u/RKO360

1996 was an important year for Nas as he broke out as a superstar in the mainstream due to the success of It Was Written and If I Ruled the World while arguably being the best lyricist of that year. He went from rocking army-fatigue jackets to wearing flashy clothes and brands like Karl Kani and Polo Sport. Nas showed more growth and versatility as an artist while still maintained his elite lyricism and storytelling. He regain his spot as King of New York despite heavy competition from Biggie, Jay-Z, Ghostface and Prodigy.

With a classic album and superstar status, 96 Nas was at his creative apex and being on top of the world as one of the hottest rappers at the time.

From WM 21 throughout the rest of RA Era, John Cena, Batista, Randy Orton and Edge were the new generation of main event stars who carried the company as the main pillars alongside established main eventers like Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Undertaker, Kurt Angle and Eddie Guerrero. Each of them had star power, charisma, larger than life presence and delivered compelling works. Cena was the Face of Raw and Batista was the Face of Smackdown while Orton and Edge were the 2 biggest heels in the company throughout that 2nd half.

While Cena, Batista, Orton and Edge became the Big 4 during the 2nd half of the era, Triple H, Brock Lesnar, Kurt Angle and Undertaker were the Big 4 of 1st half (2002-2004) of the era. HHH was the Face of Raw who always in the main event scene and being the company's biggest heel while Brock was the hottest new star who made a huge impact. Angle was arguably the best in-ring performer who consistently delivered bangers and Taker was undeniably the gatekeeper for Smackdown as he was top of his game while elevated newer talents like Brock.

You can also pick someone who isn't in this collage

He was in his prime while being one of the absolute best lyricists at the time as his flow, wordplays and lyricism were both perfect and very entertaining. Muddy Waters represented his artistic and creative peak alongside solidified his legacy.

Red and Muddy Waters is one of the key reasons of why 1996 is an important year for hip hop while he's also one of 96's biggest MVPs alongside the likes of 2Pac, Fugees, Jay-Z, Nas, Mobb Deep, Outkast, Biggie, Ghostface, Bone Thugs, Jeru, Tribe and De La Soul.

Smackdown was the better show as it had great matches while these 10 guys played an important role of the show was very entertaining. Undertaker was the cornerstone of the brand and Eddie was the heart and soul of the brand. Brock and Angle were the Faces of SD during the 1st half while Batista took over during 2nd half, Cena was the brand's biggest breakout star alongside Rey and Booker T being the reliable stars in the main event and midcard scene. Edge and JBL had their runs as the brand's most hated heels

Honorable mentions: Randy Orton, Chris Benoit, Big Show, Torrie Wilson, Chavo Guerrero, Mr. Kennedy, Mark Henry, Taijri, Matt Hardy, MVP

These 10 stars represented Raw during the Ruthless Aggression Era by delivering classic matches, good storytelling, created memorable moments and great rivalries. Triple H and HBK dominated the Raw main event scene throughout the era while Cena became the Face of Raw during the 2nd half of the era and Orton, Batista and Edge broke out as premier main eventers. Jericho, Kane and RVD were the reliable workers who was able to work both the upper midcard and main event scene while Trish was the leading star of the women's division.

Honorable mentions: Chris Benoit, Ric Flair, Lita, Booker T, Goldberg, Jeff Hardy, Christian, Mickie James, Shelton Benjamin, Umaga

These 10 stars represented Raw during the Ruthless Aggression Era by delivering classic matches, good storytelling, created memorable moments and great rivalries. Triple H and HBK dominated the main event scene throughout the era while Cena being the Face of Raw during the 2nd half of the era and Orton, Batista and Edge broke out as premier main eventers. Jericho, RVD and Kane were the reliable workers who was able to work both the upper midcard and main event scene while Trish was the leading star of the women's division

Honorable mentions: Chris Benoit, Ric Flair, Lita, Booker T, Goldberg, Jeff Hardy, Christian, Mickie James, Shelton Benjamin, Umaga