WWE's flagship show, Raw, premiered on Netflix for the first time, marking a new chapter in the company's broadcasting history. The event took place in Los Angeles and featured the return of several iconic wrestling figures, including The Rock, John Cena, and The Undertaker. This three-hour spectacle not only highlighted WWE's dynamic storytelling but also initiated John Cena's "farewell tour," with the star announcing that 2025 will be his final year as a competitor.
Netflix has secured the rights to WWE programming, including archival content, with a staggering $5 billion deal. This agreement initially impacts fans in the USA, Canada, UK, and Latin America, with plans to expand globally. WWE's chief content officer, Paul 'Triple H' Levesque, emphasized the platform's advantage, stating that it offers "flexibility" regarding show timings. The partnership aims to broaden WWE's reach, particularly among newer and younger audiences.
"They have the freedom to not be bound to a time slot" – Brandon
The Los Angeles event was packed with memorable moments. The Rock, who previously played the villainous "The Final Boss," took to the stage to discuss the night's significance. He praised former rival Cody Rhodes and celebrated the historic nature of the evening. Meanwhile, John Cena expressed his enthusiasm for the occasion.
"Could not think of a better place to start" – John Cena
The show also witnessed a brief yet impactful return of The Undertaker. His appearance came at the climax of the Women's World Championship match between Liv Morgan and Rhea Ripley. This match marked the culmination of an extensive storyline, with Rhea Ripley emerging victorious to claim the championship.
In-ring action received accolades from fans and critics alike, particularly the high-energy bout between CM Punk and Seth Rollins. Despite some criticism that the show was "far from perfect," many recognized it for its "special moments." WWE's global presence remains formidable, boasting one billion followers across various social media platforms and attracting 17.5 million weekly viewers in the US alone.
The move to Netflix is a strategic effort for WWE to enter more households worldwide. However, industry observers like Brandon have noted potential challenges.
"That's definitely a possibility that Netflix could start to lose subscribers for one reason or another" – Brandon
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