10 Best Non-Attitude Era WWE RAW Moments

2. The Pipebomb

Ziggler Jericho
WWE.com

Perhaps the Attitude Era lives on at large as a result of how prosperous everything was.

1997-2001 created not just the most unhinged, uproarious moments in WWE history—they all mattered. 1997-2001 created megastars, legendary feuds, skyscraper TV ratings, record-breaking pay-per-views—and, unfortunately, a template WWE can not (or need not) live up to.

Even the best post-2001 moments are tainted by the meaningless coda.

The coda to the Pipebomb wasn’t just meaningless, it was incomprehensible—but one of wrestling’s best ever promos did possess an indirect influence. Punk’s searingly honest and incisive five minutes and 14 seconds scorched the caustic WWE earth with such precision that it forever ruined the fertility of the company’s bullsh*t. Punk promised us change. Change was not forthcoming.

But Punk’s words transferred a voice to the voiceless. He inspired us to petition for change. His fan service vision of WWE’s future, as a real meritocracy, made it possible for Daniel Bryan, Becky Lynch, and Kofi Kingston to ascend on a wave of defiance.

Those “CM Punk!” chants are as irritating as they are rude in 2019—but without his ’Network’ moment, we may not have the hand to which WWE must fold, if that voice is deafening enough.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!