WWE Raw made its much-anticipated debut on Netflix this Monday, captivating audiences with star-studded appearances and thrilling matches at the sold-out Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. The show, which now airs live thanks to WWE's monumental $5 billion deal with Netflix, brought together iconic wrestlers and special guests, eliciting mixed reactions among fans.
The episode kicked off with Roman Reigns facing off against Solo Sikoa, setting the tone for the night. WWE’s Chief Content Officer, Triple H, welcomed viewers to this new era, which was amplified by the appearance of The Rock, who spoke about the exciting opportunities the partnership with Netflix brings. Wrestling icons like John Cena, Hulk Hogan, CM Punk, and Seth Rollins also made memorable appearances, highlighting WWE's commitment to delivering high-quality entertainment.
Despite the celebratory atmosphere, not all reactions were positive. Core WWE fans voiced their discontent over the portrayal of several characters, particularly the shift away from The Rock's recent villainous persona dubbed 'The Final Boss.' One disgruntled fan expressed, "Why is he just being The Rock again, where is my 'The Final Boss'?" highlighting the frustration felt by many die-hard viewers.
The New Day, consisting of Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston, served as another flashpoint during the show. During their segment, they attempted to stir the crowd's emotions by slamming rapper Kendrick Lamar, sparking intense booing from the audience. Kingston provocatively added, "Yeah, boo him. We think he sucks, too," after labeling Lamar as "a trash rapper," leading to mixed reactions online. Fans on Reddit praised the New Day for their ability to garner 'heel heat' and craftively engage with the audience.
The show highlighted the shifting dynamics within the WWE universe. While The Rock’s acceptance of his family heritage, by presenting the Ula Fala to Reigns, was celebrated, fans were conflicted. One wrote on social media, "The Rock, but the streets NEED The Final Boss! WAKE TF UP." Many fans noted the stark difference between his charming, commercial persona during the Netflix debut and the fierce aggression portrayed last year.
The match card was nothing short of exhilarating, with encounters like CM Punk squaring off against Seth Rollins and Liv Morgan battling Rhea Ripley, all contributing to the evening’s success. Audiences were not just entertained but also engaged with the production's energy, marking the new beginning of WWE on Netflix.
With The Rock also acquiring additional shares of TKO stock as he becomes more involved with the company, the role he portrays becomes even more significant. Recently, he acquired 96,557 Class A shares of TKO stock, bringing his total to 289,673 and valued around $41 million. Fans have speculated how this financial stake might influence character portrayals going forward.
WWE Raw's debut on Netflix was certainly ambitious, aiming to engage long-standing fans and capture new audiences as well. While some embraced the night's tonal shifts, others grappled with the alterations to beloved characters, reflecting the broader challenges of appealing to diverse audiences. Overall, WWE appears committed to reinforcing its brand values and creating new experiences for both loyal followers and newcomers alike.