2011 was a banner year for WWE RAW. The red brand regained fan trust, thanks in part to CM Punk’s infamous Pipe Bomb that completely turned the wrestling world upside down. The show also delivered tremendous in-ring action throughout the year.
Stars such as John Morrison, Dolph Ziggler, and Rey Mysterio helped elevate in-ring action due to their superb performance. That being said, let’s take a look at some of the best WWE RAW matches of 2011.
Dolph Ziggler vs. Randy Orton (WWE RAW – October 29)
This match cemented Dolph Ziggler as one of the most reliable performers on the WWE roster. The Show Off put on a truly great performance against the Apex Predator Randy Orton himself on WWE RAW.
The match left the fans wanting for more. Orton demonstrated his abilities as one of the best in-ring psychologists. The pair would have more great matches in the future.
Alberto Del Rio vs. CM Punk vs. Rey Mysterio (WWE Championship No. 1 Contendership Match – June 20)
CM Punk demanded a title shot at the WWE Championship prior to this match. So, Vince McMahon booked him in a triple threat match against Alberto Del Rio and Rey Mysterio on WWE RAW.
All three men put on one of the best triple threat matches on the show for fans to enjoy. The in-ring action would be topped by Punk’s promo, wherein he revealed his contract was about to come to an end.
CM Punk vs. Dolph Ziggler (WWE RAW – November 21)
Dolph Ziggler had a breakout year in 2011. The Show Off briefly held the United States Championship in 2011. He also had one of the best WWE RAW matches of 2011 against CM Punk.
The pair collided in a Champion versus Champion in the penultimate match on the November 21 edition of the red brand. Their chemistry was evident from the opening bell. In the end, Punk secured the win with the GTS.
John Cena vs. Rey Mysterio (WWE Championship Match – July 25)
Rey Mysterio not getting a lengthy WWE Championship will forever be a travesty in my mind. Despite having one of the shortest WWE title reigns, the iconic luchadore put on one of the greatest championship defenses of the year.
Mysterio won the title in a match against The Miz on WWE RAW. He put his title on the line less than an hour later later against John Cena. Both men told a compelling story inside the ring. In the end, it was Big Match John who came out as the new WWE Champion.
The Miz vs. John Morrison (Falls Count Anywhere Match for the WWE Championship – January 3)
The Miz found his stock climb to the greatest heights when he captured the WWE Championship in 2010. The A-Lister spent the next several months successfully defending his title against those who stepped up to him.
One of these opponents turned out to be his former tag team partner John Morrison. Together, the duo delivered one of the best WWE RAW matches of 2011. The Falls Count Anywhere Match brought with it the right dose of excitement and drama.
Morrison helped carried his opponent throughout the match. The Miz delivered his strongest TV performance of the year. In the end, a Skull Crushing Finale outside the ring sealed the win for the champion.
Also read: Best WWE RAW Matches Of 2012
