WWE begins a groundbreaking chapter as it partners with Netflix, launching the iconic “Monday Night Raw” through the streaming platform. This strategic move marks the onset of a 10-year collaboration that is predicted to flourish, especially given WWE’s ever-expanding global footprint—nearly half of its premium events have occurred outside of the U.S. in the past year.
The milestone event, the 1,650th episode of “Monday Night Raw,” commenced this new partnership at the Intuit Dome near Los Angeles, solidifying WWE’s ambitious vision. This deal, valued at over $5 billion, offers Netflix the option to extend the contract beyond ten years, indicating the confidence both parties have in this alliance.
Nick Khan, WWE’s president, emphasized the shared goal of appealing to diverse global audiences, while Netflix’s broad subscriber base—over 282 million users in more than 190 countries—positions them well as the exclusive host for “Raw” in the U.S., Canada, the UK, and Latin America, with plans for additional regions in the future. Importantly, this partnership will also allow Netflix to showcase other WWE programming, including “Smackdown,” “NXT,” and major events like WrestleMania.
Netflix’s chief content officer, Bela Bajaria, highlighted the inherent excitement in blending WWE’s fervent fanbase with compelling storytelling and character development, suggesting potential growth in viewership akin to the success seen with Formula 1’s “Drive to Survive.”
WWE has seen its audience engage actively on social media and boasts remarkable viewer numbers, exemplified by “Raw,” which attracted 1.6 million viewers on its final episode on USA Network, despite competing with Monday Night Football. This audience stability reassures Netflix executives that their collaboration will yield positive results.
Khan and WWE’s chief content officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque have affirmed that transitioning to streaming will not detract from the show’s popularity, insisting on maintaining a family-friendly approach. This commitment comes even as the company navigates the aftermath of leadership changes and acquisitions, including the merger with the Ultimate Fighting Championship to form TKO Group Holdings.
With significant events lined up, including John Cena’s farewell tour and potential surprises from stars like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, WWE fans have much to look forward to. This partnership not only promises more accessible content but also reinforces WWE’s position as a resilient leader in the entertainment landscape.
As WWE embarks on this streaming adventure, fans can anticipate thrilling content year-round, reflecting the company’s commitment to innovative storytelling and audience engagement. This collaboration also showcases the potential for traditional entertainment to evolve in the digital age, fostering a dynamic experience for fans around the world.