WWE's debut episode of Raw on Netflix has made quite the impression, drawing both applause and criticism from fans. The star-studded affair at the Intuit Dome on Monday featured notable appearances from celebrities like Macaulay and Kieran Culkin, The Rock, and John Cena, as well as other surprises.
Travis Scott even added to the spectacle by smoking on stage, capturing the wild energy of the event. Despite the excitement, some familiar faces were greeted with disdain, such as Hulk Hogan, who received jeers from the crowd, as well as the popular tag team, The New Day.
The New Day, consisting of Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston, stirred up controversy during their segment when they disparaged Grammy-winning rapper Kendrick Lamar, calling him "trash". During their promotion, they mentioned how they had spent months "elevati[ng]" Lamar's status, inciting boos from the crowd. Kingston, not missing the beat, cheekily remarked, "Yeah, boo him. We think he sucks, too," leading to more jeering. This segment delighted some fans online, with one user commenting, "Honestly didn’t buy their heel turn till this moment," noting the clever performance.
The heart of the evening was the much-anticipated show featuring high-stakes matches. The night opened with Roman Reigns reclaiming his Tribal Chief title after defeating Solo Sikoa, followed by CM Punk battling Seth Rollins, and Liv Morgan taking on Rhea Ripley. The presence of WWE legend The Rock made the night even more special, as he ceremoniously presented the Ula Fala, significant to Samoan heritage, to cousin Reigns.
After the matches, The Rock's address to the audience highlighted the promising new direction for WWE on Netflix. Despite his charismatic presence, many die-hard fans were left wanting more. Traditional viewers were disappointed with the Rock's corporate demeanor, feeling he had shifted away from the darker character he embodied leading up to WrestleMania 40.
One fan lamented, "Why is he just being The Rock again, where is my The Final Boss?" echoing sentiments from others who felt more confused than excited. Comments like, "We NEED THE FINAL BOSS THE ROCK" and "Cody hugging Rock like we ain't forget about the ass whoopings he got from the Final Boss" reflected nostalgia for the intense character The Rock had previously depicted.
Despite the mixed reception, the impact of this monumental Netflix deal cannot be overlooked. WWE secured a staggering $5 billion deal enabling their flagship Monday Night Raw to be streamed live worldwide at no extra cost to Netflix subscribers. This unprecedented partnership not only marks the beginning of WWE's Netflix era but also sets the scene for the future of wrestling entertainment.
Reflecting on this integration, Triple H, WWE’s chief content officer, expressed excitement over the collaboration, which aims to broaden WWE's audience. Such sweeping changes are expected to boost viewership and revenue, facilitating compelling matches and storylines for both dedicated fans and new viewers.
With The Rock now increasingly involved behind the scenes, recently acquiring more shares of TKO and joining its board, his dual role could impact the company's creative direction significantly. Acquiring 96,557 shares raises his total holdings to over 289,673, valued near $41 million, alongside rights to the iconic name, 'The Rock'.
This transition period stands to reshape WWE’s identity, marrying the brand's storied legacy with modern streaming capabilities and diverse audience preferences.
WWE's Netflix debut proved to be more than just another episode; it was a landmark moment for the organization and its fans. The cheers and jeers alike represented the complex relationship between sports entertainment and its dedicated audience. Fans walked away buzzing with conversation, whether elicited by disastrous segments or spectacular matches.
So, what does the future hold for the WWE on Netflix? With new engaging content, the introduction of influential personalities, and high-stakes storylines, the potential seems immense. For now, it is clear: WWE's Netflix debut has set the stage for both celebration and discussion about the evolution of wrestling entertainment.