WWE has embarked on a transformative journey as it transitions to streaming with the debut of Monday Night Raw on Netflix, marking a pivotal moment in the company’s history. The inaugural show aired on January 6, 2025, showcasing an impressive lineup of matches and special appearances that set the tone for this new chapter in sports entertainment.
The event featured four highly anticipated matches, beginning with the clash between CM Punk and Seth Rollins. Their long-standing rivalry reached its boiling point, culminating in a thrilling bout. Punk displayed resilience and skill, ultimately besting Rollins with his signature moves, resulting in an emotional win that could redefine both competitors’ futures within WWE.
Hulk Hogan’s return, however, was met with an unexpected backlash as he faced boos from the audience, highlighting the changing dynamics within the wrestling fan base. Meanwhile, Jey Uso secured a surprising victory over Drew McIntyre in what was a fast-paced matchup that left McIntyre frustrated.
The women’s championship bout between Liv Morgan and Rhea Ripley was an intense showdown that saw Ripley reclaim her title after a hard-fought battle. The presence of The Undertaker in congratulating Ripley added to the spectacle, bridging generations of WWE history.
John Cena commenced his farewell tour, sharing heartfelt sentiments with the Los Angeles crowd while declaring his intention to enter the Royal Rumble, igniting excitement about potential storylines leading to WrestleMania. The main event featured Roman Reigns defeating Solo Sikoa in tribal combat, showcasing a mix of chaos and combat that fans have come to expect from such matches, solidifying Reigns’ position as the Tribal Chief once again.
The evening concluded with a surprise appearance by The Rock, who commended both current champions and set the stage for future rivalries. The introduction of the Monday Night Raw theme by rapper Travis Scott added a modern twist to the iconic show, appealing to a new generation of fans.
The night was capped off by Triple H’s grand announcement, ushering in the “Netflix era,” which aims to bring WWE to a broader audience. This inaugural event promises to set the tone for an exciting year in WWE, full of potential surprises and engaging storylines.
Overall, WWE’s shift to Netflix signifies not just a change in broadcasting but also an opportunity to innovate and expand its reach. This evolution heralds a new era filled with possibilities for the organization and its global fan base, encouraging a sense of hope for what lies ahead in the world of professional wrestling.