WWE has entered a new era as it premiered its first episode of Monday Night Raw on Netflix, and the arrival of Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson punctuated the historic occasion. The event, held at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California, marked not only the start of streaming WWE content but also brought together wrestling legends and fans alike.
The excitement was palpable among the crowd of over 17,000 fans as Johnson, who was highly anticipated, opened the show with charismatic flair. Before cutting his promo, he acknowledged the power of the new partnership between WWE and Netflix. "First, when you think about great partners, you’ve got to have the right partner who loves WWE and the bigger picture, and Netflix is just such a partner," he stated, setting the tone for the groundbreaking event.
Johnson's return was especially meaningful as he showed his support for Cody Rhodes, the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion, who was present at ringside. The Rock expressed his admiration for Rhodes, stating, "He has carried this company on his back for the past year," and also playfully referenced their past feud. "Tell Mama Rhodes I said hello," Johnson remarked, showcasing the rapport between the two stars.
After his warm-up, The Rock energized the audience with his catchphrase, igniting cheers throughout the venue. The show kicked off with the highly anticipated Tribal Combat match between Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa for the ula fala, the symbolic title of Tribal Chief. Despite the competitive nature of Wrestling, the storytelling aspect remained at the forefront as the rivalry between the two was deeply rooted.
The match shifted as several superstars intervened at pivotal moments. WWE's longstanding drama was on full display when both Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga entered the ring, creating havoc for Reigns. But much to Reigns' relief, allies like Jimmy Uso and Sami Zayn quickly joined the fray, creating the type of dynamic multi-player skirmish fans have come to expect from WWE programming.
Adding another layer to the match, Kevin Owens, who historically has had his issues with The Bloodline, hit Reigns with a stunner, giving audiences quite the shock. Just when it seemed like chaos would reign, Cody Rhodes entered to even up the odds for his upcoming Royal Rumble match against Owens, showcasing the interwoven narratives prevalent throughout WWE.
Despite the odds stacked against him, Roman Reigns emerged victorious after delivering two spears to Solo Sikoa, re-establishing himself as the Tribal Chief. Following the match, The Rock returned to bestow the ula fala upon Reigns, symbolizing respect and continuity between the champions. Their handshake and embrace illustrated potential camaraderie rather than conflict, possibly signaling the direction WWE storylines may take moving forward.
Throughout the night, Johnson's excitement was mirrored by the atmosphere as he and the live audience engaged enthusiastically. WWE Chairman Triple H also made a significant remark, stating, "We won’t have those issues with Netflix" when discussing censorship dynamics on live wrestling events. This remark is particularly salient since WWE has navigated their previous network broadcasts filled with stricter guidelines, contrastingly highlighting new creative freedoms with Netflix's platform.
With the premiere's successful execution, WWE fans can look forward to more flexibility with show runtimes and fewer interruptions. The episode demonstrated WWE's willingness to adapt to this new format where broadcast lengths are dictated by storytelling needs rather than rigid schedules.
Obvious branding changes were also incorporated, with sponsorship logos from well-known brands like Fortnite and Hulk Hogan's Real American Beer displayed prominently at ringside. International fans got the added benefit of uninterrupted content, marking what could prove to be a more viewer-friendly experience on the Netflix platform.
While many familiar faces returned for the Netflix premiere, including John Cena, The Rock's presence heightened anticipation for what lies ahead for WWE on this platform. The event bridged classic wrestling with modern viewing preferences, and fans are eager to witness how this partnership evolves.
WWE Raw on Netflix signals more than just the continuation of wrestling; it introduces innovative ways storytelling can be delivered, ensuring something new and exciting for wrestling enthusiasts everywhere. With myriad changes foretold, wrestling fans are left pondering: how will this new chapter of WWE with its beloved icons play out?