“I remember when it first started. It was a different kind of wrestling show, a different kind of energy. It reinvented the sports-entertainment business.”

The man talking is the beer-swiggin’, tough S.O.B. himself, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, and the show he’s referring to is Raw. On Dec. 10, the undeniable force on Monday night cable television celebrates its 15th anniversary with a three-hour live spectacular showcasing the show’s greatest moments, matches and mayhem – many of which the Texas Rattlesnake is proud to have factored himself into.

“I think I was a huge part of the momentum,” a proud Austin admitted in a recent telephone interview.

Before Raw hit the airwaves in 1993, Stone Cold was used to watching the in-ring action during afternoons – that is, until WWE’s strategic move to primetime cable television, which became a shining example of the evolution of sports-entertainment.

“You’d like to say it was just another wrestling show, but it wasn’t,” he explained. “Raw’s a fast-moving two hours that are aggressive with the storylines. It’s really action-packed.”

Raw has been the stomping ground for not only some of the greatest Superstars and Divas to ever set their boots inside a ring, but for countless A-list celebrities as well. Diverse, exciting personalities – actors, athletes and musicians ranging from Pamela Anderson to Mike Tyson to Kevin Federline – have made truly unforgettable appearances Monday nights on USA Network. And of course, there’s Stone Cold, who has been responsible for more than his fair share of memorable arrivals.

“One of my favorite moments was whacking Vince [McMahon] in the head with the bedpan while he was in the hospital,” Stone Cold recalled, his voice nearly breaking into a slight laugh at the memory.

As much as Raw is recognized for its in-ring action, it is also known for the personalities who week after week provide hours of entertainment for our fans. Personalities like The Rock, Trish Stratus, Triple H, Shawn Michaels, John Cena and Stone Cold have developed into legends whose names have become synonymous with Monday nights.

“I really enjoyed my moments in the ring with Bret ‘Hit Man’ Hart,” Austin said, remembering WWE’s Excellence of Execution. “Any time I was in there with him, it was a lot of fun. ... He helped me put my career on the map.”

Stone Cold certainly repaid WWE in kind, becoming a major ingredient in Raw’s ratings success and drawing the attention of a sports-entertainment audience that for a time had its eyes on WCW’s Monday Nitro.

“We knew what we were doing,” Austin confidently assured. “We knew we were getting hammered in the ratings. It took us two years, but we finally beat those guys, and there’s been no looking back.”

For a look back – and a look ahead – at the Superstars who redefine sports-entertainment history, don’t miss the Monday Night Raw Anniversary Spectacular, Monday, Dec. 10 at 8/7 CT on USA Network.