Monday night marked the significant debut of WWE's flagship show, Monday Night Raw, on Netflix, delighting fans around the globe with high-profile matches and star-studded appearances. Under the newly forged $5 billion deal between WWE and Netflix, Raw is now set to air live each week at no additional cost to subscribers, symbolizing what many are calling a game-changer for sports entertainment.
The event took place at the sold-out Intuit Dome in Los Angeles and featured electrifying bouts starring some of the biggest names, including Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa, CM Punk and Seth Rollins, as well as Liv Morgan and Rhea Ripley. Each match was strategically placed to captivate the audience, making the night feel truly historic for WWE fans.
Celebrity appearances added to the spectacle, with iconic figures like The Rock, John Cena, and Hulk Hogan gracing the ring. The night commenced with Chief Content Officer Triple H introducing the new era, followed by The Rock stepping onto the stage to deliver motivational words about WWE’s fresh planning on Netflix. The People's Champion later presented the Ula Fala, significant to Samoan heritage, to his cousin, Roman Reigns, who triumphed over Sikoa after reclaiming his Tribal Chief title.
Yet, not all reactions were overwhelmingly positive. While newcomers to wrestling enjoyed the nostalgia and high-profile appearances, long-term fans of WWE expressed dissatisfaction with The Rock's character presentation during the show. Traditionally known for his hard-hitting, larger-than-life persona, The Rock adopted more of a corporate role, reminiscent of his early days—much to the chagrin of die-hard fans who yearned for the intense character arc known as 'The Final Boss.'
Comments from fans echoed their concerns, with one noting, "Why is he just being The Rock again, where is my The Final Boss?" Another lamented, "That was The Rock, but the streets NEED The Final Boss! WAKE TF UP!" The sentiment was clear: long-time viewers felt alienated by what appeared to be catering to casual viewers rather than honoring the storylines and character depth they long revered.
A notable moment occurred during the show's entertainment segment when The New Day, comprising Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston, provoked the crowd by dismissing rapper Kendrick Lamar as "trash." Their taunt didn't land well with the LA audience, who booed vociferously, adding to the drama of the night. Kingston responded to the jeers, saying, "Yeah, boo him. We think he sucks, too," propelling the audience's discontent even higher. This moment found resonance on social media, with fans both praising and critiquing the storytelling approach.
The star-studded affair highlighted the contradictions and challenges WWE faces as it transitions to streaming. The blockbuster event undoubtedly attracted mainstream attention, but the polarized reactions to key figures like The Rock remind them of the fierce allegiance of their traditional fanbase.
Eventually, this debut will live long in the memory, for good or ill, illustrating the complicated relationship between nostalgia, character consistency, and audience expectations. While WWE strives to reach new heights with Netflix, they must navigate these waters carefully, ensuring they don’t lose the very essence of what made them iconic over the past decades.
Looking forward, fans are left to wonder: Will WWE embrace its past heroes with the depth they expect, or will they continue to evolve, perhaps alienate long-standing supporters, as they aim to pull new fans through their Netflix partnership? The world of professional wrestling remains unpredictable, but the stakes have never been higher.