Bill Simmons Goes Viral at WWE RAW Netflix Debut

Bill Simmons, the renowned sports analyst and founder of The Ringer, became an unexpected viral sensation during the Netflix debut of WWE RAW on Monday night. The 55-year-old was spotted in the front row, directly behind the announcer’s table, as WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella danced for the cameras during her introduction. Fans quickly took to social media to comment on Simmons’ stoic demeanor, with many joking about his apparent effort to avoid looking at Bella.

Simmons, who attended the event with his son Ben, appeared to be ‘locked in’ and staring straight ahead, prompting humorous reactions online. One fan quipped, ‘Why is he staring into the abyss like a serial killer?’ while another praised his ‘veteran discipline’ in avoiding the cameras. The clip, shared widely on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), also caught the attention of the ‘Sports Fails’ account BricksCenter, which joked, ‘Bill Simmons was fighting for his life.’

The event marked WWE RAW’s first broadcast on Netflix, drawing significant attention from both wrestling fans and media personalities. ESPN‘s Pat McAfee, who was on commentary duty alongside Michael Cole, also found himself in the spotlight as he exchanged greetings with Dwayne ‘The Rock‘ Johnson. Simmons’ presence added an extra layer of intrigue, given his past public exchanges with McAfee, which some speculated might have added tension to the evening.

Nikki Bella, 41, made a glamorous appearance at the event, her first major public outing since her divorce from ballroom dancer Artem Chigvintsev last year. The WWE star, whose real name is Nikki Garcia, retired in 2022 after a 15-year career alongside her twin sister Brie. Her appearance on Monday night was a reminder of her enduring popularity in the wrestling world.

Simmons, known for his work in sports media and podcasting, has not publicly commented on the viral moment. However, his presence at the event underscores the growing crossover between sports, entertainment, and streaming platforms. As WWE continues to expand its reach through Netflix, moments like these highlight the unique blend of drama and spectacle that defines professional wrestling.