WWE has made a significant transition by launching its flagship show, Raw, on Netflix, marking the beginning of a new era for the iconic wrestling promotion. The first episode featured appearances from legendary superstars like The Rock, John Cena, and The Undertaker, thrilling fans during the three-hour event held in Los Angeles. This change comes after 31 years of Raw being a staple on traditional broadcast television, as WWE’s parent company TKO opted to focus on streaming services.
With a staggering average of 17.5 million viewers weekly in the U.S. and a social media following exceeding one billion, WWE is looking to capitalize on its massive fanbase. Reviews of the debut episode on Netflix highlighted both strengths and weaknesses, noting impressive production quality and some memorable moments, but raising concerns about repetitive promotional content. While some appearances drew mixed reactions, such as Hulk Hogan facing boos from the audience, the in-ring action received largely positive feedback.
Notably, the event also signified the beginning of John Cena’s farewell tour, as he announced his retirement as a competitor for 2025. Cena reflected on the meaningfulness of starting his goodbye at such an iconic event. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, a key figure in WWE history and now a director at TKO, made a surprise appearance, fostering nostalgia and camaraderie among fans. The Undertaker also made a rare return, adding to the excitement of the night.
The $5 billion Netflix deal encompasses not only Raw but also other WWE content, including SmackDown, NXT, and significant pay-per-view events. Initially available to viewers in the U.S., Canada, the UK, and Latin America, this partnership has the potential to broaden WWE’s reach and appeal to younger demographics. Analysts believe the move towards streaming on such a popular platform could enhance viewership and engagement, reflecting a strategic pivot in a rapidly changing media landscape.
As WWE embraces this new streaming venture, there is hope for innovative content formats and engaging storytelling that can captivate both existing fans and newcomers. The shift presents a chance for further growth as WWE adapts to evolving viewer preferences in the digital age.