After experiencing an almost complete shutdown in 2020, WWE RAW went back on the road in 2021. The change was also reflected in the form of several great matches that happened in front of a live audience for the first time in nearly a year.
Though SmackDown toppled WWE RAW when it came to storyline and in-ring action, the red brand still managed to produce some solid bouts despite the overall lackluster booking.
So without further ado, let’s take a look at the five best WWE RAW matches of 2021.
Drew McIntyre vs. Matt Riddle vs. AJ Styles (June 28, 2021)
The stakes couldn’t get anymore higher than this triple threat match featuring Drew McIntyre, Matt Riddle, and AJ Styles. The three men entered the ring with the opportunity to qualify for the Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match.
There were multiple storylines in play here: McIntyre was looking to earn back the momentum he’d lost since losing the WWE Championship. Riddle was fighting for Randy Orton’s spot in the ladder match, and AJ Styles wanted to beat Riddle because of RK-Bro’s feud with The Phenomenal One and Omos.
What resulted was an impressive match that was one of the best of the year.
Ricochet vs. John Morrison (July 12, 2021)
What happens when you put two two incredible athletes in Ricochet and John Morrison together inside the squared circle? You get jaw-dropping sequences coupled with insane displays of agility and athleticism.
This was exactly the case when Ricochet and John Morrison collided in a Falls Count Anywhere Match on WWE RAW. The grudge match featured the creative use of surroundings and foreign objects by both men. Morrison excelled in his parkour endeavors, while Ricochet truly showed why he’s The One and Only.
Drew McIntyre vs. Sheamus (March 1, 2021)
Drew McIntyre didn’t let momentum slip away even after losing the WWE Championship at Elimination Chamber 2021. The Scottish Warrior proved to the world he was a consistent worker without the title when he squared off against Sheamus on WWE RAW.
The pair put on a terrific match inside the ThunderDome. The hard-hitting brawl saw the Scottish Warrior and the Celtic Warrior batter each other to the brink of exhaustion. In the end, McIntyre caught a running Sheamus with a claymore to grab the win.
Finn Balor vs. Kevin Owens vs. Rey Mysterio vs. Seth Rollins (WWE RAW – October 25, 2021)
A high-octane ladder match that WWE referred to as the “modernized take on TLC IV from Raw in 2002,” this spectacle pitted four of the best wrestlers on the WWE roster inside the same ring. Each man brought their unique skills to the ring in this test of resilience and tenacity.
The performer of the match was inarguably Kevin Owens. The Prizefighter planted Finn Balor with a powerbomb through a ladder. He hit Rey Mysterio with the same move on a wooden table outside the ring.
KO’s momentum, however, failed to win him the match as a certain Messiah unhooked the contract to get a title shot against WWE Champion Big E.
Big E vs. Bobby Lashley vs. Roman Reigns (WWE RAW – September 20, 2021)
Bobby Lashley attacked both Universal Champion Roman Reigns and WWE Champion Big E to set up this triple threat main event on RAW. The three powerhouses jolted the arena with their incredible charisma and psychology.
The match brought mass destruction to the competitors involved. All three men pulled of every big move from their arsenal to best the competition. In the end, it was the Tribal Chief who emerged victorious from the carnage.
Also read: Best WWE RAW Matches of 2022
