In a groundbreaking move, WWE’s flagship program, Monday Night Raw, debuted on Netflix on January 6, 2025, live from the state-of-the-art Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. This event marked WWE’s transition from traditional cable to streaming and signaled the commencement of John Cena’s highly anticipated farewell tour.
The partnership between WWE and Netflix, a decade-long deal valued at over $5 billion, aims to expand WWE’s global reach by leveraging Netflix’s extensive subscriber base. This agreement encompasses live broadcasts of Raw, SmackDown, and major events like “WrestleMania,” initially available in territories including the U.S., Canada, and Latin America, with plans for further expansion.
Netflix chief content officer Bela Bejaria expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, telling Reuters, “Combining the intensity of WWE fans with the fandom and reach of Netflix just made sense.”
The event was further elevated by the launch of John Cena’s farewell tour. Cena, a 16-time World Champion and one of WWE’s most iconic figures announced that 2025 would be his final year of in-ring competition. Addressing the WWE Universe, Cena shared on X, “Honored to be a part of [a] history-making night with a star-studded lineup. A must-see, can’t-miss episode!”
Fans are eagerly anticipating the possibility of Cena securing a record-breaking 17th World Title during his farewell tour, with speculation about a culminating match against Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 41.
The premiere was a spectacle of wrestling entertainment, featuring appearances from legends such as Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, The Undertaker, and Hulk Hogan. The Rock’s return was particularly electrifying, as he engaged with the audience and hinted at future in-ring action.
The event’s lineup included high-profile matches:
- CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins: A hard-fought battle that showcased both superstars’ resilience, culminating in a victory for CM Punk.
- Roman Reigns vs. Solo Sikoa: A display of power and strategy, with Reigns emerging victorious, further solidifying his dominance.
- Liv Morgan vs. Rhea Ripley for the Women’s World Championship: An intense contest that ended with Ripley retaining her title.
Additionally, appearances by Logan Paul and a live performance by rapper Travis Scott, who debuted the show’s new theme song, added to the event’s entertainment value, as reported by Forbes.
The WWE Universe responded with overwhelming enthusiasm to the Netflix debut, praising the seamless streaming experience and the star-studded lineup. Social media platforms buzzed with excitement, with fans expressing anticipation for future episodes and the continuation of Cena’s farewell tour.
WWE’s move to Netflix represents a significant shift in sports entertainment broadcasting, aiming to attract a broader, more diverse audience. With plans to expand WWE’s regional availability through 2025 and 2026, fans worldwide can look forward to more accessible content and enhanced viewing experiences.
As WWE continues to innovate and adapt to the evolving media landscape, the collaboration with Netflix sets the stage for a new era of wrestling entertainment, promising fans unprecedented access to their favorite superstars and events.
