WWE transitioning to Netflix is a major shift in professional wrestling broadcasting. This move ends WWE’s relationship with traditional television and sets up a number of changes in the way wrestling is presented and consumed, starting January 6, 2025, with Monday Night Raw. So, in this article, we will explore the major changes of this transition, such as changes in content, audience interaction and wider impact on wrestling betting.
What Is WWE’s Release Date on Netflix?
Streaming giant, Netflix, said in January 2024 that they have signed a ten-year deal worth over USD 5 billion for the broadcast rights to the World Wrestling Entertainment flagship show, Raw, starting in January 2025. This partnership will bring Raw to Netflix in the U.S., the U.K., Canada, Latin America, and other regions.
Along with the current Raw program, Netflix will also have exclusivity on all WWE programs and specials outside the USA, including live telecasts of SmackDown and major pay-per-view events such as WrestleMania and Royal Rumble.
International viewers (outside the US) will get WWE content three days earlier, beginning January 3, 2025. The first episode of Monday Night Raw on Netflix will feature big WWE stars like John Cena, who is reportedly starting his retirement at this event. This premiere will be nostalgic for fans and a transition for the WWE from traditional television to a streaming model.
What to Expect After the Transition to Netflix?
WWE Chief Creative Officer, Paul “Triple H” Levesque, gave a major update on content standards on The Pat McAfee Show. WWE will not have to censor inappropriate or explicit content when it moves to Netflix, he said. This statement highlights a frustration with traditional networks whose excessive censorship has occasionally ruined viewing.
But the changes for Raw extend beyond censorship removal. Some developments fans can expect when the show moves to its new streaming service:
No Pre-Emption Issues
Fans can forget pre-emption fears with the move to Netflix. For years, viewers faced interruptions like the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show or the Summer Olympics that forced Raw to change channels or times. These changes caused fan frustration and dropped viewership as fans searched for the show on different channels.
Now that Raw has switched to Netflix, such fears will become a thing of the past. The viewers can simply launch the Netflix application and catch them without the fear of some sudden change of schedule. It will surely be a smoother as well as a more fulfilling viewing experience for every viewer. This switch should help with reliability, so fans never miss an episode despite outside events.
New Rating Metrics on Netflix
Ratings during the Monday Night Wars helped determine how popular WWF’s Raw and WCW’s Nitro were. Fans recall when Nitro consistently topped Raw in viewers at the time. Ratings still matter today for wrestling shows, especially WWE and AEW. But that may be about to change with Raw moving to Netflix.
TV ratings are normally measured by Nielsen surveying a subset of households. Each rating point covers 1% of all U.S. TV homes, translating to roughly 1.25 million homes viewing a show. It’s been the standard for assessing program success.
Rather than reporting viewership as hours watched minus runtime, Netflix reports viewership as “views.” Those changes will raise questions about how to compare Raw’s popularity in its new streaming format, especially with fans adjusting to differences between Netflix and cable subscriptions.
New Stage
In this new phase of Raw, fans can expect some new visuals. WWE updates its sets during transitions. For example, SmackDown was redesigned with cool metal structures and LED screens when it switched to FOX in 2019. This gave the show energy.
Since WWE calls this a new era for Raw on Netflix, expect a new stage and entrance design. The six-sided ring and red color scheme probably won’t be changing either, but fans can expect a new set for this new Raw chapter.
Shorter Ads and Commercials
Fans are familiar with the traditional commercial breaks that interrupt WWE matches on TV. The commentary team usually hints at what happens next when a wrestler leaves the ring, and then a commercial break follows. A small window sometimes shows the match continuing while ads run but these mid-match interruptions have been part of the experience for years.
But moving Raw to Netflix might change that. Though Netflix has begun putting ads in, it is more flexible about how it runs them. Therefore, this means that commercials may be shorter or positioned differently than on traditional TV. Reports claim Netflix could go with 30-second ads instead of longer breaks that would interrupt the show less.
For fans, this could be a big improvement. Shorter ads may reduce pauses during crucial matches. It might take some getting used to, but the changes could overall make watching easier.
Raw’s Schedule on Netflix
For more than three decades, the WWE’s Raw has aired on Monday nights because of the USA Network schedule. Raw could not move to another night, like Tuesday or Wednesday, because time slots were already reserved for other shows. Such a routine is a WWE tradition.
But moving Raw to Netflix might change that. Netflix has no fixed schedule like traditional TV. This may allow WWE flexibility on when to air the show. They could start Raw later for West Coast viewers or move it to another night if that venue is full or a storm forces a change.
Although WWE probably won’t break with the Monday night tradition, Netflix allows them to experiment. It could move from a new night or change its time if the wrestlers and Netflix see fit.
More Frequent Special Episodes on Raw
The move to Netflix might allow WWE more freedom to make Raw feel like a special event more often. In recent years, venues have been packed with Raw. That trend likely will continue, but Netflix offers a break from Raw’s traditional structure.
Rather than doing opening promos or scheduled matches every hour, as usual, WWE could do themed episodes of Raw instead. These specials could revolve around popular concepts like Evolution (the all-women’s show), King of the Ring or even bring back Bash at the Beach and Starrcade. Netflix may even allow completely new themes for the show.
With WWE already putting on international pay-per-view events, Netflix would let them put these special episodes on the U.S. schedule without taking over the pay-per-view schedule. With this new flexibility, Raw could get more excitement and variety and keep viewers interested in unique, year-round must-see events.
Future Opportunities in Wrestling Betting
Monday Night Raw will exclusively stream on the streaming platform starting in January 2025, and this move is expected to bring in more people and increase interest in wrestling betting.
With WWE programming available on Netflix, casual viewers will likely become avid bettors. With real-time streaming, fans can also place bets live at events. Since wrestling is now available worldwide, it could create more competitive odds that draw bettors from different locales.
New Collaborations and Partnerships
The way WWE promotes shows is going to change as WWE moves to Netflix. Fans have seen stars from USA Network shows interacting with WWE talent. Whether a celebrity sat ringside at Monday Night Raw or wrestlers guest-starred on TV series, these cross-promotions were part of the WWE experience.
With Netflix, these partnerships will look different. While product placements like energy drinks remain on Raw, cross-promotions will change. That change gives WWE exciting new possibilities. We might see guests from popular Netflix shows like Stranger Things or stars from Emily in Paris. WWE will need to find creative ways to connect its content with Netflix – which should deliver new fan experiences in this transition.
Conclusion
With WWE going to Netflix, a new era of wrestling entertainment begins. The fans can expect unique episodes and fun collaborations. This transition increases accessibility and opens up a new audience. With WWE adjusting to this streaming model, new innovations could change how wrestling is enjoyed around the world.