Netflix is making a significant push into live sports broadcasting, adding professional wrestling to its growing portfolio. The streaming giant will debut its weekly live broadcasts of WWE’s flagship program, “Raw,” marking another milestone in its foray into the live sports arena. This move follows recent successful broadcasts of NFL Christmas Day games and the high-profile Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul fight, demonstrating Netflix’s increasing commitment to live content despite past technical challenges. The premiere episode of “Raw” on Netflix is set to be a star-studded affair, featuring appearances by wrestling icons like John Cena, Logan Paul, Cody Rhodes, and Roman Reigns, as well as rapper Travis Scott, who composed the show’s new theme song. This collaboration signals Netflix’s intent to attract a wider audience by incorporating mainstream entertainment elements into its sports programming.
The deal between Netflix and WWE, valued at a substantial $5 billion over ten years, underscores the importance of live sports rights in the current streaming landscape. While Netflix has the option to exit the agreement after five years, the initial commitment suggests a significant investment in the future of live wrestling content on the platform. Netflix will broadcast “Raw” weekly, taking over from the USA Network, which retains the rights to “SmackDown” in the US. However, Netflix will air “SmackDown” internationally, along with major WWE events like WrestleMania, SummerSlam, and Royal Rumble, expanding the global reach of these spectacles. This strategic move allows Netflix to capitalize on the international popularity of wrestling while solidifying its position as a major player in live sports streaming.
The “Raw” premiere, airing live from the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, will feature a highly anticipated match between women’s world champion Liv Morgan and Rhea Ripley. Other key matchups include Roman Reigns vs. Solo Sikoa, Drew McIntyre vs. Jey Uso, and CM Punk vs. Seth “Freakin” Rollins, promising an action-packed evening for wrestling fans. For those who miss the live broadcast, Netflix will make episodes available on demand immediately after they air, catering to viewers’ evolving consumption habits. This accessibility is crucial for Netflix to attract and retain subscribers in a competitive streaming market.
Beyond the “Raw” deal, WWE has also experimented with shorter-form content on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), demonstrating its willingness to adapt to changing media consumption patterns. The five-minute matches broadcast on X catered to a younger demographic accustomed to shorter, easily digestible content. This multi-platform approach indicates WWE’s proactive engagement with diverse audiences and its recognition of the growing importance of digital platforms. WWE’s expansive reach on X, with over 14 million followers, underscores its significant online presence and provides a built-in audience for Netflix’s live streams.
The history of WWE is intertwined with the McMahon family, particularly Vince and Linda McMahon. Their leadership has been marked by both success and controversy. Vince McMahon’s multiple resignations from WWE, stemming from allegations of sexual misconduct and hush-money payments, have cast a shadow over the organization. The ongoing legal battles, including a lawsuit accusing McMahon of sex trafficking and another alleging the company’s complicity in the sexual exploitation of children, raise serious concerns about the ethical practices within WWE. These legal challenges pose a significant reputational risk for both WWE and Netflix as they embark on this new broadcasting partnership.
Netflix’s entry into live sports has been marked by both successes and significant technical hurdles. The Chris Rock comedy special in 2023 marked the platform’s first foray into live streaming, but a disastrous “Love is Blind” reunion, plagued by technical difficulties, raised concerns about Netflix’s preparedness for live broadcasts. The Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul fight, while attracting a massive viewership, also experienced glitches and delays, further fueling doubts about the platform’s technical capabilities. The subsequent NFL Christmas Day games broadcast, however, marked a turning point, demonstrating improved stability and performance. While minor issues were reported, the largely glitch-free broadcast provided a much-needed boost of confidence in Netflix’s ability to handle live sports. The success of the NFL broadcast was crucial in paving the way for the WWE “Raw” deal, demonstrating Netflix’s growing capability in handling high-profile live events.
