WWE made history with its debut on Netflix, launching its flagship program Monday Night Raw on February 1, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. This monumental move is poised to redefine how fans consume wrestling content, marking the beginning of WWE's streaming era. The event was bejeweled with significant matches, including CM Punk vs. Seth 'Freakin' Rollins and Roman Reigns facing Solo Sikoa, as well as epic appearances from wrestling legends like The Rock and John Cena.
The show kicked off with the electrifying presence of The Rock, who took to the ring to praise Netflix executives and acknowledge prominent figures like Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns. During his speech, he brought the audience up to speed with his family's wrestling legacy, quipping, "Tell Mama Rhodes The Rock says hello." Although The Rock's tone hinted at camaraderie, many fans were quick to speculate whether this step away from his fiery rivalry with Rhodes indicates he won't appear at WrestleMania 41.
Wrestling analysts and fans alike shared their conjectures on social media, with comments like, "The Rock is not making WrestleMania" and discussions centering on the shift from his villainous character. Such speculation keeps the buzz alive as WWE gears up for its biggest event of the year, especially considering the stakes for champions like Roman Reigns, who successfully defended his title against Solo Sikoa.
The match between Reigns and Sikoa featured high-octane action, embodying the chaos of Tribal Combat. Sikoa delivered stunning moves, including tossing the ring stairs at Reigns before the match concluded with Reigns claiming victory. The audience was treated to drama reminiscent of WWE's iconic Attitude Era, leaving them buzzing about the heightened stakes as WrestleMania approaches.
Meanwhile, John Cena will sail through his farewell tour, confirming his entry in the upcoming Royal Rumble match. During his heartfelt segment, Cena reminisced about his roots, saying, "LA is where I won my first WWE Championship," and brought the crowd to their feet, shouting, "You deserve it!" Although Cena hinted at his desire for one last title run, he acknowledged the challenges he faces, stating, "The only time we say 'never' around here is when we say 'never give up.'" His opportunity to secure another championship adds layers of intrigue for fans hoping to see history repeat itself.
It isn’t just the immediate matches fans are focused on; the streaming of WWE events on Netflix also signifies broader changes to come. WWE has signed a staggering $5 billion deal with Netflix for exclusive U.S. rights, aiming to reach larger audiences. This partnership sets the stage for future events, with the Royal Rumble being the first of its kind aired exclusively on the platform.
The Royal Rumble, traditionally held as the first major premium live event of the year, is scheduled to take place on February 1, 2025, at the Lucas Oil Arena in Indianapolis. The Rumble not only kicks off the path to WrestleMania but also presents the riveting possibility of shocks and surprises, as competitors fight for the chance to headline WWE's biggest event.
Adding to the excitement, WWE has revealed another landmark event for the following year: the Royal Rumble will be hosted outside of North America for the first time, heading to Saudi Arabia. This move, celebrated by HE Turki Alalshikh of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority, showcases WWE’s commitment to global expansion and delivering unforgettable experiences for fans worldwide.
With these monumental developments, WWE’s strategy becomes clearer: leverage streaming technology to penetrate wider markets and revitalize traditional wrestling storytelling—an endeavor already kicked off with its Netflix debut. This alignment with modern audience preferences, coupled with the nostalgia of star-studded events, places WWE at the forefront of sports entertainment.
With WrestleMania 41 fast approaching and fans holding their breaths over potential surprises and matchups, one thing is clear: WWE is set to captivate audiences like never before with its innovative broadcasting era. The combination of established and rising stars makes for tantalizing storylines, ensuring fans remain engaged as the organization forges its path forward.