20 Must See Moments From The 100 New RAW Episodes Added To WWE Network
2002 and 2003 were more memorable than thought...
The WWE Network (just $9.99 a month!) continues to grow, with the announcement that 100 episodes of Monday Night RAW have been added over the last few days. Coming at us way back from 2002 and 2003, the era was a strange one for what was still then the World Wrestling Federation.
The Monday Night Wars were over, and for the first time in its history the WWF was faced with absolutely no competition. The monopoly of professional wrestling had begun, and as such the company had arguably the most stacked roster in its history and a blank slate in terms of stories going forward.
Despite this, the two years aren't remembered with great fondness. Without its great rival the WWF experienced something of an identity crisis, becoming a company that tried to incorporate the stars of the opposition whilst ramming home their superiority at the same time. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn't.
With that in mind, it is surprising just how many landmark moments happened in these two years. Whether it was shocking debuts, the formation of iconic factions or memorable matches (usually involving ladders), 2002 and 2003 were two fun years when wrapped in nostalgia.
Here are 20 moments from the shows that you simply must see. Triple H fans are in for a treat...
20. The Depressing Return Of The Legion Of Doom - 12/5/03
In a moment that many (thankfully) forgot ever happened, the Legion of Doom (or Road Warriors to some) returned to RAW on the 12/5/03 episode. Not only that, but they returned to challenge then-tag champions Rob Van Dam and Kane.
Animal and Hawk were hoping to get a full-time deal out of the performance, but needless to say the return was a one-night-only shot and for good reason.
For wrestling fans who grew up in the 80s and 90s, LOD were arguably the most popular tag team. They were a main event attraction in their own right, with their face-paint and shoulder pads ubiquitous at all live shows. They won titles wherever they went, leaving a trail of broken bones and blood behind them.
Time eventually caught up with them however, and the gruelling lifestyle got its shots in too. By 2003 both men were a shadow of their former selves, a clear example of how difficult it is to leave the crazy world of professional wrestling.
The return lasted one night, and five months later Hawk had died.