WWE Raw made its highly anticipated debut on Netflix this past Monday, captivating the audience at the Intuit Dome with star-studded appearances and thrilling matches. The night was filled with excitement as A-list celebrities, including Macaulay and Kieran Culkin, received roaring receptions from the crowd. The Rock and John Cena made special appearances, and even Travis Scott was seen enjoying the festivities.
Nevertheless, the event elicited mixed reactions from the wrestling faithful. While the vibrant crowd enjoyed the show, not everyone was thrilled with the proceedings. Prominent figures like Hulk Hogan faced heavy boos, and the tag team duo The New Day stirred controversy during their segment. Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston, two-thirds of The New Day, found themselves booed after calling rapper Kendrick Lamar "trash," igniting the ire of the Los Angeles audience.
"Yeah, boo him. We think he sucks, too," Kingston declared, prompting the crowd to intensify their jeering. Observations from fans shared on social media reflected on this bold move, with one asserting, "Honestly didn’t buy their heel turn till this moment." It was all part of the complex interplay between wrestling personas and real-life identities, especially highlighted during their proclamation of preferencing Drake over Lamar.
The night commenced with WWE's monumental $5 billion deal with Netflix for broadcasting Raw live, making it available to millions without any additional subscription cost. This landmark partnership heralds a new chapter for WWE, commencing exciting bouts throughout the evening featuring the likes of Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa, CM Punk and Seth Rollins, and Liv Morgan battling Rhea Ripley.
Triple H, WWE's chief content officer, set the stage for this new era, welcoming TKO board member and WWE legend The Rock. The Rock's entrance was met with enthusiasm as he presented the Ula Fala — an important necklace steeped in Samoan culture — to his cousin Reigns after Reigns reclaimed his Tribal Chief title from Sikoa. This segment connected deeply with fans, showcasing the significance of heritage within the wrestling lore.
But not all was smooth sailing for The Rock, who has recently returned to the ring spotlight. His transition from the villainous persona dubbed the 'Final Boss' to the more traditional 'The Rock' perplexed many fans who are accustomed to him maintaining his fierce character on episodes leading to WrestleMania 40.
Frustration brewed among hardcore supporters, who noted the shift during his interactions with Cody Rhodes. One fan lamented, "Why is he just being The Rock again? Where is my The Final Boss?" Another chimed, "The Rock being a babyface corporate merchant right now! NO, WE NEED THE FINAL BOSS THE ROCK." These sentiments underscored concerns over The Rock’s shift to a more corporate and family-friendly image.
While the casual audience likely enjoyed the entertaining spectacle, including The Rock’s wholesome moments with his family seated ringside, veteran fans expressed discontent over the perceived dilution of his wrestling persona. "Cody hugging Rock like we ain’t forget about the ass whoopings he got from the Final Boss," said one commenter, articulately recognizing the dynamics at play.
The night held more than just flashy matches and celebrity appearances for those keeping tabs on The Rock's stakes within WWE. Recently appointed to the TKO board of directors, The Rock has acquired 96,557 Class A shares, significantly boosting his investment portfolio, with the latest acquisition valued at approximately $14 million. His total is now around 289,673 shares, cumulatively worth around $41 million. Amid all this corporate maneuvering, The Rock still has full rights to the 'The Rock' moniker, ensuring he retains his legendary status.
Despite the celebration of WWE's new era on Netflix, the reception reflects the broader debate within wrestling culture — whether to cater to casual viewers craving family-friendly fare or to stay true to the hardcore audience demanding raw intensity and authentic characters. Some view the moment as pivotal for Raw, one filled with potential for new viewers but perhaps at the cost of disconnecting from long-term fans. WWE’s ability to balance these audiences could determine the legacy of this historic deal.
Raw's Netflix debut was not just another wrestling episode; it was the dawn of something fresh and bold, intertwining celebrities, wrestling folklore, and reactions from varied audiences. Fans are on the edge of their seats, eager to see how WWE shapes this newfound platform and whether The Rock's more corporate role can coexist with the dramatic narratives beloved by die-hard followers. Only time will tell whether this strategic maneuver will redefine wrestling or serve as just another chapter of mixed reactions.