WWE’s much-anticipated debut on Netflix for Monday Night Raw unfolded on January 6, 2025, delivering moments of nostalgia and controversy, which left fans buzzing.
Held at the Intuit Dome in California, the premiere episode marked the beginning of what WWE executives have dubbed the "Netflix Era." With over 17,000 fans packed inside, the show kicked off with Paul "Triple H" Levesque narratively guiding viewers through wrestling history before introducing the iconic Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, who appeared for the first time since WrestleMania.
The Rock thanked fans and sponsors, declaring, "Let’s f****** go," before introducing the night’s matches, which promised hard-hitting action starting with Roman Reigns facing Solo Sikoa for the title of Tribal Chief. The bout was action-packed, with both superstars employing savage tactics reflective of the street-style combat WWE fans have come to expect. Reigns eventually secured victory with a spear, reclaiming his role as the Tribal Chief, aided by run-ins from stars like Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens.
While the opening match captivated viewers, the episode faced backlash as it also featured fellow WWE legend Hulk Hogan making his appearance. Hogan, whose past controversies have tainted his reputation, took to the ring only to be met with loud boos from the crowd. Throughout his promotional conversation about his Real American Beer brand, social media reacted swiftly, with fans jokingly lamenting, "Hogan getting booed out the building," highlighting the stark disconnect between Hogan’s self-promotion and the crowd’s clear discontent.
John Cena, another WWE icon returning for his Farewell Tour, was welcomed by roaring fans as he hinted at entering the Royal Rumble, sparking intrigue about his future championship aspirations. Cena's charisma shone through as he discussed the crowd's impact on his career, reinforcing the emotional connection between WWE stars and their audience.
On the women’s side, Rhea Ripley stunned fans by defeating Liv Morgan to reclaim the Women’s World Championship. Their match, filled with intense back-and-forth action, showcased Ripley’s dominance, capitalizing on her agility and strength. Despite previous stipulations for the contest being altered, it was evident both wrestlers were eager to leave everything in the ring. The atmosphere electrified even more when The Undertaker made his appearance on his motorcycle to honor Ripley, marking their moment as symbolic within WWE’s lore.
While the matches held the attention of many, the reception to the production itself was largely positive. Viewers enjoyed the lack of traditional commercial breaks, noting the uninterrupted flow of content and engaging match commentary. The decision to not censor the content led to exuberant reactions from fans across social media. Many fans cheered for the new design elements, appreciating the fresh take with updated ring mat aesthetics and referee outfits.
Despite the night's highlights, criticism lingered surrounding WWE’s celebratory tone focused on their Netflix partnership, appearing somewhat self-congratulatory. Observers noted it took over 30 minutes before the night’s first match commenced, drawing irritation from those hoping for more wrestling-centric content.
Combined with star-studded appearances by notable celebrities like Macaulay Culkin, the event presented WWE as both nostalgia and new beginnings, yet the dissatisfaction evident during Hogan's segment raised questions about how WWE navigates its legacy and controversial figures.
WWE’s venture onto Netflix has drawn significant attention well beyond the wrestling community, securing the company’s move worth $5 billion and setting the stage for the Royal Rumble premium live event on February 1st.
With mixed reactions marking the premiere, WWE has clearly sparked discussion, laying down the groundwork for their future endeavors on Netflix. How they evolve from negative receptions and embrace the passions of their loyal fans will undoubtedly play out as they continue their streaming innovation.