WWE Raw's Netflix debut on Monday night was nothing short of spectacular, featuring appearances from major stars and inducing varied reactions from the audience. The event took place at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles and marked the beginning of WWE's monumental $5 billion deal with Netflix, allowing viewers to enjoy Monday Night Raw live at no additional cost.
The excitement was palpable as celebrities like Macaulay and Kieran Culkin received roaring applause, and heavyweights Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson and John Cena graced the ring with their presence. Rapper Travis Scott even made headlines, sparking buzz as he smoked a blunt during the broadcast. The night was filled with thrilling matches, including clashes between Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa, CM Punk and Seth Rollins, and Liv Morgan and Rhea Ripley.
Each segment showcased the spectacular nature of professional wrestling, but the real drama unfolded when The New Day, consisting of Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston, stirred the crowd’s emotions. During their promo, they provocatively labeled Kendrick Lamar as a "trash rapper," which was met with loud boos from the Los Angeles crowd. Kingston responded, saying, "Yeah, boo him. We think he sucks, too," only deepening the audience's discontent. The backlash was substantial enough to spark conversations online, with fans expressing their split feelings over the segment, illustrating the complex relationship between the wrestlers and their audience.
Many fans appreciated WWE's decision to partner with Netflix, considering it transformative for the wrestling world. The deal, intended to showcase Raw without added costs to subscribers, is predicted to push the boundaries of the sport’s reach globally. "This is huge for us as fans to see WWE on such a major platform!" one excited viewer tweeted.
Triple H, WWE’s chief content officer, set the tone for this new era by welcoming everyone and introducing the night's first match, won by Roman Reigns, reclaiming his title from Solo Sikoa. Reigns then received the Ula Fala, a significant piece of Samoan heritage, from The Rock, who highlighted the proud moment for their family and cultural lineage. The crowd erupted, but some loyal fans were left frustrated with The Rock’s sudden shift from the villainous persona he showcased last year.
During the build-up to WrestleMania 40, The Rock had adopted the 'Final Boss' character, fiercely countering Cody Rhodes's rise to the top. Fans felt they had been cheated when during Raw, the formerly fierce competitor reverted to his more corporate, babyface self, which did not sit well with those who cherished the intensity of his previous storyline. "Why is he just being The Rock again? Where is my Final Boss?" questioned one viewer online, echoing the sentiments of many die-hard fans longing for the fierce side of their hero.
This polarizing moment sparked discussions across social media. While casual fans were delighted to see The Rock back as their fun-loving hero, others voiced their discontent, yearning for the gritty edge he had recently embodied. Comments such as "WWE is catering to casual viewers; we need the Final Boss back!" flooded platforms. One user remarked humorously: "Cody hugging Rock like we ain't forget about the ass whoopings he got from the Final Boss." It was clear from these interactions how the fanbase is multi-faceted, with different expectations and desires from their favorite performers.
The stakes continued to rise for The Rock who, having accumulated substantial shares of TKO stock historically valued at around $41 million, not only influences WWE’s corporate strategy but also looks to satisfy the demands of varied audiences. Despite the criticisms, many believe his celebrity status continues to be beneficial for attracting new fans to the sport.
Following the rollercoaster of emotions during the live event, the reactions illustrated the complex dynamics of wrestling entertainment—where personal branding and storytelling are just as important as the bouts themselves. The reactions to WWE Raw's Netflix debut are yet another reminder of how such platforms and celebrity appearances redefine fan engagement.
The night ended with memorable performances, both inside the ring and beyond, leaving fans discussing the intersecting lines of entertainment, personal loyalty, and corporate branding. Fans excitedly await what the next chapters will hold now under the Netflix banner as they hope for the return of their beloved characters to the forefront.