As the festive season approaches, WWE fans can dive back into the vaults for a variety of Christmas-themed shows that promise to deliver high-octane entertainment.
These events, steeped in the rich history of wrestling during the holidays, offer a perfect blend of nostalgia and contemporary action.
Wrestling during Christmas has evolved significantly since the 1980s. Initially, events like WCW’s Season’s Beatings marked the holiday season.
However, as WWE (then WWF) and WCW gained national TV exposure, Christmas episodes became more prevalent. Today, WWE’s Christmas editions of Raw, SmackDown, and NXT, along with WCW and ECW’s legacy events, form a significant part of the holiday entertainment.
Must-Watch WWE Christmas Events
1. WCW Monday Nitro – December 25, 1995
This event was part of WCW’s genuine initial rise in mainstream wrestling. The highlight was the WCW World Heavyweight Championship match between The Macho Man and Ric Flair.
2. WWE Raw – December 22, 1997
A memorable episode from the Attitude Era, featuring The Rock defending his Intercontinental Championship against the Undertaker.
3. WWE SmackDown – December 23, 1999
This episode featured Chris Jericho defending his Intercontinental Championship and the Big Show in a WWE Championship match.
4. WWE Raw – December 25, 2000
A notable episode with matches like The Undertaker vs The Rock and the Hardy Boyz taking on the Radicalz.
5. WWE Raw – December 24, 2001
This Christmas Eve broadcast included a WWE Undisputed Championship match and a unique Eggnog match.
6. WWE SmackDown – December 25, 2003
Marked as the first-ever WWE Tribute to the Troops event, it featured Eddie Guerrero vs Chris Benoit and John Cena vs Big Show.
7. WWE Raw (Tribute to the Troops) – December 23, 2005
This episode had a Boot Camp match between Shawn Michaels and Triple H, and John Cena in action.
8. ECW December To Dismember – December 3, 2006
Known for the Extreme Elimination Chamber match, this event had the Big Show defending his title in a historic match.
9. WWE Raw – December 25, 2017
A live Christmas Day event with John Cena vs Elias and a Six Man Tag Team Miracle On 34th Street Fight.
The Unique Appeal of WWE Christmas Wrestling
Christmas wrestling shows blend the festive spirit with the thrill of professional wrestling. From championship matches to Christmas-themed gimmick matches, these events offer something for every WWE fan.
They are not just about the matches but also about the unique atmosphere created by holiday decorations, themed graphics, and special appearances.
The Future of WWE Christmas Shows
As WWE continues to evolve, fans can expect these Christmas-themed shows to become more innovative and engaging.
These events are not just a celebration of wrestling but also a testament to WWE’s ability to adapt and entertain across generations.
FAQs
- What makes WWE Christmas shows special?
- WWE Christmas shows combine the excitement of wrestling with the festive spirit, featuring special matches and holiday-themed decorations.
- Can I watch these shows online?
- Yes, WWE Network and other streaming platforms often provide access to these special episodes.
- Are there championship matches in these shows?
- Yes, many Christmas-themed shows feature championship matches alongside other special bouts.
- Do these shows include legends from the past?
- Often, these shows feature appearances by wrestling legends, adding a nostalgic element.
- Are WWE Christmas shows suitable for all ages?
- Yes, WWE Christmas shows are designed to be family-friendly, making them suitable for viewers of all ages.
