WWE RAW delivered top-notch in-ring storytelling in 2015. From John Cena’s incredible weekly open challenges for the United States Championship to Seth Rollins’ superior work, the red brand more than held his own against WWE’s other programming.
Not only was competition tight between RAW and SmackDown, but Superstars on WWE’s flagship brand tried to outdo each other week in and week out. The stiff competition made it extremely difficult, but here are the best WWE RAW matches of 2015.
The Dudley Boyz, Tommy Dreamer & Rhyno vs. The Wyatt Family (Extreme Rules Match on WWE RAW, December 14)
The Wyatt Family called it a year in 2015 with an incredible Extreme Rules Match against four of ECW’s most iconic originals. The crowd was electric for the reunion of The Dudley, Tommy Dreamer, and Rhyno.
When the bell finally rang, nothing was let out of the equation as all eight men delivered brutal punishment on each other. One of the highlights of the match came when Tommy Dreamer took out Luke Harper with a Death Valley Driver onto a pair of tables.
Cesaro vs. Kevin Owens vs. Rusev (Triple Threat U.S. Title No. 1 Contender’s Match, July 13)
These three men battled for the right to face John Cena for the United States Championship. All of them shared history with the top superstar and wanted nothing but the golden opportunity to take on the champion.
Cesaro showcased his awesome strength as he planted Owens and Rusev with a double German suplex. Owens had his moment of athleticism with his moonsault, but it was the Bulgarian Brute who came out the winner in this three-way on WWE RAW.
Daniel Bryan vs. Dolph Ziggler (Intercontinental Championship Match, March 30)
It was no rest for Daniel Bryan as he defended his newly-won Intercontinental Championship on the RAW following WrestleMania 31. The American Dragon put his title on the line against the Show Off, Dolph Ziggler.
Both men put on a PPV-level performance in front of a red-hot San Jose crowd. From head-crushing headbutts to thrilling near falls, the match had everything you would want in a title bout on free television.
Neville vs. Seth Rollins (WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match on WWE RAW, August 3)
Seth Rollins pulled off the “heist of the century” to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match at WrestleMania 31. The Architect spent the following months proving to the world he was more than just a paper champion with some incredible matches.
One of the standout defenses came against former NXT Champion Adrian Neville on the first WWE RAW of August 2015. Rollins issued an open challenge, but barred superstars more than six feet or heavier than 200 pounds from competing.
The champion, however, had no clue he would soon be taken to his absolute limits by Neville. The pair put on a PPV-quality match on free TV. The bout also featured one of the most intense near falls on WWE RAW.
Cesaro vs. John Cena (United States Championship Match on WWE RAW, July 6)
John Cena’s United States Championship open challenge really brought out the best in his opponents (and him). The multi-time World Champion was putting on clinics week in and week out, and it seemed he wasn’t going to stop, ever.
Cena’s run with the championship elevated the title to greater heights and delivered PPV-level matches on free TV. One of his best matches came against the formidable Cesaro on the first WWE RAW of July 2015.
The pair had a 20-minute outing the week before. They got 30 minutes for this match, and absolutely knocked it out of the park. The crowd reaction added to the already spectacular outing from the two superstars.
After nearly 30 minutes, the champion put away the challenger with an avalanche AA to retain.
Honorable Mentions
- Cesaro vs. John Cena (WWE RAW, June 29)
- John Cena vs. Seth Rollins (July 27)
- Cesaro vs. Kevin Owens vs. Randy Orton (August 10)
- Cesaro vs. Roman Reigns (WWE RAW, November 16)
: Best WWE RAW Matches Of 2016
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