This week in WWE history: Triple H's shocking return from career-threatening injury; Money in the Bank cash-in (January 6-January 12)

In case you've been living under a rock, WWE is on fire right now. That is essentially what Triple H and World Wrestling Entertainment have been saying regularly, and it is quite accurate; business is booming in 2025.

After 2023 and 2024 were banner years, this year appears to be headed in the same direction. RAW debuted last week on Netflix and had close to five million viewers live. Meanwhile, SmackDown has moved to three hours and is looking to gain momentum. NXT also had a near-record number of viewers last week.

However, for fans who prefer nostalgia, Sportskeeda offers a weekly look back at some of the major matches, moments, and events that helped shape WWE into a Sports Entertainment juggernaut.

This week's edition of the throwback list will cover events from 1993 to 2019. This includes several major firsts and the epic return of Triple H after a career-threatening injury kept him out of action for several months.

Below are major matches and moments from this week in WWE history:

---

#4. Triple H made his epic return on RAW on January 7, 2002

The January 7, 2002, edition of Monday Night RAW was certainly a memorable event. The episode emanated from the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Over 13,000 fans were in attendance.

The big hook of the show was the return of Triple H. In 2001, The Game suffered a brutal torn quad and was subsequently consigned to the bench for several months. While he was a heel on WWE TV before his hiatus, The Cerebral Assassin's absence caused fans to absolutely erupt upon his return.

The Game had one of the biggest pops in the history of Monday Night RAW. The building shook and echoed. It was incredible. Kurt Angle attempted to disrupt the comeback, but he ate a Pedigree, and fans cheered even more. Triple H was back, and the audience was ecstatic!

---

#3. The first-ever Money in the Bank cash-in took place at New Year's Revolution on January 8, 2006

The next entry on this week's list is from the second-ever New Year's Revolution PLE. The WWE event was held live from the Pepsi Arena in Albany, New York. 11,000 fans were in attendance for the show, which was headlined by the Elimination Chamber Match.

The six-man bout was a 28-minute war that saw John Cena manage to overcome and retain his WWE Championship. He defeated Carlito, Chris Masters, Shawn Michaels, Kane, and Kurt Angle. A bloody and battered Cena thought his night was over after his victory, but it was not.

Vince McMahon showed up post-match and revealed the night wasn't over. The erstwhile Edge then came out and cashed in the Money in the Bank contract. He went on to Spear Cena and win his first world title. This was the first-ever cash-in of the briefcase, and it was immediately successful, setting the standard for the next 19 years.

---

#2. WWE RAW debuted on January 11, 1993

The first-ever Money in the Bank cash-in is exciting, but the next entry is even bigger. WWE Monday Night RAW premiered on January 11, 1993. This was the first time the show ever aired.

RAW's debut episode aired live from the Manhattan Center in Manhattan, New York, and featured the commentary trio of Vince McMahon, Rob Bartlett, and Randy Savage. Meanwhile, the first-ever WWE RAW match saw Yokozuna defeat Koko B. Ware.

The main event featured The Undertaker. The Deadman defeated Damien Demento in around three minutes of what was essentially a squash match. Still, this set the stage for the next 32 years of the red brand.

---

#1. The first-ever NXT UK TakeOver event was held on January 12, 2019

The last entry on this week's list is from an event held six years ago. WWE held the NXT UK TakeOver: Blackpool PLE on January 12, 2019. This was the first premium live event presented by the now-defunct British brand.

The show featured the crowning of the first-ever NXT UK Tag Team Champions when the Grizzled Young Veterans defeated Moustache Mountain. Additionally, Pete Dunne bested Joe Coffey in the main event to retain the WWE NXT UK Championship.

However, the post-match events are perhaps what fans best remember from the show. As Dunne celebrated, Gunther made his debut under the ring name Walter. He attacked Coffey and stared down Pete. Three months later, the Austrian dethroned The Bruiserweight at NXT TakeOver: New York.