RAW is WAR (WWE Raw)

Member Name: sattyc85

Product:	WWE Raw
Date:	25/08/08 (88 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Entertaining

Disadvantages: None

Now known as WWE Raw, this is the flagship show of the World Wrestling Entertainment. It is seen as being the crown jewel in the WWE brand because a lot of the major superstars are based on RAW.

Premiering in 1993, Raw instantaneously became a hit because of its layout and the spectacle it provided for the fans. It was also the first time that a live audience was shown to be interacting in a wrestling show - making it a trend setter and template for future wrestling promotions and shows.

By the late 90's RAW had managed to defeat all its competitors by providing the viewers with a blend of old-style wrestlers and new up and coming talent. The new style of high octane and high-flying wrestlers that were being showcased on the show meant that the audience was kept interested. As a result of this, the WWE managed to acquire its major competitors (namely WCW) and thus solidify its standing as the world's greatest wrestling promotion.

Once RAW had acquired the other wrestling brands, the owner of WWE (Vince McMahon) split the company into 3 separate segments (RAW, Smackdown! and ECW)/ By doing this, the WWE was now able to air more shows every week and therefore continue its domination of the professional wrestling ranks.

After this schism, RAW has consistently been the flagship show for the WWE, being the first of its 3 shows to be aired in the week (Monday nights), as well as being the show where Vince makes his appearances in the promotion. It is clear by the way that the 3 shows are advertised, that RAW stands on its own, whereas Smackdown! and ECW have a closer relationship. The promotions that Raw presents are independent from those held by Smackdown! and ECW (which are co-promoted), thus proving the inequality in the company. I personally think that it is derogatory to the cast of ECW and Smackdown!, seeing how they too are members of the same company as their counterparts on RAW.

Currently, Raw is a 2-hour programme that is aired every Monday nights on Sky Sports 3. It provides the main spectacle of the WWE and also consists of the major talent in world pro-wrestling (Batista, Rey Mysterio, CM Punk to name but a few). Such stars are exclusively signed to RAW, however once every year there is a "Draft Lottery" where the wrestlers are switched to other shows to provide the viewers with different storylines.

There are presently 4 divisions within the RAW promotion - they are:

The heavyweight division, the women,s division, those competing for the intercontinental championship and those in the tag team event. each division has its own belt that competitors vye for.

So to conclude, Raw is the flagship show for the WWE and provides us with the best action within a 4-sided ring.

Unsuitable for youngsters

Summary: Brilliant show, best wrestling entertainment