WWE RAW in 2010 saw a litany of new stars show up on the main roster. These newcomers included the likes of Wade Barrett and his NXT companions in what would ultimately be known as The Nexus.
The red brand also bid adieu to bona fide legends, including both Shawn Michaels and Dave Bautista. The Heartbreak Kid ended his legendary career on a high note against The Undertaker at WrestleMania 26.
Michaels left a major void, at least from a pure in-ring perspective, following his retirement. But WWE was quick to push one of his star proteges, Daniel Bryan, to mid-card and ultimately main event status. The American Dragon would soon find himself in some of the best matches on WWE television.
With that being said, let’s take a look at some of the best WWE RAW matches of 2010:
Chris Jericho vs. Evan Bourne (WWE RAW – June 21)
Chris Jericho and Evan Bourne tore the house down at WWE Fatal 4-Way. The pair ran it back on the June 21, 2010, of WWE RAW. Both men showed impeccable chemistry in this match on free television.
Jericho played the stiff veteran role brilliantly against the underdog Bourne. The former World Heavyweight Champion countered Bourne’s shooting star press with his knees and followed it with a huge Code Breaker for the win.
John Morrison vs. R-Truth vs. The Miz vs. Zack Ryder (Fatal 4-Way Match for the United States Championship – June 14)
This match outdid the actual Fatal 4-Way pay-per-view event. The level of in-ring storytelling and psychology in this match was awesome. All four men brought their A-game to the squared circle.
R-Truth demonstrated his veteran instinct. Zack Ryder had the crowd behind him. John Morrison looked impressive with his incredible athleticism. The Miz relied on his awareness to capture the United States Championship.
Chris Jericho vs. Randy Orton vs. Edge (WWE RAW – July 19)
These three former World Champions delivered one of the best WWE RAW matches of 2010. The stakes couldn’t been higher than they were here in this match. The winner would get a shot at the WWE Championship.
All three men had the crowd on the edge of their seats with their terrific storytelling. Orton looked extremely dominant in the closing moments of the match. The Viper put away both Jericho and Edge with back-to-back RKO for the win.
The Miz vs. Jerry Lawler (TLC Match for the WWE Championship – November 29)
This match is considered one of the high points of Miz’s first WWE title reign. The A-Lister was already despised when he won the WWE Championship. He became even more of a heat magnet by taking on an elderly Jerry Lawler in a TLC match.
The King, however, put on a memorable performance despite his advanced age. Credit goes to The Miz as well for ensuring Lawler’s safety in this otherwise brutal match-up. In the end, the A-Lister unhooked the title to continue his reign – thanks to a distraction from Michael Cole.
John Morrison vs. Sheamus (Falls Count Anywhere Match – September 13)
John Morrison and Sheamus kicked off their feud of the year with this incredible Falls Count Anywhere Match on the September 13, 2010, episode of WWE RAW. Both men capitalized on the freedom the match stipulation provided to put each other through punishment.
Morrison relied on his insane parkour skills to deliver some creative offense. Sheamus, on the other hand, used his strength and size to his advantage. In the end, an interference by Chris Jericho sealed the win for the Celtic Warrior.
Also read: Best WWE RAW Matches Of 2011
