The world of professional wrestling saw significant shifts this week as WWE made its highly-anticipated debut on Netflix with Monday Night Raw, capturing the attention of fans both new and old. The event was marked by star-studded appearances, electrifying matches, and stirred debates among casual viewers and die-hard wrestling fans alike.
Held at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, the first episode aired as part of WWE's groundbreaking deal with Netflix, worth a staggering $5 billion. This arrangement allows fans to catch their favorite night of wrestling without incurring additional costs on their Netflix subscriptions, effectively changing how wrestling content will be consumed globally.
But the night didn’t solely revolve around the excitement of the debut. The atmosphere buzzed with the energy of some heavyweights of Hollywood, as celebrities like Macaulay and Kieran Culkin entertained the crowd. With iconic figures such as The Rock and John Cena making special appearances, fans faced the tough task of balancing their excitement with moments of jeering directed at some of their own beloved stars.
Among the tangled web of cheers and boos, the tag team duo known as The New Day—featuring Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston—notably stirred controversy when they belittled rapper Kendrick Lamar during the show. Their comments about spending six months “elevated [him] as trash” drew immediate disdain from the Los Angeles crowd. Kingston's follow-up quip implying “Drake won the beef” only exacerbated the negative reaction. This moment struck chords across social media, sparking amusement and critique within the Kendrick Lamar subreddit where one fan claimed, “Honestly didn’t buy their heel turn till this moment.”
Despite the mix of feelings from the crowd, the wrestling action delivered some high-stakes clashes. Fans were treated to thrilling bouts, such as the showdown between Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa, CM Punk facing Seth Rollins, and Liv Morgan taking on Rhea Ripley. During his entrance, The Rock referenced nostalgia, speaking about revitalizing WWE's legacy as he presented the Ula Fala—a significant necklace steeped in Samoan history—to his cousin, Roman Reigns, reinforcing the importance of tradition amid the grand spectacle.
The Rock's appearance, loaded with charisma, was not without its criticism. Some long-time WWE supporters felt discontent with the persona displayed, voicing their disappointment over the absence of the more villainous ‘Final Boss’ character he had showcased leading up to WrestleMania 40. "Why is he just being The Rock again, where is my The Final Boss," one fan lamented, summing up the sentiments of many who were expecting something edgier from the wrestling legend.
Others echoed their frustration, remarking on the disparity between the corporate image he adopted at the event and his previous, more raw persona. Several tweets reflected these reactions, clamoring for the return of the hard-hitting, ruthless side of The Rock. One viewer described The Rock's performance as being “a babyface corporate merchant right now,” pointing out the stark difference from previous portrayals. The Rock's fans yearn for authenticity and connection to the grit of wrestling storyline development rather than the superficial charm reminiscent of his Hollywood persona.
While the debut episode succeeded in drawing viewership, it raised questions about the future direction of WWE programming on Netflix. The show has illustrated how the wrestling franchise seeks to appeal simultaneously to long-time fans who crave depth and storytelling and to a broader, casual audience drawn by celebrity appearances.
With his deepening ties to the TKO board of directors, The Rock's engagement with WWE appears multifaceted. Recently acquiring nearly 100,000 Class A shares of TKO stock, reportedly valued at around $14 million, he continues to be pivotal beyond just his onscreen presence. Meanwhile, WWE’s strategy underlines the company's commitment to engage more viewers as it transitions to streaming platforms like Netflix—potentially reshaping the wrestling entertainment industry.
This pivot toward the casual audience might signify larger shifts not just for WWE but for wrestling entertainment as a genre as well. The division within fan bases reflects wider discussions about how companies must evolve to cater to diverse preferences, weighing legacy against wide-reaching appeal.
And as fans reflect on the controversies sparked and the choices made, the underlying question remains: Will the WWE find the right balance between maintaining its dedicated followers and drawing new ones? The reactions to this Netflix debut could set the stage for how wrestling will be presented and perceived moving forward.