WWE's Monday Night Raw is about to make history with its highly anticipated debut on Netflix, set for January 6, 2025. This momentous occasion not only signifies the evolution of professional wrestling but also marks the first time Raw will air exclusively on a streaming platform, transitioning from traditional television.
For over three decades, Monday Night Raw has been a staple of WWE programming, captivating audiences with dramatic storylines, larger-than-life characters, and electrifying matches. The shift to Netflix signifies WWE's intent to reach broader audiences globally, accompanied by its partnerships with the streaming giant.
The launch event, to be held at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, is shaping up to be spectacular, featuring legendary superstars like John Cena, Roman Reigns, and The Rock. Cena is kicking off his farewell tour at this monumental event, stirring excitement among fans eager to witness his plans for his remaining days in the ring.
Chief among the matches on the card is the Women's World Championship bout between Liv Morgan and Rhea Ripley. Ripley's relentless pursuit of reclaiming her title may find her facing tougher challenges than before, as Morgan has proven to be immensely tough, especially after her championship win facilitated by some interference from Dominik Mysterio.
Another significant match scheduled for the premiere is the grudge match between Drew McIntyre and Jey Uso. Their animosity has been building for months, primarily stemming from the Bloodline's intervention during their previous encounter. McIntyre aims to settle scores with Uso, but whether he will succeed is yet to be seen.
The tribal combat match between Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa is another highlight. The matchup’s stakes couldn’t be higher, with the winner claiming pivotal control over The Bloodline. Sikoa, who once aligned with Reigns, is now determined to carve out his path as the new Tribal Chief, challenging the legitimacy of Reigns as the leader of one of wrestling's most storied families.
Fans can expect surprises throughout the night, including the presence of Travis Scott and other celebrity appearances, adding to the event's star-studded allure. WWE executives have emphasized the potential of this new partnership with Netflix to attract not only their existing fan base but also new viewers who may only become familiar with WWE's offerings through this platform.
Nick Khan, WWE’s president, previously shared insights about this collaboration, commenting on Netflix's ability to cater to global audiences: “We try to appeal the WWE to all 50 states and to countries globally. We think Netflix does the same thing.” This agreement, valued at over $5 billion over ten years, is the cornerstone of WWE's strategic expansion as it embarks on this streaming venture.
Live coverage will begin at 8 p.m. ET for viewers in the United States, marking the start time for millions eager to tune in and catch this historic episode live. Meanwhile, traditional broadcasting remains available for international markets, ensuring no fans miss the action.
Considering the depth of anticipation surrounding this launch—an event touted to be potentially more significant than previous WWE spectacles like WrestleMania—the WWE universe is buzzing. The mixture of nostalgia for longtime fans and the excitement for newcomers will likely create remarkable viewership metrics as Raw embarks on this new chapter.
With live sports increasingly becoming the focal point of streaming platforms, WWE's decision to join Netflix indicates both the evolution of sports entertainment and the demand for fresh content delivery methods. Given the extensive subscriber base of Netflix, WWE likely sees this move as necessary to broaden its global reach.
Unquestionably, the transition flowing through Raw will showcase not just championship matches but also compelling storytelling, and character-driven narratives aimed at capturing the hearts of audiences worldwide. So, wrestling fans, prepare for January 6, as WWE Monday Night Raw embarks on its new era on Netflix with compelling action, emotional rivalries, and perhaps even shocking developments.