# WWE Raw

> American professional wrestling television program produced by WWE

**Wikidata**: [Q18754](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q18754)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WWE_Raw)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/wwe-raw

## Summary
WWE Raw is an American professional wrestling television program produced by WWE, serving as one of the company's flagship shows. Premiering on January 11, 1993, it features scripted matches, storylines, and entertainment, airing weekly and contributing significantly to WWE's global reach and cultural influence.

## Key Facts
- **Premiere Date**: January 11, 1993
- **Original Network**: USA Network (1993–present), with additional broadcasts on Syfy, Spike TV, and other networks
- **Production Company**: WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.)
- **Country of Origin**: United States
- **Genre**: Professional wrestling, sports entertainment
- **Related Shows**: WWE SmackDown, WWE NXT, WWE NXT Level Up, WWE Main Event
- **Creator**: Vince McMahon
- **Episode Count**: Over 1,600 episodes (as of 2023)
- **Notable Rebrands**: *RAW IS WAR*, *WWE Monday Night Raw*, *RAW SuperShow*
- **Awards**: Multiple Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards
- **Ratings**: Consistently high viewership in the professional wrestling genre
- **Spin-offs**: *WWE SmackDown vs. Raw* video game series
- **Website**: [WWE Raw Official Site](https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw)
- **Aliases**: Monday Night Raw, WWE RAW, RAW, Monday Night RAW, RAW Is WAR, WWE Monday Night RAW Is WAR, WWE Raw is War, WWE Monday Night RAW, RAW SuperShow, WWE Monday Night Raw
- **Original Network**: USA Network (1993–present), with additional broadcasts on Syfy, Spike TV, and other networks
- **Publication Date**: January 11, 1993
- **Country of Origin**: United States
- **Production Company**: WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.)
- **Wikidata Description**: American professional wrestling television program produced by WWE

## FAQs
**What is WWE Raw, and when did it premiere?**
WWE Raw is a professional wrestling television program produced by WWE, first airing on January 11, 1993. It is one of WWE's flagship shows, featuring scripted matches and storylines.

**How has WWE Raw evolved over time?**
The show has undergone several rebranding efforts, including *RAW IS WAR* and *WWE Monday Night Raw*. It has also changed networks, moving from USA Network to Syfy and Spike TV, among others.

**Who are the key figures associated with WWE Raw?**
Vince McMahon, WWE's majority owner and CEO, is the creator. Notable wrestlers featured on the show include Macey Estrella-Kadlec, Road Dogg, and Billy Gunn, among others.

**What is WWE Raw's cultural impact?**
The program has influenced popular culture through its blend of sports and entertainment, launching the careers of numerous wrestlers and contributing to WWE's global reach.

**How does WWE Raw differ from WWE SmackDown?**
While both are WWE flagship shows, Raw and SmackDown feature distinct rosters and storylines, with Raw historically airing on Monday nights and SmackDown on Friday nights.

## Why It Matters
WWE Raw is a cornerstone of WWE's programming, playing a pivotal role in the company's dominance in the professional wrestling industry. Its long-running success has helped establish WWE as a global entertainment brand, blending athleticism with scripted drama to attract a broad audience. The show's ability to adapt to changing viewer preferences and its strategic network partnerships have solidified its position in American television. Raw also serves as a platform for launching wrestlers into mainstream fame, contributing to WWE's influence on pop culture.

## Notable For
- **Long-Running Success**: Over 1,600 episodes aired since 1993
- **Network Transitions**: Aired on multiple major networks, including USA Network, Syfy, and Spike TV
- **Rebranding Efforts**: Successfully adapted to changing audiences with rebrands like *RAW IS WAR*
- **Cultural Influence**: Contributed to the mainstream popularity of professional wrestling
- **Global Reach**: Broadcast in over 180 countries and translated into multiple languages
- **Awards and Recognition**: Recipient of several Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards
- **Launchpad for Talent**: Platform for wrestlers like Macey Estrella-Kadlec, Road Dogg, and Billy Gunn to gain international recognition

## Body

### History and Development
WWE Raw premiered on January 11, 1993, as a flagship show for WWE, created by Vince McMahon to expand WWE's television presence. The program was initially broadcast on USA Network, moving to Syfy and Spike TV among others. This network migration reflects WWE's strategy to maximize viewership and revenue.

### Format and Content
Raw features a mix of wrestling matches, promos, and storylines, typically airing live on Monday nights. The show's content is scripted, emphasizing entertainment over competitive sports. It has introduced several innovations, including the "WWE Championship" and the "Universal Championship," which are central to its narrative arcs.

### Key Figures and Talent
- **Vince McMahon**: As WWE's CEO, McMahon oversees Raw's production and strategic direction.
- **Macey Estrella-Kadlec**: A prominent wrestler on the show, known for her contributions to the women's division.
- **Road Dogg**: A veteran wrestler and writer who has appeared on the program, adding depth to its storylines.
- **Billy Gunn**: A successful wrestler frequently featured on Raw, contributing to the show's competitive dynamics.

### Cultural and Industry Impact
Raw has played a significant role in popularizing professional wrestling, attracting both casual and dedicated fans. Its influence extends to media, with the *WWE SmackDown vs. Raw* video game series achieving commercial success. The show's live events and pay-per-view specials, such as *SummerSlam* and *WrestleMania*, are major revenue drivers for WWE.

### Challenges and Controversies
Like WWE as a whole, Raw has faced criticism over wrestler safety, scripted outcomes, and labor practices. The show has also navigated challenges related to declining viewership in the broader television landscape, adapting through digital streaming and social media engagement.

### Legacy and Continued Relevance
WWE Raw remains a vital component of WWE's media empire, demonstrating resilience through network changes and shifts in viewer habits. Its enduring popularity underscores the appeal of sports entertainment, ensuring its place as a cultural phenomenon. As WWE continues to evolve, Raw is poised to remain a flagship program, driving the company's global influence and financial success.

## References

1. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. [(1) #WWERaw - Twitter Search / Twitter](https://twitter.com/hashtag/WWERaw?src=hashtag_click)
4. The Movie Database