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.
The deal with Netflix is worth $500 million annually and will span over ten years. This represents a significant increase compared to WWE’s previous deal with NBCU, valued at approximately $250-260 million per year.
On a recent edition of the “Busted Open Radio” podcast, Bully Ray weighed in on the massive $5 billion streaming deal between WWE and Netflix.
You can check out some highlights from the podcast below:
On the bump in rights fees: “Based on the price tag, it’s a ten-year deal worth five billion … dollars. For that amount of money? I mean, how much was Fox paying ‘SmackDown’ per year? 285 million dollars? This is a significant increase.”
On if moving to Netflix will hurt WWE’s audience: “This is not going to affect the WWE, and maybe going to Netflix might be a tad more difficult than turning on the USA Network, it’ll take some getting used to… WWE just doesn’t make these whimsical decisions, everything is based on business.”
On the one issue he has with it: “What is some of the things we’re not going to do while watching Monday Night RAW? Okay, we can’t channel surf When is this going to be an issue for me? Maybe during Monday Night Football season? Because I can’t flip back and forth…. They have no restraints, and the WWE likes it when they don’t have to answer to anybody.”
In a groundbreaking move, WWE Monday Night RAW will be making its way to Netflix in January 2025. This marks a significant shift for the popular wrestling show, as it will no longer air new episodes on traditional television networks. The deal between WWE and Netflix is valued at a staggering $500 million annually and will span over ten years, representing a substantial increase compared to WWE’s previous agreement with NBCU.
The news of WWE’s partnership with Netflix has generated a buzz among fans and industry experts alike. Bully Ray, a former professional wrestler and current wrestling analyst, recently shared his thoughts on the massive $5 billion streaming deal during an episode of the “Busted Open Radio” podcast.
Ray highlighted the significant bump in rights fees that WWE will receive from this deal. With a price tag of $5 billion over ten years, it is evident that Netflix sees immense value in bringing WWE content to its platform. This deal far surpasses the previous agreement with Fox, which paid approximately $285 million per year for broadcasting “SmackDown.” The substantial increase in revenue is a testament to the popularity and global reach of WWE programming.
While some may question whether the move to Netflix will negatively impact WWE’s audience, Ray believes that the transition will not hinder the company’s success. He acknowledges that adjusting to watching WWE on Netflix might take some getting used to, as it differs from simply turning on the USA Network. However, he emphasizes that WWE’s decisions are always based on business considerations, and they would not make such a move if it were detrimental to their audience.
One concern raised by Ray is the potential limitation of channel surfing while watching Monday Night RAW on Netflix. Unlike traditional television, where viewers can easily switch between channels, streaming platforms like Netflix offer a more focused viewing experience. This might pose a challenge for fans who enjoy flipping back and forth between Monday Night RAW and other shows, particularly during the Monday Night Football season. However, Ray also notes that WWE enjoys the freedom of not having to answer to any network restrictions, allowing them to explore creative avenues without constraints.
The partnership between WWE and Netflix signifies the growing influence of streaming platforms in the entertainment industry. As more viewers opt for on-demand content, traditional television networks are facing stiff competition from streaming giants like Netflix. This deal not only solidifies WWE’s presence in the digital landscape but also highlights the company’s ability to adapt to changing viewer preferences.
In conclusion, WWE’s decision to bring Monday Night RAW to Netflix starting in January 2025 is a groundbreaking move that reflects the evolving media landscape. The $500 million annual deal over ten years represents a significant increase in rights fees for WWE and demonstrates the company’s commitment to staying at the forefront of the industry. While there may be some adjustments for fans, the move to Netflix is expected to have a positive impact on WWE’s global reach and revenue.