WWE’s Historic Move to Netflix: A New Era for Monday Night Raw
WWE is stepping into a new era, and it’s happening on Netflix. After dominating cable TV for more than 30 years
WWE is stepping into a new era, and it’s happening on Netflix. After dominating cable TV for more than 30 years, the iconic WWE Monday Night Raw is shifting to a streaming platform. In January 2024, Netflix secured the broadcasting rights for Raw in a monumental 10-year deal worth a staggering $5 billion. The move marks the end of Raw’s long run on USA Network, where it had aired since 2005. Now, as Raw makes its way to Netflix, WWE’s other flagship show, SmackDown, will remain on the USA Network, continuing its presence there.
This shift to Netflix is not just about a new streaming platform; it’s a bold step into a new era of sports entertainment. WWE is pulling out all the stops for the debut episode, which will be held at the new Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. This grand opening will feature WWE’s biggest stars, including fan favorites such as John Cena, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Cody Rhodes, and Rhea Ripley. It promises to be an unforgettable event, marking the start of WWE Raw’s streaming era.
The Premiere: What to Expect from the Netflix Debut
The premiere of WWE Raw on Netflix is set to kick off on Monday, January 6, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Historically, Raw aired for three hours during its tenure on USA Network, but for the second half of 2024, it transitioned to a two-hour format. However, as WWE Chief Content Officer Paul Levesque (also known as Triple H) revealed on the SI Media Podcast with Jimmy Traina, the runtime for Raw on Netflix will be “flexible.” Since the debut episode is expected to be a major spectacle, fans should anticipate a runtime closer to three hours than two.
How to Watch WWE Raw on Netflix
Starting on January 6, WWE Raw will be available for streaming exclusively on Netflix in the United States. Every Netflix subscription tier will include access to Raw. This means subscribers of all plans—Standard with ads, Standard, and Premium—can tune in to watch the show. The pricing for Netflix plans is as follows: $7 per month for the Standard with ads plan, $15 per month for the Standard plan, and $23 per month for the Premium plan.
In addition to streaming the show live, Raw will also be available for on-demand viewing immediately after the live broadcast. For viewers whose devices do not support live streaming, Raw will be available to watch on-demand a few days later, ensuring that fans won’t miss any of the action.
What’s in Store for the Premiere Episode?
While the first episode on Netflix is expected to be a grand spectacle, only four matches have been officially advertised so far. However, these four bouts alone are set to deliver high drama and fierce competition. The main event of the evening will feature a long-awaited showdown between two of WWE’s most polarizing figures: CM Punk and Seth “Freakin” Rollins. Their rivalry has been brewing for years, and their animosity has built up to a boiling point. Fans have eagerly awaited this match, and the tension between the two is sure to make for a thrilling main event.
Another major match to look out for is the contest between Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa. This battle goes beyond a typical wrestling match—it is a clash for the Ula Fala, a symbol of leadership in the Samoan tribe. The winner of this match will claim the title of Tribal Chief, a position of immense power and influence within the Samoan wrestling lineage. This match is also significant because of the presence of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. The Rock, who has had a complicated relationship with both Reigns and Sikoa, will be in attendance. Last year, The Rock sided with Reigns during the WrestleMania season, but his loyalties are unclear this time around. Will he continue to back Reigns, or will he switch allegiances and support Solo Sikoa? The drama surrounding this match is sure to captivate audiences.
The Future of WWE on Netflix
This transition to Netflix marks a significant shift in how WWE will engage with its audience moving forward. No longer confined to cable TV, WWE Raw will now be available on-demand, allowing fans to watch the action at their convenience. The flexibility of Netflix’s streaming platform also opens the door for more creative possibilities in terms of content. With the streaming platform’s global reach, WWE has the opportunity to expand its audience even further and engage fans in new ways.
Moreover, the historic deal with Netflix signifies WWE’s commitment to innovation and adaptation in the rapidly changing media landscape. As more sports and entertainment content moves toward streaming, WWE is positioning itself as a leader in the evolution of how fans consume live sports and entertainment.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for WWE
WWE’s move to Netflix is more than just a shift in broadcasting; it represents the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the company’s storied history. With a major financial deal in place, a prime-time debut, and some of the most intense matches in recent memory, WWE Raw’s Netflix premiere promises to be a landmark event for both the company and the world of sports entertainment. As the new era unfolds, WWE is set to redefine the way fans experience Monday Night Raw, with Netflix providing the perfect platform for this next phase in its evolution. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer, the premiere of WWE Raw on Netflix is an event you won’t want to miss.
