WWE Raw Debuts on Netflix, Marking Historic Shift in Broadcasting

WWE‘s flagship show, “Monday Night Raw,” made its highly anticipated debut on Netflix on January 6, 2025, marking the first time in 30 years that the program has not aired on a traditional linear broadcast. The move to Netflix, a platform with over 282 million global subscribers, represents a significant shift in WWE’s broadcasting strategy and a major milestone for the wrestling entertainment giant.

The debut episode, held at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, was produced with heightened production values, including advanced camera technology, drones, and a point-to-point sky cam system. Brian Fadem, WWE’s VP and line producer, emphasized the importance of making a strong first impression on Netflix’s global audience. “We want to make this show the spectacle, the level that we feel like it should be on a new platform like Netflix,” Fadem said.

For the first time, “Raw” will have a flexible runtime, aiming for a three-hour show with reduced commercial breaks for domestic audiences. International viewers will experience uninterrupted content, including exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes footage. “You’re going to see the continuation of a match. You’re going to see exclusive interviews with our talent,” Fadem explained.

The production team began planning for the Netflix debut as early as September 2024, a timeline Fadem described as “far earlier” than usual. The show’s grand stage included branding from major sponsors like Snickers, Epic Games, and Cricket, with Hulk Hogan‘s Real American Beer featured on the ring mat corners for the first time.

Rehearsals at the Intuit Dome showcased cutting-edge technology, including drones for aerial shots and a techno crane for intimate in-ring footage. The Goodyear Blimp provided additional aerial coverage, while a drone show with 1,200 units, including 200 equipped with pyro, set the tone for the event’s grandeur.

WWE’s move to Netflix comes after a $5 billion deal, signaling a new era for the company. The debut episode featured appearances by wrestling legends like The Rock and John Cena, as well as rising stars from WWE’s NXT division. The show’s flexible format and global reach aim to attract both longtime fans and new viewers, solidifying WWE’s position as a leader in sports entertainment.