WWE Raw 1000: Ranking the Legends' Appearances on the Show

Raw 1000 had been hyped as one of the greatest episodes in the show's history and honestly, I wasn't disappointed. 

This show was crafted with an older generation in mind and was filled with the return of great legends as well as subtle homages to the show's history. 

Although many of the returning legends wish list were left out, it was still great to see some long-forgotten faces. 

15. Slick

As the first African-American manager in WWE history, Slick deserved to be on the 1000th episode of Raw. 

His presence in the company was historic and so should his return, unfortunately because no one was really taking AJ's wedding all that seriously, it was difficult to take him seriously, too. 

In the end, the fact that many of those in attendance didn't even know who he was, combined with the awkward skit, earned Slick the lowest rank of the night. 

14. The McMahons (Vince and Stephanie)

Though appearing in two different segments, both of the McMahons' returns were welcomed. 

Unfortunately, the family is a set of four, and with 50 percent of the members missing, the return did not make the splash it should have. 

13. Howard Finkel

Unfortunately for Howard Finkel, his voice often goes unappreciated, and it seems like this was one of those occasions. 

Only garnering a decent pop, Finkel unfortunately earns the unlucky 13th spot on this list of returning legends. 

12. Mean Gene Okerlund

Like Howard Finkel before him, Mean Gene was equally unexciting. 

Any other night, the presence of these two men would have rocked the boat, but unfortunately for the two, this was Raw 1000—making Finkel and Okerlund the appetizers in what would be a full-course meal. 

11. Bret Hart

On any other occasion, the Hitman would have blown the roof off, but his minute-long presentation was not enough to earn him a higher spot. 

The Hitman still got a decent pop, but like potato chips on a Sunday afternoon, he was gone too quickly, making us want for more. 

10. APA

Perhaps one of the curveballs of the night, the return of the APA was a wonderful surprise for those watching at home, as well as for those in attendance in St. Louis—an audience who gave the former tag team a great pop. 

9. Previously Seen Legends

It may be unfair to group all these legends into one category, but the fact that we had already seen them throughout the weeks really took away from the impact they could have on this episode. 

Nonetheless, it was great to see them all together—even if they didn't do much. 

8. Trish Stratus

Trish Stratus' interaction with DX was classic. 

Unfortunately for fans of the Canadian superstar, she was gone just as things were starting to get good. 

7. Dude Love

Sure, Mick Foley comes and goes around WWE programming, but Dude Love? He's been gone for ages. 

Only two things could have made this Foley appearance better: 1. No filler Brodus Clay match, and 2. The return of all of Foley's personas. 

6. Mae Young and Son

Seeing Mae Young accompanied by her "son" was perhaps one of the greatest moments of the night—an act that finally gave closure to one of the strangest storylines in WWE history. 

The best part of the bit was the fact that thousands of young fans without any knowledge of WWE history were probably freaked out by the man in the hand costume—and honestly, that made the gag all the more enjoyable. 

5. Lita

As the final returning legend to take on Heath Slater, Lita's addition to Raw's celebration was great. 

The Diva had been part of some of the most memorable moments of the promotion's Attitude and Ruthless Aggression eras and, as such, was received by a warm welcome by those in attendance. 

4. Jim Ross

Having Jim Ross call one more match is always a great thing. 

The Oklahoma native proved he's still got it. The only thing that could have made bearded-JR's appearance better was if he had stuck around for the entire night. 

3. D-Generation X

Seeing the whole gang together was an amazing moment and a great way to open the show. 

DX set not only the pace but a high standard for the night. Small details like the branches on their helmets and the return of their jeep made everything that much more memorable. 

Of note was Damien Sandow's involvement with the stable, proving that his push in the company is well-earned. 

2. The Rock

The Great One never disappoints. 

The Rock's return to the ring is ranked above the equally great return of DX only because of the events that his return allowed to unfold. 

Come next year's Royal Rumble, the People's Champion could once again be... well, the People's Champion. 

1. The Undertaker

The No. 1 return of the night was without a doubt the return of the Undertaker. 

Sure his return had already been leaked and sure DX and the Rock had great moments too, but seeing a walking piece of history strut down the aisle and into the ring was amazing. 

Come Raw's next 1000 episodes there may be another Rock, there may even be another DX, but there will always be just one Undertaker. 

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