Last year, WWE and Netflix announced that they had reached a landmark deal that will see the latter become home for the former’s flagship show – RAW. The Comcast USA network has been running the wrestling show for years, but things will change starting this year. Here’s everything you need to know about WWE’s move to Netflix and what it means for wrestling fans.
Why WWE Left Traditional TV for Netflix
It is easy to see why this shift took place. For starters, WWE sought to attract more viewers. The organization realized that young people nowadays live on streaming platforms, as traditional broadcast slowly dies out. With such priorities in mind, Netflix would always be the most suitable alternative due to its global reach and brand power.
Moreover, let’s not forget the economic side of this. Netflix agreed to pay more than $5 billion for rights to show RAW and other WWE programming.
This 10-year agreement includes a clause allowing Netflix to opt-out after five years or extend the deal for another decade. Under this deal, Netflix holds exclusive streaming rights for RAW in the U.S., Canada, and the UK while also making the show available to a global audience.
What Fans Can Expect from WWE’s Streaming Era
There are some major differences you can expect when it comes to watching WWE events on Netflix. As a leading streaming platform in the world, here are a few important aspects that are likely to change:
- Convenience — You won’t need to browse through TV catalogues. Instead, you will notice that WWE is just a click away.
- High-quality streaming — It’s not that the network didn’t broadcast WWE in high quality, but your experience will likely go up a notch thanks to Netflix.
- Commentary improvement – Now, commentators will keep up with the action, which was often a major criticism with Network viewing.
- No censorship — You can expect to immerse yourself in the fight much better, as profanities are allowed on Netflix – which was previously unprecedented.
- New audience — Netflix will surely attract a new audience to the WWE spectacle through new content such as documentaries (The Wrestler) and high-octane specials.
- More celebrities present — Many celebrities grew up wrestling fans, and the Netflix partnership seems to have reignited that passion. Recent star sightings at WWE events show that the passion for wrestling has reignited.
The WWE and Netflix partnership seems like the perfect alliance, expanding the influence of wrestling not only within the show, but also in other forms of digital entertainment. WWE has a long history of reaching beyond the ring, influencing pop culture, film and even the gaming industry. For example, in recent years, more and more fans have been interacting with their favourite wrestling characters not only during broadcasts, but also through video games and themed slots. Those who want to try such games without risk can explore free slots no download, offering instant access to entertainment without installing software.
In this way, WWE continues to expand its presence in the digital world, offering fans new ways to engage, whether through streaming broadcasts, gaming projects or interactive shows that strengthen viewers’ connection with their favourite wrestling superstars.
Answering Fans’ Biggest Questions
Naturally, WWE’s move to Netflix has sparked plenty of discussion among wrestling fans, raising questions about how this shift will impact their viewing experience. With such a significant change, there’s curiosity about everything from streaming quality to content availability. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions — and what we know so far.
| Will There Be Streaming Issues? | Concerns about streaming reliability are understandable, especially after the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight, which faced major technical issues. However, Netflix assures fans that its platform is equipped to handle live events smoothly, promising a glitch-free experience. |
| Will the Classic Archive Be Available? | Yes, one of the most attractive propositions about this deal is that classic WWE PLEs will be available. |
| Will There Be Commercials on Monday Night RAW? | If you have a higher subscription, then you can expect to watch RAW commercial-free. |
| How Long Will Monday Night Raw Last? | There is no fixed schedule for air time, so WWE will run until it is over. |
| Is WWE Going to Be Censored? | No, censorship is not part of the deal. |
| Will WWE Cost Extra? | WWE content will be integrated into your Netflix subscription. |
A Partnership Built for Success
It won’t be a stretch to say that the new deal between WWE and Netflix is a recognition of the value live sports and entertainment content can produce when they are combined. Each participant in this deal gets a piece of the puzzle they need.
For Netflix, this deal delivers a highly engaged and fiercely loyal fan base — one that tunes in every week without fail. Wrestling fans are known for their dedication and deep knowledge of the sport, much like gamers who study patterns and odds before making a move. In fact, some of the most well-known professional gamblers have backgrounds in sports and entertainment, applying strategic thinking and risk assessment to both industries.
Another benefit Netflix gets is WWE’s structure — RAW runs for 52 weeks during the year and features a rotating door of wrestlers every Monday, so there is always content for fans to look forward to. This can result in more ad sales and higher subscriptions, which is the ultimate aim of a streaming platform like Netflix.
