On January 6, 2025, WWE Raw made history by premiering its first live episode on Netflix, ending its 34-year run with cable television. The debut was held at the state-of-the-art Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California, and attracted considerable attention, being streamed to countless fans eager for this significant shift. With the streaming partnership's potential for broad accessibility, this episode served not only as pivotal for the promotion but also for the future of live sports programming.
The show kicked off with Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque delivering an electrifying montage followed by the arrival of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, who introduced the night’s headline match: the Tribal Combat between Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa. This encounter proved to be the highlight of the night, with Roman Reigns once again asserting his dominance as WWE’s Tribal Chief after overcoming Solo Sikoa, thanks to chaotic interference from The Bloodline.
Not just about nostalgia, the new era also promised excitement for the present and future of WWE, with significant names like John Cena announcing his plans for the upcoming 2025 Royal Rumble as part of his year-long Farewell Tour. Cena’s declaration not only stirred emotions among the audience but also reignited interest about the potential for his historic 17th championship run.
Another celebrated moment from the premiere episode was Rhea Ripley regaining her title as WWE Women’s Champion after defeating Liv Morgan. Their fierce battle featured impressive maneuvers, punctuating Ripley’s return to top form. The Undertaker even made a memorable appearance to celebrate her victory, reminding fans of WWE’s storied heritage.
Adding more star power, the event featured surprise musical guest Travis Scott walking escort for Jey Uso, whose colorful entrance electrified the crowd. Uso managed to secure a victory over Drew McIntyre, albeit unconvincingly with a quick roll-up after being dominated for most of the match.
Among the premieres was the confirmed signing of Penta El Zero Miedo, the former AEW star, adding another layer of excitement for future storylines. Teasers had alluded to his arrival over previous weeks, heightening anticipation until his eventual confirmation.
The audience engagement was palpable throughout, especially during the final match of the night, where CM Punk faced off against Seth Rollins. This highly anticipated bout lived up to the buzz, culminating with Punk’s hard-earned victory after two devastating GTS maneuvers. Fans erupted with excitement, underscoring the importance of legacy and rivalry within WWE.
Of course, not everything went smoothly for WWE during its Netflix debut. Hulk Hogan’s appearance to promote his new beer line was met with heavy booing, reflecting the fans’ complicated relationship with the wrestling legend. This response raises questions about Hogan's continued role and presence within the promotion amid public sentiment.
To inaugurate this new chapter, WWE aimed to meld its thrilling past with exciting future prospects on this new streaming platform. After the live event, it was clear: WWE intends to leverage Netflix's global reach to recapture mainstream success. Netflix’s investment not only enhances viewer accessibility but also reflects the changing media environment where traditional cable is increasingly giving way to digital platforms.
Brandon Riegg, Netflix’s vice president for nonfiction series and sports, emphasized the company’s commitment to exploring opportunities within the live sports arena, hinting at the potential for WWE's success. “We’re learning as we go,” he remarked, indicating their openness to adapt and evolve alongside this venture.
This change marks not only the end of cable television for WWE but also the beginning of something new and potentially groundbreaking for both WWE and Netflix. The camaraderie seen during the event, the rich history, and the talented roster set the stage for what could be one of the most exciting periods for wrestling fans. The stage is set for what’s next, with WWE Raw on Netflix promising to captivate audiences worldwide.