January 6, 2025, marked a historic moment for WWE as Monday Night Raw made its debut on Netflix, bringing high stakes, thrilling action, and significant changes to how wrestling fans engage with their favorite program. The highlight of this premiere was the fiercely contested Women’s World Championship match between the reigning champion, Liv Morgan, and her challenger, Rhea Ripley.
Leading up to the event, Morgan expressed her excitement not just for the match but for the potential influx of new viewers the Netflix move might attract. "What I’m excited about is all of the new potential viewers... Whether you’re joining us on Netflix because you’re already watching wrestling, or whether you’re going to pick it up because you’re just scrolling... This is going to be a big deal," Morgan told TV Insider.
The atmosphere was electric as the show opened. Fans were eager to see not just the match itself, but the various surprises WWE had hinted at for its Netflix debut. Morgan defended her title against Ripley amid one of the most intense confrontations seen yet, setting the stage for high-octane action.
The match began with Ripley taking early control, delivering heavy strikes and showcasing her power with moves such as devastating knee lifts and chokebombs. The action soon spilled to ringside, where chaos ensued as Ripley launched herself with a cannonball, taking out Raquel Rodriguez, who was supporting Morgan.
Despite the rough start, Morgan proved she was no underdog, fighting back savagely against Ripley. Her counterattacks included innovative maneuvers, such as the X-Factor and resilient kicks, which kept Ripley on her toes. But Ripley, nicknamed The Eradicator, exhibited her strength and resilience, responding with her own powerful attacks, reminding everyone of her status as one of WWE's most dominant forces.
One of the key moments of the match came after the first commercial break. Morgan rallied with impressive counters, even connecting with her Oblivion finisher onto the steel chair, brought by Dominik Mysterio, who was also involved at ringside. Morgan's move was met with cheers as she pushed her opponent to the edge of defeat.
Yet, as the match unfolded, interference became the story's crux. Mysterio's distractions allowed Ripley to shift back the momentum. Fans were on the edge of their seats as both wrestlers exchanged signature moves. Morgan's attempt at another Oblivion was countered again by Ripley, who managed to execute her finisher, Riptide, with overpowering precision.
Rhea Ripley's determination culminated as she delivered multiple Riptides, securing the pinfall victory and reclaiming the Women’s World Championship. The bout was not merely about the title; it was about redemption for Ripley, who had previously vacated her title due to injury.
After her victory, the complications didn’t stop there. Instead of graciously accepting congratulations, Ripley delivered her own version of justice to Mysterio, landing him with a low blow before executing another Riptide. But the post-match surprises didn’t end; reminiscent of the storied rivalries and iconic moments from WWE’s history, The Undertaker made his memorable appearance, riding to ringside on his motorcycle, signaling excitement for future storylines.
The impact of this match and Netflix's involvement cannot be understated. Liv Morgan, who has emerged as one of the biggest stars over the past year, expressed hopes for increased exposure due to WWE’s move to streaming. She noted, "I feel like it hasn’t really sunken in yet. I’m so excited for everyone to see us, genuinely." This sentiment encapsulates the anticipation surrounding the fresh potential audiences. Morgan's championship reign had set new standards, and the rivalry with Ripley has proven to be one for the ages.
Looking at the bigger picture, this event marks WWE's significant transition from traditional cable television to the streaming platform, potentially opening doors to younger viewers who might not have previously engaged with wrestling. The excitement was palpable through both the audience present and those watching from home.
Overall, the Netflix premiere of Monday Night Raw not only delivered high-stakes wrestling action but also showcased the future of WWE programming. The successful debut could pave the way for even more groundbreaking events as WWE continues to explore opportunities beyond conventional broadcasting. The night was undoubtedly one for the record books, with Rhea Ripley’s victory signaling her resurgence and setting the stage for numerous possibilities moving forward.
With the premier match complete and the stakes higher than ever, WWE’s new era on Netflix prompts the wrestling universe to question what’s next. Will Ripley defend her title effectively against new challengers? Dean Ambrose's unexpected shifts and other potential surprises lay just beyond the horizon as WWE fans eagerly prepare for more enthralling episodes on Netflix.