5 legends we must see at RAW's 25th anniversary

The longest running episodic show in television history will be celebrating its 25th anniversary on the 22nd of January in 2018. The anniversary will emanate from the Brooklyn Center in New York.

For one night only, Superstars from both RAW and SmackDown will make appearances on the show. Like the 1000th episode of RAW back in 2012, this is set to be a monumental night in sports entertainment history.

That night was filled with nostalgia, epic returns and great storytelling, and this one is bound to be too. Appearances by WWE legends The Undertaker, Shawn Michaels and Kevin Nash are already confirmed, but knowing the WWE, they won’t be the only legends present in Brooklyn.

Here are 5 legends we must-see at RAW’s 25th anniversary.

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#5 Jim Ross

Jim Ross debuted at Wrestlemania 9

Good Ol’ JR is the voice most of us wrestling fans grew up listening to. It was his emphatic style of commentating that gave life to Monday Night Raw. His screams of exclamation became synonymous with the brand and allowed the WWE Universe to feel a part of the show.

Stone Cold often said that without Jim Ross, he wouldn’t have gotten over in the way he did.

It was the work of Ross that allowed RAW to gain its chaotic feel, as it transitioned from the premature era of the '80s. We cannot reminisce about the glory days of RAW, without the voice of Jim Ross commentating in our heads.

He’s a legend. He’s an icon and he will always be the voice of Monday Night Raw.

#4 Trish Stratus

No woman has won more titles than Trish Stratus

If one were to ask any hardcore fan today who the greatest female wrestler of all time is, Trish Stratus would be the unanimous response. The seven-time WWE women’s champion set the bar for the women’s division long before the women’s revolution.

Her epic battles with Lita gave women a voice and convinced Vince McMahon to take them seriously as in-ring performers.

She showed the match agents that females could take hard bumps just like the men. She restored equality on WWE programming, constantly appealing to a growing female demographic watching at home.

If Stephanie McMahon is serious about the women’s revolution, she must bring back the pioneer of the movement for the 22nd of January.

#3 Mick Foley

Mick Foley is a former 3-time WWF Champion

It certainly wouldn’t be a major RAW without Mick Foley.

The hardcore legend hasn’t been seen on WWE programming since before WrestleMania, where he was unceremoniously fired by Stephanie McMahon and this episode would be perfect for him to return, if only for one night.

Dude Love, Mick Foley and Mankind have been an integral part of Monday Night Raw, contributing to the chaos that defines the brand.

Mankind, alongside his co-stars, were entrenched in the Monday Night Wars with WCW and Foley played a major part in saving the WWF. It was his first WWF title win that conclusively swung the viewership in Vince McMahon’s favour, leading to the eventual demise of WCW.

#2 The Rock

Dwayne Johnson is reportedly worth $220million

Since leaving the WWE, the Brahma Bull has turned into one of the most successful movie stars ever. His global box office hits have exceeded all expectations and now Dwayne Johnson is one of the most famous names on the planet.

On Monday Night Raw, we saw the former WWE champion gradually transition into a star as he grew in confidence on a weekly basis. It was wrestling that provided him with the launchpad to go into Hollywood.

In his wrestling heyday, The Rock was main eventing WrestleManias with the biggest names in wrestling and besting them. The Rock has beaten Stone Cold, Hulk Hogan and John Cena at Wrestlemania.

The list of names he has beaten only portrays how much the company have invested in The Rock. The Rock must be at RAW’s 25th anniversary, not only because he will make the episode unmissable but because he was an integral part of the red brand.

It doesn’t matter what movie he’s shooting or what commitments he has, Dwayne’s presence alone will legitimise the colossal event.

#1 Stone Cold

Austin joined the WWF in 1995

The man that started the most popular era in wrestling, is perhaps the best man to identify with Monday Night Raw. It was his exploits and awe-inspiring character that turned RAW into the global phenomenon it is.

When you ask casual viewers about Monday Night Raw, they will always refer you to something Stone Cold did.

It’s widely perceived that Hulk Hogan took wrestling to the mainstream media, but what Stone Cold did, was that he made the industry likeable. His anti-authority relationship with Vince McMahon encapsulated the imaginations of a generation, giving us a perfect recipe for success.

So, on the 25th anniversary of RAW, the Rattlesnake’s presence will be needed, if not, it won’t be deemed a special occasion.