Yes, WWE's flagship program, Monday Night Raw, is set to become exclusively available on Netflix in the United States and several other territories beginning in 2025.
The Future of WWE on Netflix
The landscape of sports entertainment is undergoing a significant transformation as World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) has forged a groundbreaking partnership with Netflix. This strategic move will see one of WWE's most iconic weekly shows transition from traditional television broadcasting to a global streaming platform, marking a pivotal moment for both companies and how fans consume live wrestling content.
Key Details of the Partnership
The agreement specifically focuses on WWE Raw, ensuring its exclusive availability on Netflix in key regions. This represents a substantial shift for millions of fans who have historically watched the program on linear television channels.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Start Date | January 6, 2025 |
| Content | WWE Raw will be exclusively streamed live |
| Key Regions | United States, American Samoa, Guam, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Mariana Islands, Palau, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands |
Implications for Fans and the Industry
This move signals a major shift in how fans will access WWE content and highlights Netflix's expanding ambitions in live programming.
For WWE Fans
- New Viewing Platform: Fans in the specified territories will need a Netflix subscription to watch WWE Raw live or on demand, marking a significant departure from traditional cable or satellite TV.
- Accessibility: The transition to a streaming service could potentially enhance the accessibility of Raw for cord-cutters and a broader audience already subscribed to Netflix.
- User Experience: Netflix's streaming capabilities may offer enhanced features such as multiple language options, immediate on-demand access to past episodes, and seamless integration into existing Netflix profiles.
For the Streaming Landscape
- Netflix's Live Content Push: This deal solidifies Netflix's aggressive entry into live sports and entertainment, a domain traditionally dominated by linear television. It demonstrates Netflix's commitment to diversifying its content library beyond scripted series and movies.
- Competition in Streaming: The acquisition of WWE Raw rights intensifies the competition among streaming services vying for exclusive live content to attract and retain subscribers. This could prompt other platforms to pursue similar high-profile live events.
- Future of Content Distribution: The partnership sets a precedent for how major live entertainment properties might negotiate their future broadcasting rights, potentially leading to more shifts from linear TV to streaming platforms across the entertainment industry.
Beyond Raw: Other WWE Content
It's important to note that while WWE Raw is specifically moving to Netflix in the listed territories, other WWE programming, such as Friday Night SmackDown and premium live events (e.g., WrestleMania, Royal Rumble), may remain on different platforms or have separate international deals. The Netflix agreement primarily focuses on establishing Raw as a cornerstone of its live content offering starting in 2025.
