WWE Raw is kicking off 2025 with a historic premiere on Netflix, changing the game for professional wrestling. For the first time since its inception over three decades ago, WWE’s flagship program is breaking away from traditional cable and entering the streaming world, sparking excitement among its extensive fanbase.
This momentous event is set to air live from the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles on January 6, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET (1 a.m. GMT), featuring exclusive performances and appearances by some of the biggest names in wrestling. Legends like Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and John Cena are confirmed to make special appearances, promising fireworks as the show promises to deliver both thrilling matches and nostalgic moments.
The night’s card is nothing short of spectacular, featuring critiques of longstanding rivalries and championship title matches. On the slate for the night are high-stakes bouts including CM Punk facing Seth Rollins, and Roman Reigns going head-to-head with Solo Sikoa for the tribal chief title. Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan is set to defend her title against her former partner turned fierce rival, Rhea Ripley. Meanwhile, Drew McIntyre will clash with Jey Uso, as tensions boil within The Bloodline storyline.
WWE Chief Content Officer, Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque, noted during his recent appearance on the SI Media with Jimmy Traina podcast, “Much like many episodic shows, they have the ability to do whatever the show needs to have down.” This means episodic lengths can fluctuate, allowing for potentially longer or shorter broadcasts depending on the action at hand, which breaks from previous fixed lengths on television.
Fans tuning in can expect less commercial time compared to the traditional format, as Triple H confirmed this shift during interviews. WWE Vice President Brian Fadem highlighted this change, stating, “You’re going to see exclusive interviews with our talent” during commercial breaks, particularly for audiences outside the U.S., hinting at personalized content delivery. Reports suggest international viewers might not see commercials at all, adding even more incentive to watch the new streaming format.
Anticipation is palpable not just for the matches but also for special performances during the event. Renowned hip-hop artist Travis Scott is set to debut the new theme song for WWE Raw, cementing the collaboration between music and wrestling culture.
Notably, the show follows the announcements and promotions of other wrestling events, with WWE emphasizing this strategic move came as part of their substantial $5 billion deal with Netflix. This partnership aims to deliver ad-free content and high-profile wrestling events through both live broadcasts and on-demand viewing.
Upcoming episodes following the debut will also include NXT and SmackDown, which will air on the streaming giant shortly after Raw's premiere, establishing a complete WWE lineup moving forward. The transition signifies WWE’s commitment to embracing modern ways of consuming entertainment and adapting to viewer preferences.
With the conclusion of the show’s inaugural streaming night, fans will also likely witness the kickoff of Cena’s farewell tour, promising even more emotional stakes as he prepares to retire from the ring later this year.
Wrestling enthusiasts worldwide are encouraged to subscribe to Netflix for access to this exciting new chapter, as WWE ventures boldly forward.
The clash of past and present wrestling icons alongside the new streaming format aims to captivate audiences like never before. Will this historic move spark renewed interest and loyalty among fans? Only time will tell, but for now, the grappling world is buzzing with excitement!