to USA Network
In September 2023, it was announced that SmackDown would return to USA Network in October 2024.
November 20, 2023: Theme Song Change
On November 20, 2023, Raw's theme song was changed to "Born to Be" by def rebel.
2023: Raw Stops Airing on S Sport in Turkey
In 2023, Raw stopped airing on S Sport and S Sport Plus in Turkey.
January 23, 2024: Netflix to Acquire Rights to Raw
On January 23, 2024, TKO Group announced that Netflix would acquire the rights to Raw beginning in January 2025.
August 2024: Raw Temporarily Moved to Syfy
In August 2024, Raw temporarily moved to Syfy in the United States due to USA Network broadcasting coverage of the 2024 Summer Olympics.
October 2024: SmackDown Returning to USA Network
In October 2024, SmackDown is set to return to USA Network.
October 2024: End of USA Network Contract
In October 2024, USA Network's contract for Raw was to expire.
December 2024: Closure of WWE Network
All archived broadcasts of Raw were available on the WWE Network until its closure in December 2024.
January 1, 2025: Canadian Broadcast Rights Held by Netflix
Since January 1, 2025, WWE’s Canadian broadcast rights are held by Netflix, with select archived episodes available under the title Raw Vault.
January 6, 2025: Raw Moves to Netflix
On January 6, 2025, Raw is scheduled to move to Netflix for at least 10 years.
January 2025: Raw Moves to Netflix
In January 2025, Raw is scheduled to move to Netflix.
January 2025: Potential Loss of Rights in Latin America
It is assumed that the channels that broadcast Raw in Latin America will lose their rights in their respective countries in January 2025 as Netflix acquired the rights to Raw in Latin America.
January 2025: Lead Ring Announcer
Since January 2025, Alicia Taylor is WWE Raw's lead ring announcer.
2025: Raw Introduces New Stage Design
Since January 6, 2025, Raw introduced a black mat featuring logos of Netflix, Fortnite, Snickers, Cricket Wireless, Hulk Hogan's Real American Beer, and Riyadh Season, and new announce table design.
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