WWE is making preparations for the premiere of Monday Night RAW on Netflix in January 2025. However, questions persist regarding the running time of the show.
Although the expectations are high with fans hoping that RAW will return to its three-hour format, new information from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter reveals ongoing discussions behind closed doors on the matter.
The report indicated that a final decision on the exact duration of RAW episodes remains up in the air due to ongoing deliberations between WWE and Netflix. Dave Meltzer commented, “The impression we were given more than a month ago on RAW was that they don’t need to have a set time on Netflix.”
The implication from this statement suggests that WWE could adopt a flexible approach, adjusting the length of episodes according to creative requirements and weekly storyline progressions. However, Meltzer clarified that this flexibility is still under discussion. Although a three-hour format appears likely, the absence of specific broadcast time restrictions on Netflix gives WWE the flexibility to either shorten or extend episodes as needed.
In addition, Meltzer highlighted similar uncertainties about Friday Night SmackDown, which is slated to continue broadcasting on the USA Network. He said, “USA could use a third hour to help with the overall ratings of the station.”
With SmackDown poised to become USA Network’s sole wrestling program in January, the channel might propose a longer show duration to maintain viewer engagement.
Netflix’s first-ever RAW episode, set to take place in Los Angeles, is designed to attract major Netflix executives and showcase the show’s potential on the streaming platform.