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WWE's RAW reunion is now in the history books and the salute to nostalgia did not disappoint. There was laughter, tears, action, and even history being made, as the WWE Universe gathered to celebrate some of the greatest wrestlers in history.
There was a little something for wrestling fans of every generation tonight. Pat Patterson and Gerry Brisco represented the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair had the 1980s covered. DX and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin represented The Attitude Era. 16-time world champion John Cena returned to turn back the clock to the aughts in what will go down as one of the most memorable RAWs in recent memory.
The RAW Reunion showcased everything we love about professional wrestling, so join us as we take a look at the evening's top 10 returns.
#10. Rikishi
Rikishi was the first of many WWE Hall of Famers to appear at RAW Reunion. The former WWE Superstar appeared alongside his sons, Jimmy and Jey Uso in their non-title match against RAW Tag Team Champions The Revival.
Not to be outdone, The Revival brought out a Hall of Famer of their own: D-Von Dudley. When D-Von tried to interfere in the match by attempting to attack a defenseless Jimmy Uso outside the ring, Rikishi let his fellow WWE Hall of Famer know that he wasn't about to let him attack his son. Dudley backed away from the massive former Headshrinker and The Usos capitalized for an impressive pinfall victory over the RAW Tag Team Champions.
After the match, Rikishi celebrated with his sons in the middle of the ring and the proud father had the honor of raising The Usos' hands in victory.
See WWE RAW REUNION Results, Highlights of event, & more on WWE RAW REUNION Results page
#9. Mick Foley
It isn't like Mick Foley was away from WWE television for long. He was back with the company only two months ago to introduce the brand new 24/7 championship that has now comically changed hands too many times to count.
Foley made his way to the ring and was almost immediately interrupted by a cast of WWE Superstars who were on the chase after Drake Maverick and his 24/7 Championship. Foley, who earlier today made no secret about desiring to capture the title, lunged for Maverick, but to no avail.
After the mayhem died down, Foley discussed his most memorable RAW moment and introduced video from the January 4th, 1999 RAW, in which he defeated Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson to become WWE Champion.
The moment wouldn't last long; however, as Foley was interrupted by none other than The Fiend, who honored Foley in his own unique way by putting him in his own finisher: The Mandible Claw.
#8. Kelly Kelly
Kelly Kelly made history on her memorable return to WWE and it all started with The Boogeyman. After Drake Maverick finagled the 24/7 Championship from R-Truth, he made his way to the locker room to pack up but was terrified by the worm-eating former WWE Superstar.
78-year-old Pat Patterson took advantage of the petrified 24/7 Champion and pinned him cleanly to become champion, only to lose the title several minutes later to fellow septuagenarian Gerald Brisco.
Kelly Kelly saw her window of opportunity open. She distracted Brisco with a welcoming embrace, kneed him to the groin, and then pinned the 72-year-old to become the first-ever female 24/7 Champion.
#7. Alundra Blayze
Kelly Kelly's 24/7 Championship reign would be short-lived. She ran into former Divas' Champion Candice Michelle, who was backstage chatting with former WWE Superstar Melina. Melina, who has been missing from WWE television for quite some time, informed Kelly Kelly that she had been away getting licensed as a referee. Just as soon as Kelly Kelly realized what was about to happen, Candice Michelle took her to the floor for a quick pinfall.
As is typical with the 24/7 Championship, Michelle's celebration wouldn't last long. Irate WWE Hall of Famer Alundra Blayze would then enter the fray,
"This is what I was talking about! Having to deal with women like this."
She then made quick work of Michelle to become the new 24/7 Champion. Blayze vowed that she wouldn't be champion for long. She inevitably made her way to the RAW announcer's table where she hearkened back to her infamous WCW Nitro days, but just before she was about to throw yet another championship in the trash, she was interrupted by #6 on our list.
#6. Ted "Million Dollar Man" DiBiase
These days Ted DiBiase prefers a life far far away from the professional wrestling ring. An ordained Christian minister, DiBiase now believes that the love of money is the root of all evil. Its a far cry from his money-obsessed wrestling character that once tried to buy the WWE Championship from Andre The Giant. Tonight on RAW; however, DiBiase would prove that old habits die hard.
Just before Alundra Blayze was about to toss the 24/7 Championship in the trash, DiBiase's familiar theme hit. The Million Dollar Man had an offer for Blayze and pulled out a wad of $100 bills from the inside of his suit. Blayze couldn't refuse and agreed to sell the championship, officially giving DiBiase his very first WWE title since June of 1993.
#5. Rob Van Dam
Rob Van Dam was not supposed to be a part of tonight's RAW reunion. Now one of IMPACT's top stars, rumors swirled that he would not be welcome, but things began to change when fans noticed official RVD gear being sold at WWE souvenir stands.
Sure enough, RVD did make an appearance alongside WWE legends; Sgt. Slaughter, The Hurricane and Kurt Angle. The trio unified against Sami Zayn, who made it a point to disrespect the returning WWE legends earlier in the evening. When Zayn attempted to cut out on his match against Rey Mysterio, the trio were waiting for him.
After forcing him to return to the ring, Zayn was hit with a 619 and Mysterio paid tribute to his returning friend by pointing to his shoulders and hitting Van Dam's patented 5 Star Frogsplash for the victory.
#4. Hulk Hogan
Hulk Hogan was both gracious and humble in his return to RAW. The legendary WWE Superstar received a huge pop from his hometown Tampa, FL faithful in attendance. As Hogan made his way to the entrance ramp, he graciously bowed to the other awaiting legends and embraced long-time friend Ric Flair.
Hogan addressed the audience,
"Let me tell you, something brother. It is so great to be here in front of all my friends and Hulkamaniacs in my hometown of Tampa, FL"
The WWE Hall of Famer was thankful in his return,
"Thanks to all the Hulkamaniacs who trained, said their prayers, and their vitamins."
He then concluded in very familiar fashion,
"Whatchya gonna do when Hulk Hogan and the RAW Reunion run wild on you, brother?"
#3. DX
AJ Styles, Luke Gallows, and Karl Anderson - now known as The O.C. (The Original Club) - have been running roughshod over the WWE Universe these days. Once upon a time, DX did the same and dominated the landscape of professional wrestling in the process.
During tonight's match against AJ Styles and the Good Brothers thought they would take advantage of their numbers and go on to an easy victory. They clearly forgot that tonight was RAW Reunion and their unfair advantage would not go unchallenged. Just as soon as O.C. unfairly targeted Seth Rollins, Shawn Michaels and Triple H made their way to the ring to even the score.
Inevitably, they would get themselves disqualified from the bout. They then attempted to coax DX onto their side of things. As O.C. lifted their hands with the "Too Sweet" Gesture, AJ Styles said,
"You're one of us. We're just like you."
At first it looked like the overtures would work, but instead, Michaels and Triple H gave The Club a world-famous crotch chop and then a beat down. DX was eventually joined by The Road Dogg, X-Pac, Scott Hall, and Kevin Nash.
As the group celebrated in the ring, they allowed Seth Rollins the honors,
"If you're not down with that, I've got two words for you...."
The Tampa, FL audience gladly finished the rest.
#2. John Cena
In his first appearance with the company since WrestleMania 35, 16-time world champion John Cena returned to WWE for RAW Reunion. Cena got things off early before the show even started when he tweeted the following,
"Today is a monumental day personally. Facing and overcoming deep-rooted fears, forging ahead with the wonderful journey of life, and being brave enough to share feelings with those I love. Thank you to everyone who has made this moment possible."
Some speculated that Cena would announce his retirement, but instead, he reiterated his passion for the wrestling business. In RAW Reunion's opening segment, Cena addressed the WWE Universe.
As the crowd roared its approval, Cena took the microphone,
"You're telling me all I needed to do is to become part of the RAW Reunion and then you'd be nice to me?"
The ever-so-humble Cena reserved high praise for WWE legends like "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair and DX.
As his voice cracked, a visibly emotional John Cena put any retirement speculation to bed with the following,
"This is my house....this right here is my home, always has been and always will be. This is my heart and you guys are my family."
#1. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin
The biggest pop of the night easily goes to returning WWE Hall of Famer "Stone Cold" Steve Austin. As the familiar sound of crashing glass reverberated through the arena's speaker system, Austin made his way down the entrance ramp in typical highly-charged fashion.
The WWE legends that awaited his entrance made room for him, but he pushed through anyway. As he made his way to the ring with all the confidence and attitude in the world, he addressed the Tampa, Florida audience,
"Give me a hell yeah!"
Of course, Tampa obliged and a reflective Austin reminisced about good times he had in the city and on the road during his storied pro wrestling career.
He gave credit to the RAW Reunion which helped him reconnect with long-time friend Ric Flair. Austin also did something he had never previously: he spent the day with long-time rival Hulk Hogan and two had a "Hell of a time."
Austin recounted being up for days before tonight's event hanging out with both Flair and Hogan. Eventually, he ran into Ron Simmons on an elevator. Austin beat Simmons to it, shouting, "Damn!" He even made light of how long the two Hall of Famers embraced.
Although Austin refused to get "sappy and sentimental," he was emotional. Stone Cold's WWE appearances are farther and fewer between these days. He toasted the crowd, toasted his fellow legends, guzzled some beer, and then one of the greatest wrestlers who ever lived made his exit.
Bayley gives us a HUGE update on a top Superstar's upcoming return RIGHT HERE.
