History of WWE Raw in Timeline
WWE Raw, a professional wrestling television program by WWE, airs live on Mondays at 8 p.m. ET on Netflix. Featuring wrestlers from the Raw brand, it debuted on January 11, 1993, and is considered one of WWE's flagship programs alongside Friday Night SmackDown.
January 11, 1993: WWE Raw Debut
On January 11, 1993, WWE Raw, a professional wrestling television program produced by WWE, debuted. The show airs live every Monday and features characters from the Raw brand.
April 1993: Raw Taped in Poughkeepsie
In April 1993, several weeks' worth of Raw episodes were taped at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center in Poughkeepsie, New York.
November 1993: First Episode Outside of NY
In November 1993, the first episode of Raw produced outside of New York was taped in Bushkill, Pennsylvania.
September 11, 1995: Raw and Nitro Head-to-Head
On September 11, 1995, Raw and Nitro went head-to-head for the first time, starting the ratings war.
1995: Raw Entrance Way Changed
In 1995, the entrance way 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 due to the nWo angle.
February 3, 1997: Raw Expands to Two Hours
On February 3, 1997, Raw expanded to a two-hour format to compete with Nitro.
March 10, 1997: Raw Split into Two Blocks
Beginning on March 10, 1997, broadcasts of Raw were split into two hour-long blocks: Raw Is War and War Zone.
March 31, 1997: Theme Song - Thorn In Your Eye Debut
From March 31, 1997, to March 25, 2002, the rock and roll outro of "Thorn In Your Eye" featuring Scott Ian of Anthrax was the theme song for Raw.
June 9, 1997: On-Screen Graphics Change
Beginning with the June 9, 1997, episode, on-screen graphics reflected the Raw Is War and War Zone split.
November 24, 1997: War Zone Opening Video
On November 24, 1997, War Zone received its own distinct opening video.
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.
1997: TitanTron Introduction
On July 25, 2016, The new set featured the absence of a traditional TitanTron, which had been part of the Raw staging since 1997.
1997: WWF tapes in Germany and South Africa
While episodes were primarily produced in and broadcast from the United States as well as Canada, the WWF began to tape a few episodes in Germany and South Africa in 1997.
March 1998: WWF Regains Lead in Monday Night War
In March 1998, after WrestleMania XIV, the WWF regained the lead in the Monday Night War with its "WWF Attitude" brand.
April 13, 1998: Raw Is War Defeats Nitro in Ratings
On April 13, 1998, the episode of Raw Is War headlined by Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Vince McMahon, ended Nitro's 84-week ratings win-streak.
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 a large viewership switch from Nitro after the result was revealed on Nitro.
1999: WWF.com Logo Added to 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 with WWF
On June 28, 2000, Viacom secured a landmark deal with the WWF to move its programs from USA Network.
September 2000: Raw Moves to TNN
In September 2000, Raw moved to TNN from the USA Network television channel.
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 assets of WCW for $3 million.
March 26, 2001: Final Episode of Nitro Airs
On March 26, 2001, the final episode of Nitro aired, featuring Vince McMahon and his son Shane, setting up the WWF's "Invasion" storyline.
July 2, 2001: Chyron Graphics Added
Chyron graphics were added to the bottom beginning with the July 2, 2001 episode.
October 1, 2001: Raw Retitled
On October 1, 2001, Raw was retitled simply as 'Raw', retiring the 'Raw Is War' moniker.
March 2002: WWF Institutes Brand Extension
In March 2002, the WWF instituted the "brand extension", dividing Raw and SmackDown! into distinct divisions. Shortly after, WWF changed its name to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).
March 25, 2002: Theme Song - Thorn In Your Eye
From March 31, 1997, to March 25, 2002, the rock and roll outro of "Thorn In Your Eye" featuring Scott Ian of Anthrax was the theme song for Raw.
April 1, 2002: Theme Song - Across The Nation
From April 1, 2002, to October 2, 2006, the theme song for Raw was "Across The Nation" by The Union Underground.
2002: New TitanTron and Ring Apron Advertisement
In 2002, Raw updated to a new, industrial-inspired TitanTron. Ring apron lettering that had once bore Raw Is War slogan was replaced with an advertisement for the WWF website.
2002: New TitanTron design
In 2002, the new Raw set designed by Jason Robinson featured a larger TitanTron with dimensions of 55 feet wide by 25 feet tall.
2002: Raw set retained with modifications
On October 3, 2005, as Raw returned to USA Network, the 2002 set was retained but the beams and lighting on the sides were modified. The Spike TV logo was removed from the bottom side of the TitanTron.
2002: Brand extension of WWE
Since January 6, 2025, Raw introduced a black mat and a new announce table, which is a major change to the announce table design since the first brand extension of 2002.
August 11, 2003: Spike TV Logo Debut
On August 11, 2003, the Spike TV logo replaced the TNN logo at the bottom side of the TitanTron upon the network's relaunch.
August 2003: TNN Rebrands to Spike TV
In August 2003, TNN rebranded to Spike TV, where Raw continued to air.
2003: Production cost of WWE Raw
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
On March 10, 2005, Viacom and WWE decided not to continue their agreement, ending Raw's tenure on Spike TV.
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 expired with Spike TV.
October 3, 2005: Raw Returns to USA Network
On October 3, 2005, Raw returned to USA Network after a period on TNN/Spike TV.
2005: New HD Set and Graphics
On July 25, 2016, the ropes returned to red, the announce table moved back to the top of the stage for the first time since 2005, and a new HD set and graphics were debuted.
October 2, 2006: Theme Song - Across The Nation End
From April 1, 2002, to October 2, 2006, the theme song for Raw was "Across The Nation" by The Union Underground.
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.
2006: WWE Legal Action Against Raw Motors
In June 2017, WWE issued a legal order to Raw Motors, an automobile repair company in Colwick, UK, over a logo that it claims infringes on one of its logos for Raw that was used from 2006 to 2012.
January 21, 2008: Raw Broadcasts in High-Definition
On January 21, 2008, Raw began 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 were confusingly similar to Muscle Flex's trademark.
July 20, 2009: Muscle Flex Press Release
On July 20, 2009, Muscle Flex Inc. issued a press release disclosing that it was in possession of WWE Raw-labeled items that it believes directly 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., stating that it was successful in defending its In the Raw trademark against the WWE.
November 9, 2009: Logo and Intro Retained
The logo and intro that debuted on October 9, 2006 were retained until November 9, 2009.
November 16, 2009: Theme Song - Burn It to the Ground
From November 16, 2009, to July 16, 2012, the theme song for the Raw brand was "Burn It to the Ground" by Nickelback.
2010: WWE Retires Red Ropes for Raw
In 2010, WWE retired the red ropes for Raw after thirteen years for an all-white scheme.
August 29, 2011: Brand Extension Dissolved
On August 29, 2011, it was announced that performers from Raw and SmackDown were no longer exclusive to their respective brands, 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 switch to a permanent three-hour format beginning with the 1,000th episode on July 23, 2012.
July 16, 2012: Theme Song - Burn It to the Ground End
From November 16, 2009, to July 16, 2012, the theme song for the Raw brand was "Burn It to the Ground" by Nickelback.
July 23, 2012: Raw's 1,000th Episode
On July 23, 2012, Raw aired its 1,000th episode, and the show began its permanent three-hour format.
October 2012: Pink Middle Rope for Breast Cancer Awareness
From late September through the end of 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.
2012: WWE Legal Action Against Raw Motors
In June 2017, WWE issued a legal order to Raw Motors, an automobile repair company in Colwick, UK, over a logo that it claims infringes on one of its logos for Raw that was used from 2006 to 2012.
2012: New HD Set and Graphics
On July 25, 2016, the new set was almost identical to the set used for SummerSlam 2012 and 2013.
January 14, 2013: Raw Celebrates 20th Anniversary
On January 14, 2013, Raw celebrated its 20th year on the air.
2013: Middle Rope changed to pink
From late September to early November in 2013, 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.
2013: New HD Set and Graphics
On July 25, 2016, the new set was almost identical to the set used for SummerSlam 2012 and 2013.
August 18, 2014: Widescreen Presentation and Graphics Update
On August 18, 2014, Raw switched to a full 16:9 letterbox widescreen presentation, updated its graphics package, modified its theme song ("The Night"), and the new WWE logo began appearing on the ring's turnbuckle covers.
2014: Middle Rope changed to pink
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.
March 23, 2015: LED Board Added to Ring
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 the September 14, 2015 season premiere of Raw, the middle rope was colored gold.
October 2015: Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Throughout the month of October 2015, the program once again partnered with Susan G. Komen for the Cure to promote Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with various stage elements being made pink.
May 25, 2016: Brand Split Reintroduced
On May 25, 2016, WWE reintroduced the brand split, with a new set debuted at SummerSlam.
July 25, 2016: New HD Set and Graphics
On July 25, 2016, the ropes returned to red, the announce table moved back to the top of the stage for the first time since 2005, and a new HD set and graphics were debuted.
2016: Two-Hour Raw on Syfy
Since 2016, the two-hour version of that week's Raw has aired on Syfy during the U.S. Open.
June 2017: WWE Legal Action Against Raw Motors
In June 2017, WWE issued a legal order to Raw Motors, an automobile repair company in Colwick, UK, over a logo that it claims infringes on one of its logos for Raw.
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.
September 23, 2019: End of Graphics and Logo Era
On the January 29, 2018 episode of Raw, new graphics and an updated logo were introduced, which lasted until September 23, 2019.
2019: Ring Ropes Change to White
On November 22 of that year, an updated version of the 2019 logo was introduced, alongside new graphics.
March 12, 2020: WWE Moves to Performance Center
From March 12, 2020, WWE announced that all of its live programs would air from the WWE Performance Center without an audience due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
August 18, 2020: WWE ThunderDome
On August 18, 2020, all WWE programming was moved to the WWE ThunderDome inside the Amway Center in Orlando.
April 5, 2021: WWE Network Content Moves to Peacock
On April 5, 2021, WWE Network ceased operations in the United States, with its content being moved to Peacock.
May 21, 2021: WWE Announces Return to Live Fans
On May 21, 2021, WWE announced its return to live events with a 25-city tour.
July 12, 2021: Final ThunderDome Show
The July 12, 2021, edition of Raw was the final WWE ThunderDome show.
September 2021: Ring Ropes Change to White
In September 2021, the ring ropes changed color from red to white, which was also reflected on SmackDown.
February 2022: Raw Moved to Syfy for Winter Olympics
In February 2022, Raw and NXT temporarily moved to Syfy in the United States due to USA Network broadcasting coverage of the 2022 Winter Olympics.
February 2022: Raw Temporarily Moves 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
On January 23, 2023, Raw celebrated its thirtieth anniversary on RAW IS XXX.
September 2023: SmackDown Returning to USA Network
In September 2023, USA Network announced that SmackDown would return to the network in October 2024.
November 20, 2023: New Theme Song: "Born to Be"
On November 20, 2023, the theme song for Raw was changed to "Born to Be" by def rebel, performed by Supreme Madness.
January 23, 2024: Netflix to Acquire Raw Rights
On January 23, 2024, TKO Group announced that Netflix would acquire the rights to Raw beginning in January 2025, in a 10-year deal.
August 2024: Raw Moved to Syfy for Summer Olympics
In August 2024, Raw and NXT temporarily moved to Syfy in the United States due to USA Network broadcasting coverage of the 2024 Summer Olympics.
October 2024: SmackDown Returns to USA
In October 2024, SmackDown is scheduled to return to the USA Network.
October 2024: Raw Extended on USA Network
In October 2024, WWE reached a short-term extension of its agreement with NBCUniversal to keep Raw on USA Network through the end of the year.
January 6, 2025: Raw moves to Netflix
On January 6, 2025, Raw is scheduled to move to the Netflix streaming platform for a period of at least 10 years.
January 2025: Raw on Netflix
In January 2025, Raw will begin airing on Netflix.
January 2025: Alicia Taylor Lead Ring Announcer
Since January 2025, Alicia Taylor is WWE Raw's lead ring announcer.
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