The WWE’s flagship show, Monday Night RAW, is all set to undergo a massive overhaul beginning next month. A report from PWInsider suggests that the red brand will be leaving the USA Network and making its debut on Netflix, a move that will have significant implications for viewers worldwide. For the first time in its history, RAW will be streamed live on Netflix, without any tape delays or time zone limitations. This means that fans will be able to watch the show as it happens, regardless of their location.
The report suggests that RAW will be available live and on-demand immediately after it ends, marking the end of tape delays and the ability to watch the show at a later time. This change will be a significant departure from the traditional broadcast model, where shows would be recorded and then broadcast at a later time.
Triple H, the WWE Chief Content Officer, has publicly praised the move, calling it a “game changer” for the company. In an interview with Deadline, he explained that the opportunity to air RAW on Netflix was too exciting to pass up. “There was no doubt in my mind,” he said. “As soon as that conversation happened and the first time [streaming] was brought up, in my mind, I was like, ‘Oh, my God! that’s a game changer for us.’ Not only because of the environment, like the reach and how much that can expand our base, but just look at the shows they do. [Look] at the things that they do and the freedom that they have within that. It’s a game changer for us.”
The move is set to take place on January 6, 2025, when RAW will make its debut on Netflix. Several high-profile stars, including John Cena, have been advertised for the show. SmackDown will remain on cable in the United States, while premium live events will still be available on Peacock.
The shift to Netflix is expected to bring significant changes to the way WWE produces and broadcasts its shows. The company will be able to reach a wider audience through Netflix’s global streaming platform, and will no longer be limited by traditional broadcast constraints. The move is seen as a major step forward for the WWE, and is likely to have significant implications for the world of professional wrestling.
