The first episode of WWE Monday Night Raw was broadcast on January 11th 1993, replacing Prime Time Wrestling which had been running for eight years.
The show came live from the Grand Ballroom at the Manhattan Center in New York City and revolutionised the way that wrestling was broadcast to the world. While previous shows had been taped at sound stages in front of small crowds, Raw was a bold step into the future.
While Raw has changed immeasurably in the decades since it’s debut and moved from the Manhattan Center many years ago, the show has returned for special occasions. On January 22nd 2018, the show celebrated it’s 25th anniversary with a special simulcast from the Manhattan Center and the Barclays Center. The portion of the show from the historic venue featured an appearance from The Undertaker.
WWE Potentially Heading Back To Famous Venue
It has now been reported by Wrestle Votes that original plans called for WWE to head back to the Manhattan Centre again in January 2023 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the show.
“I’m told plans are in motion for the 30th Anniversary of RAW show coming up in January. Prior to the new leadership taking over, having the show from The Manhattan Center again in NYC was on the table. I’m unaware if that’s the case still.”
I’m told plans are in motion for the 30th Anniversary of RAW show coming up in January. Prior to the new leadership taking over, having the show from The Manhattan Center again in NYC was on the table. I’m unaware if that’s the case still.
— WrestleVotes (@WrestleVotes) October 20, 2022
There have been a number of Monday Night Raw specials in 2022. In June WWE celebrated John Cena’s 20th anniversary before repeating the trick a month later to mark 20 years since Rey Mysterios debut.
On October 10th the season premiere episode of the red brand featured a DX reunion led by Triple H, Shawn Michaels, X-Pac and Road Dogg. Interestingly, Road Dogg recently claimed that his New Age Outlaws partner Billy Gunn was set to appear on the show before being blocked from doing so. Gunn currently works for AEW.