WWE Launches Netflix Era with Star-Studded Return of Iconic Wrestlers
WWE’s flagship show, Raw, premiered on Netflix in grand style, bringing legendary names like The Rock, John Cena, and The Undertaker back into the spotlight during an electrifying three-hour event in Los Angeles.
For over three decades, Raw dominated broadcast television globally. However, the historic shift to Netflix marks a new chapter for professional wrestling, following the WWE-UFC merger under the TKO banner. This move makes Raw exclusive to streaming, a bold leap into the digital era.
The show, which reportedly garners 17.5 million weekly viewers in the U.S. and boasts a billion followers across social media, didn’t disappoint. Reviews highlighted the night’s high points, such as incredible production quality and thrilling matches, though some criticized the repetitive promos by stars like Triple H, The Rock, and John Cena. Hulk Hogan’s appearance, however, was met with boos from the California crowd, with many calling it a misstep.
Cena’s Emotional Farewell Tour
One of the night’s most emotional moments was John Cena’s announcement that 2025 would be his final year as an active competitor. Widely regarded as one of WWE’s greatest performers, Cena has held the world champion title a record-tying 16 times since his debut in 2001. He kicked off his farewell tour with heartfelt words, promising to give fans unforgettable matches, including his aim to win the Royal Rumble in February.
The Rock’s Electrifying Return
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, a TKO director and WWE icon, made waves with his surprise return. Known for his villainous “Final Boss” persona, The Rock chose to embrace the night’s historic significance. He stunned fans by reconciling with former rival Cody Rhodes and later appearing in support of Roman Reigns during the climactic Tribal Combat Match. His unexpected embrace of Reigns left the crowd buzzing.
The Undertaker’s Cameo and Women’s Championship Spotlight
The Undertaker thrilled fans with a dramatic entrance on his motorcycle to celebrate Rhea Ripley’s victory in the Women’s World Championship. The culmination of Ripley’s long-term storyline with Liv Morgan ended with Ripley claiming the title. Fans captured the unforgettable moment as The Undertaker and Ripley raised their arms in triumph.
CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins: Night’s Best Match
The heated rivalry between CM Punk and Seth Rollins delivered the night’s standout in-ring action. Their highly praised back-and-forth promos led to an intense match, with CM Punk ultimately securing the win. Even the polarizing nature of Punk couldn’t detract from the excitement surrounding this clash.
Netflix Deal: A Game-Changer for WWE
Netflix’s $5 billion deal to stream Raw and other WWE programming, including archived content, represents a seismic shift. Fans outside the U.S. can now access weekly shows like SmackDown, NXT, and live events such as WrestleMania and Royal Rumble. The deal initially covers the U.S., Canada, UK, and Latin America, with plans for global expansion.
Brandon Thurston of Wrestlenomics highlighted the potential for WWE to attract younger, more diverse audiences. “Streaming is the future, and Netflix’s massive reach can introduce WWE to millions of new fans,” he said. The flexibility of the platform also allows WWE to experiment with runtime and content style, free from traditional TV constraints.
However, Thurston cautioned about potential risks tied to Netflix’s subscriber base. “While Netflix is ahead of its competitors, relying solely on a single platform has its challenges,” he noted.
Bonus Surprises: Travis Scott and More
The event also featured unexpected appearances, including rapper Travis Scott, who wowed fans by entering the arena during the show. His presence added an extra layer of excitement to an already unforgettable night.
With WWE embracing Netflix, the move signals a bold step forward in the company’s evolution. From iconic returns to boundary-pushing production, the night’s debut proved that WWE’s Netflix era is off to an electrifying start.
