WWF RAW Results: January 11, 1993

The debut episode of WWF Monday Night RAW aired on January 11, 1993, live from the Manhattan Center in New York City. This groundbreaking show marked the beginning of a new era in professional wrestling television, offering fans a weekly dose of live action and unpredictable excitement. Let’s dive into the results and highlights from this historic night.

Opening Segment

The show kicked off with Sean Mooney standing outside the Manhattan Center, where he encountered Bobby “The Brain” Heenan attempting to enter the building. Mooney informed Heenan that he had been replaced by Rob Bartlett and that the event was sold out, denying him entry1.

Match 1: Yokozuna vs. Koko B. Ware

The first match in RAW history saw the monstrous Yokozuna, accompanied by Mr. Fuji, face off against the high-flying Koko B. Ware1.Result: Yokozuna defeated Koko B. Ware with his devastating Banzai Drop finisher1.This dominant victory set the tone for Yokozuna’s push as a formidable force in the WWF.

Match 2: The Steiner Brothers vs. The Executioners

Next up, the newly-arrived tag team sensation, The Steiner Brothers (Rick and Scott), took on the masked duo known as The Executioners1.Result: The Steiner Brothers emerged victorious, showcasing their impressive array of suplexes and power moves1.During this match, viewers caught a glimpse of Doink the Clown in the audience, foreshadowing his future involvement in WWF storylines1.

Razor Ramon Interview

Vince McMahon conducted an in-ring interview with Razor Ramon, who was set to challenge Bret Hart for the WWF Championship at the upcoming Royal Rumble event1.Ramon exuded confidence, claiming he would accomplish in 8.5 months what took Hart 8.5 years – winning the WWF Title. He also addressed his recent attack on Owen Hart, dismissing it as “fun” and warning Bret that he couldn’t do anything about it1.

Match 3: Shawn Michaels vs. Max Moon – Intercontinental Championship Match

The main event of the evening featured Intercontinental Champion Shawn Michaels defending his title against the futuristic Max Moon1.Result: Shawn Michaels retained his Intercontinental Championship after hitting his signature superkick on Max Moon1.This match showcased Michaels’ growing star power and in-ring prowess, which would eventually lead him to main event status.

Match 4: The Undertaker vs. Damien Demento

The final bout of the night saw the mysterious Undertaker, accompanied by Paul Bearer, face off against the eccentric Damien Demento1.Result: The Undertaker secured the victory with his patented Tombstone Piledriver1.This match further solidified The Undertaker’s dominant presence in the WWF and his growing “streak” of victories.

Closing Segment

As the show came to a close, Bobby Heenan made one last attempt to enter the building, this time disguised in drag as Rob Bartlett’s aunt. However, Sean Mooney saw through the ruse and once again denied Heenan entry1.

Impact and Legacy

This inaugural episode of Monday Night RAW set the stage for what would become the longest-running weekly episodic television show in history. The format, featuring a mix of live matches, interviews, and backstage segments, revolutionized wrestling programming and helped usher in the boom period of the late 1990s.The debut of RAW also marked a shift in the WWF’s presentation, moving away from the traditional arena tapings to a more intimate and atmospheric setting in the Manhattan Center. This change in venue allowed for a unique look and feel that set RAW apart from other wrestling shows of the time.Notable aspects of this first episode include:

• The introduction of Rob Bartlett as a color commentator alongside Vince McMahon and Randy Savage
• The continued push of rising stars like Yokozuna, Razor Ramon, and Shawn Michaels
• The teasing of future storylines, such as the appearance of Doink the Clown
• The establishment of RAW as a platform for championship matches and significant interviews