WWE is expanding its network partners as RAW moves to Netflix next year while NXT lands on The CW Network this fall.
WWE Monday Night RAW will be airing on Netflix starting in January 2025. This will be the first time RAW will not air new episodes on a traditional television network.
During a recent appearance on “The Town” podcast, WWE President Nick Khan discussed the company’s relationship with NBCUniversal amid the changes. He said,
“We love the NBCU folks. They truly have been great. We were one of the first people, I think, who bought into Peacock.”
WWE moved their WWE Network platform in the United States over to Peacock in January 2021. That deal will expire in January 2026.
WWE Expands Network Partners: RAW Moves to Netflix, NXT Lands on The CW Network
In a groundbreaking move, WWE has announced that its flagship show, Monday Night RAW, will be moving to Netflix starting in January 2025. This marks the first time that RAW will not air new episodes on a traditional television network. Additionally, WWE’s developmental brand, NXT, will be landing on The CW Network this fall, further expanding the company’s network partners.
The decision to shift RAW to Netflix is a significant step for WWE as it embraces the changing landscape of media consumption. With the rise of streaming platforms, traditional television networks are facing stiff competition. By partnering with Netflix, WWE aims to reach a wider audience and tap into the platform’s massive subscriber base.
During a recent appearance on “The Town” podcast, WWE President Nick Khan expressed his appreciation for the company’s relationship with NBCUniversal, which has been its long-standing television partner. Khan acknowledged NBCU’s support and highlighted their early adoption of the Peacock streaming service.
WWE made a strategic move in January 2021 by shifting its WWE Network platform in the United States to Peacock. This decision allowed WWE to leverage the extensive reach and resources of NBCUniversal while providing fans with a more streamlined viewing experience. The deal with Peacock is set to expire in January 2026.
With RAW’s move to Netflix, WWE is poised to explore new avenues for content distribution and capitalize on the global reach of the streaming giant. Netflix’s vast international presence will enable WWE to expand its fanbase beyond traditional television markets and cater to a more diverse audience.
Simultaneously, NXT’s arrival on The CW Network signifies WWE’s commitment to nurturing its developmental talent and providing them with a platform to showcase their skills. The CW Network has a strong track record of airing popular shows targeted at younger demographics, making it an ideal fit for NXT’s high-energy and fast-paced wrestling action.
The partnership with The CW Network will give NXT greater exposure and potentially attract new viewers who may not have been familiar with WWE’s developmental brand. This move aligns with WWE’s strategy of creating a pipeline for talent development and ensuring a steady supply of future superstars for its main roster.
As WWE expands its network partners, it demonstrates the company’s adaptability and willingness to embrace new technologies and platforms. By diversifying its distribution channels, WWE aims to stay ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving media landscape.
The move of RAW to Netflix and NXT to The CW Network represents a significant shift in the wrestling industry and sets a precedent for other promotions to explore alternative avenues for content delivery. As fans eagerly await these changes, it remains to be seen how WWE will leverage its expanded network partnerships to elevate its programming and engage a broader audience.