WWE has made headlines after its Monday Night Raw show debuted on Netflix, marking what many are calling a new era for the wrestling promotion. The premiere episode captivated fans with not only thrilling matches but also appearances from some of the biggest celebrities, enlivening the atmosphere at the sold-out Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.
Among the stars present were Hollywood icons Macaulay and Kieran Culkin, who received enthusiastic responses from the crowd. Wrestling legends like The Rock and John Cena made special cameos, adding to the star-studded event. Rapper Travis Scott was also noticed during the night, seen enjoying himself, but the crowd displayed their traditional wrestling spirit by booing at some unexpected moments.
Notably, wrestling fans turned on Hulk Hogan, who faced relentless jeering as he entered, and there was widespread criticism directed at the popular tag team, The New Day. During their segment, Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston provoked the audience by deriding rapper Kendrick Lamar, calling him “trash” and claiming “Drake won the beef.” Their comments sparked significant backlash from the audience, illustrating how delicate the balance is between performing for fans and igniting their ire. This moment, which made waves on social media, showcased the team's commitment to their heel (villain) personas, leading some fans to reflect humorously on the situation.
While the crowd’s reaction to The New Day’s remarks was contentious, overall feedback for the debut episode was mostly positive. WWE insiders have confirmed the new agreement with Netflix, which is said to be monumental, valued at around $5 billion. This deal allows Monday Night Raw to be streamed live without additional costs for subscribers, making it accessible to millions worldwide. The show has officially transitioned from being solely on cable to reaching a far broader audience via streaming, indicating WWE's leap toward modern entertainment.
Opening the show was Roman Reigns, who faced off against Solo Sikoa to reclaim the Tribal Chief title, setting the tone for what would be described as stacked matches throughout the night. Other key matchups included CM Punk confronting Seth Rollins and Liv Morgan facing Rhea Ripley. The athleticism and drama were on display, fulfilling wrestling fans’ expectations of action and suspense.
The episode marked not just wrestling action but also significant moments of corporate presentation. WWE's Chief Content Officer, Triple H, addressed the audience about this new partnership with Netflix, highlighting the exciting developments for wrestling fans. The Rock, another titan of the industry, participated actively, even presenting the Ula Fala – symbolizing Samoan heritage and solidarity. His involvement was somewhat welcomed; he appeared to honor his heritage and align with the narrative WWE is pushing. Yet, some seasoned fans expressed disappointment at seeing the beloved character resort to corporate formalities and missed the more ruthless persona from his recent appearances, dubbed ‘The Final Boss.’
Several fans were vocal on social media, expressing dissatisfaction with The Rock’s absence of intensity and villainy from previous appearances leading up to WrestleMania 40. The consensus among die-hard followers is clear: they want the fierce Rock back and are growing weary of the corporate persona he seems to embody on the new platform. Comments such as “Why is he just being The Rock again?” and “The streets NEED The Final Boss! WAKE TF UP!” echoed around Twitter and Reddit, showing the passion of the community.
While The Rock has positioned himself as part of TKO’s board of directors and has seen his shares rise significantly, valued at about $14 million with total holdings around $41 million, fans feel this corporate angle detracts from the intense rivalries and story arcs they cherish. Fans are eager to see this pivotal character return to form beyond the current corporate lens.
Despite pushback on certain performances, the overall reception of the Netflix debut was fascinating to analyze. Wrestling remains deeply rooted in its culture of spectacle, character arcs, and dramatic tension, and this show clearly aimed to bridge appeal to new audiences, ensuring WWE stays relevant across both traditional and modern entertainment platforms.
WWE on Netflix symbolizes progress; it showcases how wrestling can adapt to the ever-changing entertainment industry. Fans can expect to see more celebrity appearances and spectacles as the Alliance between WWE and Netflix seeks to redefine the wrestling moment. The first episode has set the stage, and viewers are left wondering what other surprises will be unveiled as WWE embarks on this ambitious venture.
What can be seen now is the tension between maintaining hardcore wrestling traditions versus adapting for broader appeal. WWE’s Monday Night Raw Netflix debut is just the beginning, and wrestling followers are more than ready to engage with what the future holds.