Netflix officially launched WWE Raw as its first live weekly streaming event on January 6, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, and many Hollywood celebrities flocked to be part of the fanfare. The event marked the long-awaited return of WWE programming to the streaming world, attracting big names from across entertainment.
Among the star-studded attendees were Macaulay Culkin, who is best known for his childhood role in <i>Home Alone</i>, and Tiffany Haddish, the comedian and actress who has won acclaim for her vibrant performances. The premiere also featured the likes of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and John Cena, both of whom have transitioned successfully from wrestling stardom to Hollywood fame. Other attendees included Seth Green, O’Shea Jackson Jr., and David Arquette, showing just how much buzz the new platform brought to the classic wrestling brand.
The atmosphere was electric as celebrities mingled and posed for photos, giving fans online snapshots of the night’s highlights. Notably, Vanessa Hudgens and Travis Scott also made appearances, sharing their moments live via social media. The evening kicked off with dramatic wrestling matches and colorful entrances, making it clear why WWE Raw has maintained such popularity since its original debut back in 1993.
This streaming endeavor is part of Netflix's ten-year deal with the WWE, reportedly valued at $500 million per year. The enormity of the agreement has underscored WWE's continuing significance, even as its traditional television model transitions to modern streaming formats.
Among the notable fans and spectators, many had high expectations for the headlining matches, which have always been integral to WWE's charm. The mingling of wrestling with celebrity culture raises questions about the future direction of sports entertainment. Will the presence of big names draw more viewers? That seems likely, as audiences pivot toward platforms like Netflix.
Despite the widespread accolades for the night’s event, not every moment was met with applause. The appearance of Hulk Hogan, famously known for his wrestling career, drew considerable scrutiny. While WWE officials extolled his contributions to the brand, the Los Angeles crowd responded with loud boos upon his entrance. Hogan's announcement of his new sponsorship deal with WWE's Real American Beer fell flat amid the jeers, which perhaps reflect longstanding unease following controversy stemming from his past racist remarks. Even as WWE acknowledged Hogan's significance, the reaction from fans hinted more at disapproval than nostalgia.
The unfortunate reception reminded many of the blurred boundaries between celebrity and outright rejection. Social media users quickly latched onto this incident, capturing the dichotomy of enthusiasm for wrestling and frustration with figures like Hogan, who have complicated legacies.
Throughout the night, though, the focus remained mostly on the thrill of live wrestling. The full cast of wrestlers set to appear on Netflix this season was showcased, from the familiar faces to new talents eager to carve out their paths. WWE embraces the spotlight, cultivating not just showmanship but also strategic partnerships to bolster its brand visibility.
By the night’s end, WWE Raw had firmly stated its relevance not only as entertainment but as cultural commentary. With audiences growing accustomed to celebrity visibility paired with athletic feats, Netflix likely aims to push boundaries even beyond wrestling.
With the streaming platform aiming to attract not just wrestling fans but also general audiences through celebrity allure, the marriage of sports and entertainment sends intriguing signals for what’s to come. How will WWE evolve within this new medium? That remains to be seen.
Nonetheless, the premiere event solidified WWE Raw's transition to Netflix as nothing short of historic, affirming both wrestling's cultural influence and the enduring allure of celebrity.