10 Reasons WWE Raw Is Lucky To Still Be On The Air

10. Unhappy Mondays

In case WWE weren't clear enough on commentary on Raw 25, let it be heard again that Monday Night Raw is the most iconic programme in television history.

The proclamation betrayed a topsy turvy quarter century, but at least recent creative mistakes weren't punished by direct competition.

When Eric Bischoff launched WCW Nitro in 1995, Raw was outthought and outfought on a weekly basis. In interviews reflecting on the period, Vince McMahon has feigned innocence over the competitive nature of the broadcasts. But the "I don't want to hurt the other guy" b*llocks he spouts is clearly little more than a wet excuse for the manner in which 'Easy E' landed punch after punch on the Chairman's dimpled chin.

WWE's bottom lines were such that hammerings in the ratings were never really going to put the company out of business, but the constant defeats must have sapped locker rooms and offices alike of morale and confidence. For McMahon and co to rebound during the darkest times deserves praise, with particular plaudits saved for preserving the 'Raw' brand name as a destination for pro wrestling when numbers slipped beyond record lows.