The first week of WWE in 2023 has now come and gone, and it has had many ups and downs.
Stock rose, the location of Money in the Bank 2023 was revealed, Sasha Banks officially debuted for New Japan Pro-Wrestling as Mercedes Mone and Vince McMahon returned to World Wrestling Entertainment.
Monday Night RAW teased the upcoming return of Cody Rhodes. Meanwhile, NXT started heating up ahead of New Year’s Evil. Perhaps most notable is the continued angle between The Bloodline and Kevin Owens, who took another big step forward on Friday Night SmackDown.
While there’s plenty to enjoy each week, this weekly article takes a look back at major matches, moments and news from wrestling’s past. Some of the stories are exhilarating and upbeat, while others can be more depressing. Regardless, they are all significant moments in WWE’s rich and eventful history.
This week in history includes a title change that caused a seismic shift in ratings, a return most fans never expected, a biggest ovation of all time, and more.
Below are five key events that took place in WWE history this week.
#5. Mankind won the WWF Championship during RAW on January 4, 1999
24 years ago today, WCW Nitro’s Main Event featuring Kevin Nash vs. Hulk Hogan for the WCW Title ended with the infamous “Fingerpoke of Doom” to reform the nWo.
Meanwhile, the WWF was up for the WWF Title on a pre-taped Raw The Rock vs. Mankind. Ends with the famous Stone Cold Run-In.
24 years ago today, WCW Nitro’s Kevin Nash vs. Hulk Hogan Main Event for the WCW Title ended with the infamous “Fingerpoke of Doom” to reform the nWo. Meanwhile, the WWF had The Rock vs. Mankind on a pre-taped Raw for the WWF Title. Ends with the famous Stone Cold Run-In. https://t.co/0bCMKFGVMx
WWE RAW took place on January 4, 1999 in Worcester, Massachusetts with the then-WWF en route to the Royal Rumble event. While shows often feel like filler en route to the Rumble, this one had a big championship fight. The Rock defended the WWF Title against Mankind in the Main Event.
Mr. McMahon and The Corporation were in the corner of The Rock while D-Generation X supported Foley. Things were chaotic in the final moments of the fight, but Stone Cold Steve Austin showed up and eventually helped humanity win the fight. Mrs. Foley’s little boy, in an incredible feel-good moment, managed to win the big one.
While Mankind won the world title, it was an incredible moment, but the show was also monumental thanks to the competition. Eric Bischoff had WCW announcer Tony Schiavone reveal the result of the taped match live on air, but hundreds of thousands of fans switched from Nitro to RAW to see Foley win.
#4. Bret Hart returned to RAW on January 4, 2010
Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels
The January 4, 2010 edition of WWE RAW featured a return that many fans never expected. Bret Hart returned to his great world wrestling entertainment and stepped into the ring to greet fans for the first time in years.
For those who don’t know, Hart had a difficult exit thanks to the Montreal Screwjob that saw Vince McMahon and Shawn Michaels alter a scheduled finish for a match and cost The Hitman the WWF Title. While the situation was complicated, there was bad blood on both sides.
The bad blood made his return all the more special. Michaels and Hart spoke to each other in the middle of the ring and finally shook hands. Unfortunately, The Hitman’s subsequent meeting with McMahon was less peaceful. McMahon kicked The Hall of Famer in the stomach, insisting the former champion deserved to be screwed.
#3. Old School RAW took place on January 6, 2014
A special edition of WWE RAW took place on January 6, 2014. The special was titled Old School RAW and featured a mix of modern day stars and legends of the past.
The show’s legends included Ric Flair, Too Cool, Bob Backlund, Arn Anderson, Sgt. Slaughter, DDP and Mean Gene Okerlund, among others. They have been used in a variety of ways including interviews, segments, guest referee roles and games.
The show ended with a match between CM Punk and Roman Reigns. After Reigns defeated Punk, The Shield knocked out the Straight Edge Superstar. Luckily, Jake Roberts got out of the WWE Hall of Fame and distracted the group, allowing punk to make a comeback.
Roberts put a giant snake on Dean Ambrose, and Punk stood tall to close out the show.
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#2. Triple H made an incredible comeback on RAW on January 7th, 2002
Triple H returns after 8 months of rehabilitating his torn thigh and fans are exploding!
One of the biggest fan reactions of all time took place on the January 7, 2002 edition of WWE RAW. The event was the hyped return of Triple H, who was sidelined for almost a year with a torn quad.
In many ways, the night was built around the game’s return. The classic video package, which highlights his injury and rehabilitation, was played with U2’s Beautiful Day track and it was talked about all night.
When Triple H stepped out in front of the crowd, the audience erupted. He was showered with cheers on a level unprecedented in his career. When the crowd calmed down, he announced that he would be attending the Royal Rumble match.
Kurt Angle then attempted to interrupt his big return but ate a pedigree for his troubles. The Game stood high to wrap up an epic main event segment.
#1. Edge cashed on January 8, 2006 at WWE New Year’s Revolution
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