The Dawn of a New Era: WWE Raw Electrifies Netflix with Star-Studded Premiere
The world of professional wrestling witnessed a seismic shift on January 6, 2024, as WWE’s flagship program, Monday Night Raw, made its highly anticipated debut on Netflix. This monumental move, part of a staggering $500 million-per-year deal, marked a significant expansion of Netflix’s foray into live sports broadcasting, following successful ventures like streaming NFL Christmas games and the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight. The premiere episode, emanating from the brand-new Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, promised an electrifying night of action, featuring a confluence of wrestling legends, rising stars, and special guest appearances that sent shockwaves through the wrestling community.
The atmosphere was electric as fans worldwide tuned in to witness this historic event. The Intuit Dome, hosting its first wrestling spectacle since its grand opening in August 2024, provided a fitting backdrop for this new chapter in Raw’s illustrious history. The transition from the USA Network to Netflix signified a new era for WWE, opening the door to a wider audience and ushering in a fresh wave of excitement for the wrestling world. This move underscored Netflix’s commitment to diversifying its content offerings and solidifying its position as a major player in the live sports arena.
The night was brimming with star power, with appearances by wrestling icons like John Cena, who is set to officially retire from in-ring competition later in the year. Adding to the spectacle were appearances by social media sensation Logan Paul, the charismatic Cody Rhodes, and the dominant "Tribal Chief" Roman Reigns. The entertainment factor was further amplified by a live performance from rapper Travis Scott, who crafted the pulsating new theme song for WWE Raw. However, perhaps the most electrifying moment of the night came with the surprise return of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, who made a grand entrance to the roar of the crowd.
The Rock’s return, announced just a day prior on social media, was a poignant tribute to his wrestling lineage. He dedicated the night to his grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia, his grandmother, Lia Maivia, his father, Rocky "Soulman" Johnson, and all his ancestors who paved the way for his illustrious career. The Rock’s presence added an undeniable layer of prestige to the already historic event, solidifying the magnitude of Raw’s move to Netflix.
The in-ring action was as captivating as the star-studded guest list. The evening’s main event featured reigning Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan defending her title against the formidable Rhea Ripley. Other highly anticipated matchups included a clash of titans between Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa in a "Tribal Combat" match, a grudge match between Drew McIntyre and Jey Uso, and a showdown between CM Punk and Seth "Freakin" Rollins, promising a display of technical prowess and intense rivalry. The diverse match card ensured a thrilling night for wrestling fans of all persuasions.
The first WWE Monday Night Raw on Netflix commenced at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT, providing a convenient primetime slot for viewers across the United States. The three-and-a-half-hour broadcast was accessible to anyone with a Netflix subscription, with the Standard with ads plan starting at $6.99 per month, the standard (no ads) plan at $15.49 per month, and the premium (no ads) plan at $22.99 per month. For those who missed the live broadcast, Netflix made the episode available for streaming immediately after its conclusion, ensuring fans could catch all the action at their convenience. The ease of access and on-demand availability further cemented Netflix’s commitment to providing a seamless viewing experience for its subscribers.
The move to Netflix ushered in a new era for WWE Raw, broadening its reach and offering a more accessible platform for fans worldwide. The combination of wrestling legends, rising stars, and mainstream entertainment figures created a captivating spectacle that transcended the traditional wrestling audience. The January 6 premiere set the stage for a thrilling future of Monday Night Raw on Netflix, promising a continuous stream of high-octane action and captivating storylines. This partnership represents a significant evolution in the wrestling landscape, promising to bring the excitement of WWE to an even larger global audience.
