WWE RAW had arguably the greatest roster at its disposal in 2003. The red brand featured some of the biggest stars from the Monday Night Wars inside the same ring. The brand wars also took competition to a whole new level.
Stars such as Shawn Michaels and Chris Jericho delivered Match of the Year contenders on free television week in and out. Having said that, let’s take a look at some of the best WWE RAW matches of 2003:
World Heavyweight Title No. 1 Contender’s Battle Royal (February 24)
Triple H dominated WWE RAW as its world champion for the better part of 2003. The Game needed a new challenger for WrestleMania 19. The person was determined in a battle royal on the first RAW of February 2003.
This battle royal is remembered for the star power it featured inside the squared circle. All-time greats, including The Rock, Chris Jericho, and Kane were just some of the names that shared the ring on that night.
The Great One was in the middle of his brilliant Hollywood Heel run at the time. Blinded by his arrogance, Rocky toyed with Booker T, only for the former WCW Champion to eliminate his longtime rival from the ring.
Goldberg vs. Shawn Michaels (World Heavyweight Title – October 20)
Goldberg may be known for his squash matches, but the man could work a lengthy match with the right opponent. Vince McMahon booked him to wrestle one of the all-time greats in Shawn Michaels on WWE RAW in October.
The match seemed typical Goldberg squash on paper, but it turned out to be great once the two men got inside the ring. The interference angle from Batista protected both the challenger and the champion.
Christian vs. Rob Van Dam (Intercontinental Title Ladder Match – September 29)
Gimmick matches were frequent spectacles on Eric Bischoff’s WWE RAW. One such match took place between Rob Van Dam and Christian for the Intercontinental Championship. The two superstars collided in a Ladder Match at the Allstate Arena.
Both men used their years of experience inside the squared circle to their advantage. Christian was innovative with the use of ladders in this match. RVD sold the offense to the best of his abilities and used his unorthodox style to come out as the winner.
Triple H vs. Ric Flair (May 19)
Many believed Ric Flair’s best years were behind him when he signed up with WWE in 2001. The Nature Boy proved his doubters wrong by having arguably one of the best WWE RAW matches of 2003.
Flair took on his protégé in Triple H for the title he won 16 times. This was old-school wrestling at his best. The Game made his mentor look like a believable threat to his “Reign of Terror.”
Shawn Michaels vs. Triple H (World Title Match – December 29)
Shawn Michaels and Triple H’s feud reached a fever pitch toward the end of 2003. The former best friends collided in a historic WWE RAW main event for the World Heavyweight Championship. The Heartbreak pulled out all the stops to topple The Game.
The San Antonio crowd erupted with excitement after their hometown hero defeated the evil Cerebral Assassin. The celebration didn’t last long as Eric Bischoff screwed the beloved Michaels of his title win.
Honorable Mentions
- RVD & Kane vs. The Dudleys vs. Lance Storm & Chief Morley (WWE RAW – March 31)
- Goldberg vs. Christian (Steel Cage Match – May 12)
- Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Jericho (WrestleMania 19 rematch – July 21)
- Evolution & Kane vs. Goldberg, Shawn Michaels & RVD (WWE RAW – December 1)
Also read: Best WWE RAW Matches Of 2004
