On the latest episode of his “The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy” podcast, AEW wrestler Matt Hardy discussed a wide range of topics.
During the podcast, Hardy discussed his thoughts on the deal that WWE and Netflix reached to move Monday Night RAW to the streaming service in January 2025. He said,
“It was big, it was shocking. Once I heard that and I started hearing the details and I educated myself on what was going on, that’s massive. That’s a massive deal. Just the fact that they have this massive platform from Netflix. Literally, you can put out your own WWE branded content, pretty much without limit. It’s not like a TV station where you have certain time, everything is streaming, so that would allow for so many projects outside of the regular pro wrestling. You can have The Undertaker have a show, you can have guys that retire that can’t wrestle [have a show], the potentials are endless when it comes to that. The fact that WWE is putting Raw on Netflix — I know this was a big Vince thing but I’m sure it is embedded in the WWE mindset, ‘Make sure to say this, it’s very important. WWE are the first company ever to have their flagship program streaming, the first ever.’ First evers were always a great way to try and get your point over in WWE if you’re trying to sell something. If it was the first ever, that was a strong selling point with Vince and I’m sure it’s still embedded in the WWE culture now.”
When asked whether he thought the show would move to a streaming service one day, Hardy said,
“I mean yes, I did. It’s evolution, right? Times change, technology changes. As much as we might dislike it or hate it, we have to face the reality that times change. Everything changes and streaming is definitely something that’s changed. It becomes more and more relevant, it becomes more and more prevalent in our lives every single day. So yes, I knew this day would come. Did I know it would come today on January 23, 2024? No, not specifically, but I knew it was coming sooner rather than later.”
In a recent episode of his podcast, “The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy,” AEW wrestler Matt Hardy discussed various topics, including his thoughts on the deal between WWE and Netflix to move Monday Night RAW to the streaming service in January 2025.
Hardy expressed his astonishment at the deal, describing it as massive and shocking. He highlighted the significance of WWE having a platform as vast as Netflix, which allows for the release of WWE branded content without limitations. Unlike traditional television stations with specific time slots, streaming on Netflix provides endless opportunities for projects outside of regular professional wrestling. Hardy mentioned that retired wrestlers like The Undertaker could have their own shows, expanding the potential for diverse content.
The wrestler acknowledged that WWE’s decision to put Raw on Netflix was likely driven by Vince McMahon’s vision. He emphasized the importance of being the first company ever to have their flagship program streaming, as WWE has always valued being pioneers in their industry. Hardy believes that this mindset is still deeply embedded in WWE’s culture.
When asked if he anticipated the show moving to a streaming service, Hardy confirmed that he did. He recognized that times change, and technology evolves along with it. Streaming has become increasingly relevant and prevalent in people’s lives, and Hardy acknowledged that this day would eventually come. Although he didn’t predict the exact date of the move to Netflix, he believed it would happen sooner rather than later.
The shift of Monday Night RAW to Netflix marks a significant milestone for WWE and the wrestling industry as a whole. With the vast reach and flexibility of a streaming platform, WWE can explore new avenues for content creation and engage with a broader audience. Fans can look forward to a future where their favorite wrestlers, even after retirement, can continue entertaining them through unique shows and projects.
As technology continues to advance, it’s crucial for companies like WWE to adapt and embrace new platforms to stay relevant and cater to changing consumer preferences. The move to Netflix not only opens up exciting possibilities for WWE but also reflects the ever-evolving landscape of entertainment in the digital age.