WWE fans are buzzing with anticipation as the company's flagship program, Monday Night Raw, makes its highly anticipated debut on Netflix. This marks the beginning of what many are calling a new era for World Wrestling Entertainment, with fans now having access to live broadcasts and extensive archived content at their fingertips. The premiere is set for January 7, 2025, and it promises to deliver high-stakes matchups and dramatic storylines, engaging dedicated followers and potentially bringing new viewers to the WWE's expansive universe.
One of the standout stories leading to this momentous occasion is John Cena, who recently announced 2025 as his final year performing inside the ring. Cena's farewell tour will kick off with the premiere of Raw on Netflix, where he is expected to take center stage. Mark Kaboly, noted NFL writer and correspondent for The Pat McAfee Show, speculates, "With Cena’s stated goal to work between 30-40 dates...the possibilities are endless for The Greatest of All Time." Cena's involvement is creating significant excitement, and it’s his stellar career and connection with the WWE Universe that's forefronting this new chapter.
With the debut of WWE on Netflix, fans are eager to see how the organization's extensive roster will contribute to the evening's drama. The lineup includes gripping matchups, not least of which features WWE Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan facing off against Rhea Ripley. Their intense rivalry has spanned almost two years, and as Kaboly notes, "Both Morgan and Ripley made it crystal clear last week when both repeatedly said 'this has to end.'" Anticipation is building for how this feud will culminate, with predictions leaning toward Ripley reclaiming her title.
Another highlight of the night is the much-anticipated clash between CM Punk and Seth Rollins. This rivalry has become heated and personal over the past year, culminating last week when they each delivered scorched Earth promos against one another. Kaboly believes, "If there is one match on the card...it's highly unlikely to have outside interference," hinting at the potential for this bout to resonate with fans well beyond the premiere.
While Cena, Morgan, and Punk are generating buzz, the match between Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa deserves equal attention. The dramatic stakes are elevated as this encounter features stipulations including no outside interference, which forebodes one of the evening’s most brutal and definitive outcomes. There’s speculation about whether the beloved The Rock may return to the ring, especially considering his last appearance left fans yearning for his dramatic story convergence with Roman.
Netflix is not only hosting WWE Raw; it has become the exclusive streaming home for all major WWE programming. This includes weekly broadcasts of WWE SmackDown, NXT, the Royal Rumble, Elimination Chamber, and WrestleMania—some of the most celebrated events on the wrestling calendar. These events, along with upcoming airings and archival content dating back to the 1980s, are sure to appeal to wrestling aficionados old and new alike.
Fans can expect weekly streams of WWE Raw every Tuesday, alongside NXT on Wednesdays and SmackDown on Saturdays. The schedule ensures continuous excitement for WWE fans and marks Netflix's commitment to delivering thrilling sports entertainment. The Royal Rumble is slated for February 1, 2025, with the next round of content confirming Elimination Chamber on March 1 and WrestleMania on April 19-20.
With all eyes on WWE's spectacular moves to engage its audience, there’s palpable excitement about the many possibilities this partnership with Netflix presents. It symbolizes both WWE’s bold stance to adapt to viewer preferences and the streaming giant's intentions to secure top-notch live programming. This merger could be revolutionary for sports entertainment, diversifying streaming content available on Netflix and enhancing overall user experience.
Prudence suggests the stage is set for memorable moments, emotional farewells, and new rivalries to blossom. This launch event could leave indelible marks on the careers of various wrestlers, marking the archived performances and live events as historic. Kaboly's predictions set the expectations high, and as fans gear up for the January kickoff, many are left wondering how this new chapter for WWE on Netflix will shape the future of wrestling.