On January 6, WWE’s flagship show, “Monday Night Raw,” will debut on Netflix as part of a groundbreaking $5 billion, 10-year deal.
In addition, Netflix will own the rights to stream WWE’s other shows, such as its premium live events, “Friday Night SmackDown,” and “NXT,” outside the United States.
This agreement marks a seismic shift in both live event broadcasting and digital storytelling, bringing together two entertainment powerhouses to reshape their respective narratives.
What does this mean for WWE?
Traditionally aired on cable networks like USA Network (owned by NBCUniversal), WWE’s “Raw” has been a staple of weekly television since 1993.
Transitioning to Netflix, a platform synonymous with on-demand content and binge-worthy storytelling, WWE is poised to reach an expansive global audience while innovating the way it packages and presents its product.
So, while WWE’s other flagship show, “Friday Night SmackDown,” will stay on the USA Network after moving over from FOX, WWE has the unique opportunity to experiment with “Raw” while keeping it more traditional on “Smackdown.”
This Monday, “Raw” will stream live from the newly-established Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, and it is promising to be one of the most stacked shows in recent years. It will feature a lineup of John Cena, CM Punk, Roman Reigns, and Cody Rhodes. In addition, there are speculations that Becky Lynch or The Rock will return.
WWE wants to start its new era on Netflix with a bang, especially with likely record-breaking viewership on its debut episode. Without the traditional time constraints or guidelines from television programming, it will be interesting to see how WWE will evolve the show’s format.
This partnership could also enhance WWE’s storytelling capabilities. Netflix, renowned for its mastery in creating gripping narratives, may collaborate with WWE to introduce new episodic formats, behind-the-scenes documentaries, or character-driven mini-series. Such integrations could deepen fan engagement and provide fresh entry points for viewers unfamiliar with wrestling.
WWE’s Chief Creative Officer, Paul “Triple H” Levesque, has even expressed interest in developing new content on Netflix, with both sides looking to expand their audiences. “What WWE brings to the table is this platform that can build massive IP with a huge following. And now we have the ability to capitalize that any way we want to on a platform that is willing to go in any direction it takes.”
What does it mean for Netflix?
As the biggest streaming service in the world, with over 280 million subscribers, Netflix is still struggling to differentiate itself in the live sports and entertainment space.
The space offers ample opportunity for advertising, increased viewership, and big financial returns.
However, questions have arisen about whether Netflix can handle live events without interruptions or technological malfunctions.
The massive Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight, which apparently drew over 108 million viewers, encountered significant technical disruptions. Many viewers complained about the technical difficulties, such as prolonged buffering, poor image quality, and crashes.
The inaugural NFL Christmas games on Netflix had no major technical difficulties, although there were some issues, ranging from audio cutouts and buffering, during the pre-game events.
As mentioned earlier, “Raw” airs weekly, meaning that Netflix has a challenge in figuring out how to minimize its technical difficulties consistently rather than for one-time, special events.
For Netflix, acquiring “Raw” signals a strategic pivot into the lucrative live events space. Known primarily for its scripted series, films, and documentaries, Netflix’s foray into live sports entertainment broadens its content portfolio and allows it to compete directly with its competitors.
In recent years, Amazon Prime Video has found success in exclusively streaming Thursday Night Football in its partnership with the NFL.
Disney has a huge advantage in having majority ownership of ESPN and its vast sports portfolio. This past month, starting on December 4, Disney+ subscribers gained access to the ESPN+ sports content.
NBCUniversal and its streaming platform, Peacock, hosted the 2024 Summer Olympics and have featured exclusive Sunday Night Football games on Peacock. In addition, Peacock still owns the rights to WWE’s premium live events, such as WrestleMania, Royal Rumble, and SummerSlam, until March 2026.
This move could redefine how live content is consumed on streaming platforms. Netflix’s technological infrastructure, coupled with WWE’s expertise in live production, sets the stage for innovations in interactivity—such as real-time audience voting, dynamic camera angles, or tailored viewing experiences based on user preferences.
By embracing live events and partnering with WWE, Netflix demonstrates its commitment to being a comprehensive entertainment hub.
Reshaping the Narrative: From the Ring to the Screen
The partnership also reflects a broader shift in how stories are told and consumed in the digital age. WWE’s blend of athleticism and dramatic storytelling aligns well with Netflix’s strengths in creating compelling, character-driven content.
By moving “Raw” to Netflix, WWE can experiment with episodic arcs that parallel serialized drama, enhancing the emotional stakes and character development that fans love, especially heading into WrestleMania season.
And by utilizing Netflix’s global platform, algorithm-driven discovery, and reputation for original content, WWE could break out of its traditional fanbase and appeal to casual fans and newcomers, reaching millions of viewers who are not watching cable or broadcast networks.
As this partnership unfolds, it has the potential to set new standards for storytelling, interactivity, and audience engagement in the streaming era. There is so much that WWE and Netflix can explore, which should enhance the quality of both brands.
With “Raw” joining Netflix’s lineup, the worlds of wrestling and digital entertainment are poised to take us on an exhilarating chapter.
Leave a Reply