WWE Monday Night Raw made its highly anticipated debut on Netflix on January 6, 2025, broadcasting live from the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California. This momentous occasion marked the first time the show has been available for streaming after over 31 years of traditional television broadcasts.
The excitement was palpable as fans tuned in to witness one of the most talked-about matchups— CM Punk squaring off against Seth "Freakin" Rollins for the first time since their last encounter back in December 2013. This clash was not just any match; it was expected to be an intense battle, especially after the chaotic brawl between the two on the December 16 edition of Raw.
Another highlight of the evening involved Roman Reigns, who faced Solo Sikoa in Tribal Combat. The stakes were high as the two superstars fought for supremacy within The Bloodline, with Reigns seeking to reclaim the Ula Fala. The rules of Tribal Combat added another layer of intensity to the evening as fans awaited to see who would emerge victorious.
Adding to the evening's excitement was Liv Morgan, defending her Women’s World Championship against Rhea Ripley. Their rivalry intensified leading up to the event, with Ripley determined to reclaim the title she felt she never lost. The match was originally slated to be a Last Woman Standing match but was reportedly changed to a regular singles match, keeping fans guessing about the outcome.
WWE aficionados were also thrilled to see John Cena return to the ring as he kicked off his Farewell Tour during this Netflix premiere. Cena’s legendary status and star power undoubtedly brought added attention to the event. Meanwhile, Logan Paul announced his return to WWE during the kickoff show, heightening anticipation for his appearance later in the program.
Further enriching the night was the presence of The Rock, who made his return and was celebrated by the Los Angeles crowd. It was clear the atmosphere was electric, with WWE Chief Content Officer Paul "Triple H" Levesque welcoming fans to the new Netflix era, promising big changes and exciting content for viewers.
“The screens get smaller, but the show gets bigger. Global. From television to streaming,” Triple H stated, encapsulating the shift WWE is making for its programming.
Reflecting on the historic significance of the event, many were eager to see how this new digital home would impact the future of wrestling. Fans were buzzing on social media, expressing their optimism about the change and the accessible format of having live wrestling on one of the world’s largest streaming services.
Tonight's show even featured the long-anticipated potential debut of Penta El Zero Miedo, teasing fans with what has been months of speculation. Becky Lynch returned as well, fueling the fervor surrounding WWE’s roster and the future storylines.
Fans expect the Netflix setup to afford WWE greater flexibility with programming, including potential longer shows without the constraints of traditional advertising timeframes. Reports suggest the initial airing of Raw could run for about 3.5 hours, creating opportunities for content that's more engaging and varied.
Throughout the night, various surprises were anticipated, increasing the thrill for viewers both domestically and internationally. While American fans had to endure commercials, international viewers enjoyed exclusive content during those breaks, making the overall experience more enticing.
Tonight reflected not just the beginning of WWE Raw’s Netflix era, but also the potential evolution of professional wrestling entertainment. With numerous household names slated to appear over the course of the series, WWE aims for this not just to be the beginning of streaming but the start of expansive growth for the organization.
WWE Raw’s Netflix debut promises to reshape how fans engage with wrestling events and could captivate both longstanding fans and newcomers joining the sport for the first time. The premiere on January 6, 2025, stands as not merely the launch of another episode but as the dawn of new possibilities for WWE’s flagship show.
Expect thrilling matches, unexpected returns, and much more as WWE continues to venture boldly with its programming. The night is here, and Raw looks ready to thrill audiences around the globe! Don’t miss out on the excitement as WWE ushers its storied legacy onto the world's leading streaming platform.