WWE Monday Night Raw made its triumphant debut on Netflix on January 6, 2025, thrilling wrestling fans as it showcased electrifying matches and celebrity appearances at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, CA. Drawing around 18,000 fans, the event marked not only the first WWE broadcast on Netflix but also set the stage for high-stakes drama and entertainment like never before.
The night featured memorable bouts, including Roman Reigns going toe-to-toe with Solo Sikoa in a captivating Tribal Combat match, which lasted over 21 minutes. Rhea Ripley made history by defeating Liv Morgan to claim the Women’s World Championship, marking her ascent as one of WWE’s top female superstars. Fans were treated to the nail-biting showdown between CM Punk and Seth Rollins, culminating after nearly 19 minutes of intense wrestling.
Kickstarting the event, WWE legends Triple H and The Rock made surprise appearances, energizing the crowd and setting the tone for the night. John Cena also graced the ring, marking his participation as part of his retirement tour; he announced his entry for the upcoming Royal Rumble, exciting fans eager to see the iconic wrestler back in action.
Among the most talked-about moments was the appearance of Hulk Hogan, who was met with unexpected boos from the audience. This response shocked many, as the wrestling icon is known for his lengthy career as one of WWE's biggest stars. "Hogan getting booed out of the building restored my faith in humanity," tweeted @That_5Life, capturing the sentiment of many present. Another fan remarked, "Ever thought I’d hear Hogan get booed like this? #WWEonNetflix #WWERaw," underscoring the polarizing nature of his appearance.
Adding to the surprise factor, the night welcomed the legendary Undertaker, who drove to the ring on his motorcycle to celebrate Ripley’s championship victory. A sound of the iconic gong sent waves of excitement through the crowd as he raised his fist alongside Ripley. Despite some disappointment over his brief appearance, many fans celebrated the homage to the Texas wrestling legacy.
Beyond the wrestling rings, the night pulsated with star power as rapper Travis Scott made waves, debuting his new song, which is now set as the theme for Thursday Night Raw. Accompanying Jey Uso to the ring, Scott energized the fans, connecting with his audience and spotlighting his passion for wrestling. Following suit, Rey Mysterio honored Hispanic icon Eddie Guerrero, donning a shirt expressing his admiration, which garnered cheers from supportive fans.
Outside the arena, the environment mirrored the excitement of major WWE Pay-Per-View events, with impressive merchandising and promotional setups. Fans waited eagerly in long lines for entry, embodying the avid anticipation and enthusiasm typically reserved for high-profile wrestling gatherings.
Viewers were particularly dismayed as Indian audiences continued watching Raw on the Sony Sports Network due to existing media rights agreements, without the enhancements seen by American fans. Currently, WWE's broadcasting rights there will not change until March 31, 2025. This has left Indian fans eager for improved access to WWE content following the Netflix premiere.
The buildup to the event saw significant promotion, with plans from WWE and Netflix outlining this partnership as ambitious, aiming to bridge the gap between traditional wrestling and streaming platforms. With merchandise like limited edition Raw on Netflix t-shirts selling quickly, fans could commemorate their experiences at the event.
While the night witnessed unforgettable moments and landmark matches, it also reaffirmed the importance of WWE’s continual evolution and adaptation in the entertainment industry. The doubts about the future of wrestling promotions meld with fans’ feedback and the interactions witnessed throughout the event. With the successful Netflix debut, WWE is on course to maintain its status as the premier wrestling organization, capturing the excitement of new audiences worldwide.
WWE Monday Night Raw’s debut on Netflix pushed the envelope of traditional wrestling broadcasts, proving the adaptability of the brand and excitement of wrestling culture. With interest peaking, fans and viewers eagerly await the future chapters of WWE as it continues to entertain and innovate.