2013 was a banner year for matches on Monday Night Raw. After the initial struggles that plagued the move to the 3 hour format in July 2012, WWE began figuring out the perfect way to use the extra hour of time. I feared they would just use it for more commercials, WWE app tutorials and Great Khali dancing segments. To the surprise of many, they included tag team wrestling, meaningful promos to weave story-lines together, and the most important thing fans covet longer and better matches. Many wrestlers contributed to the great in ring product including, John Cena, Daniel Bryan, CM Punk, The Shield, Dolph Ziggler, Chris Jericho, Rob Van Dam, Alberto Del Rio and more. This list will look at the location, story-line, and execution of 5 classic matches. I strongly feel this was an all-time great year for free TV wrestling. There is bound to be some debate, but the following RAW contests are the most notable of 2013.
Honorable Mention
CM Punk vs. Ryback, 1/7/2013 Tampa, Florida https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFCCrDavDMA&hd=1 2013 opened with CM Punk successfully defending his WWE Championship against a challenger who had been chasing him for months, Ryback. After a brutal display of combat where he was aided by The Shield, CM Punk retained his title. His victory set the wheels in motion for his Royal Rumble showdown with The Rock. Punk created a lasting image when he posed on top of the ladder and invited anyone that felt man enough, to bring it, with the WWE Championship dangling from his mouth. I attended this Raw. Seeing the effect the match had on the crowd was something I wont forget. Punk was detested by half the audience, while assholes like me cheered him on. Ryback was very impressive in defeat.