WWE Raw has officially entered the streaming era, launching its first episode on Netflix on January 6, 2025, from the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. The flagship show, which has entertained fans for over three decades, featured appearances from iconic superstars including The Rock, John Cena, and The Undertaker during this momentous event.
For the first time, WWE Raw is not just confined to traditional broadcast TV, where it had been airing for 31 years, but is now exclusively available on the Netflix streaming platform. The three-hour show boasted high-profile matches, including Roman Reigns defeating Solo Sikoa and Rhea Ripley triumphing over Liv Morgan for the Women’s World Championship. CM Punk also made headlines by overcoming his rival Seth Rollins, presenting what many considered the highlight of the night, showcasing the electrifying performances fans expect from WWE.
This groundbreaking partnership with Netflix, valued at over $5 billion, allows WWE to air its content live weekly, with plans for expansion to international audiences, starting with regions such as Canada, the UK, and Latin America. The deal marks Netflix as the exclusive home for WWE programming, with supplementary content also prepared for global audiences. Beyond WWE Raw, fans internationally can look forward to streaming SmackDown, NXT, and major events including WrestleMania, SummerSlam, and the Royal Rumble.
WWE's Chief Content Officer Paul 'Triple H' Levesque touted the benefits of this transition, stating, "This streaming platform gives us flexibility with timings and content delivery." Experts like Brandon Thurston, editor of wrestling site Wrestlenomics, believe this shift could significantly broaden WWE’s audience reach, especially among younger demographics. “So many people use Netflix and they'll put it on and see WWE prominently,” Thurston noted, highlighting the potential of the streaming platform to attract new viewers and leverage its widespread reach.
Although the event was widely anticipated, the reception was mixed. Critics observed noteworthy production values, yet pointed out certain aspects could use refinement. Reviews indicated there was "lots of special moments to cover", but the "sameness of the promos" delivered by stars like Triple H, The Rock, and John Cena struck some as repetitive. Notably, The Rock’s emotional tribute and reconnection with former rival Cody Rhodes contrasted with some fans' disappointment over Hulk Hogan’s appearance, which was met with loud boos from the crowd—a move deemed by some as "a mis-step."
John Cena's appearance was especially poignant; he announced the commencement of his farewell tour, stating, “I could not think of a more perfect place to start my goodbye.” With plans to retire from competition after 2025, Cena aims to conclude his career on high notes, including triumphing at the upcoming Royal Rumble. This adds historical gravity to the show, as Cena is celebrated as one of the greatest wrestlers, holding 16 world titles since his debut with WWE.
Various fans and commentators expressed hope for the potential change this streaming era could bring. With traditional TV viewership dwindling, WWE's transition aligns with shifting consumer preferences. There’s optimism surrounding the opportunity to engage younger audiences who prefer streaming platforms over cable. Many industry experts believe this evolution can lead WWE fans to rediscover the brand through Netflix's vast reach.
Still, some analysts raised caution about the reliance on a single streaming service. Brandon Thurston remarked on the possibility of fluctuations impacting Netflix subscribers, stating, “That's definitely a possibility.” Nonetheless, the consensus among many remains positive as WWE embraces this new frontier. By stepping away from traditional broadcast limitations, WWE has taken bold steps to redefine its content strategy, catering to both loyal fans and potential new audiences who consume their entertainment online.
With WWE Raw making its entrance on Netflix, the excitement surrounding pro-wrestling content has been reignited, promising thrilling weekly installments for avid viewers. For dedicated fans of the grundbreaking franchise, this partnership may well usher WWE and its exceptional programming to unprecedented heights.