WWE has entered into an agreement with Netflix to shift its flagship event, Monday Night RAW, from the USA Network to the renowned streaming platform, beginning in January 2025.
Fightful provided an update on RAW’s transition to Netflix, shedding light on WWE’s strategic plans and the expectations of Netflix regarding live streaming of RAW.
The report illustrates that Netflix has shown eagerness in showcasing male Superstars like CM Punk, Roman Reigns, and Cody Rhodes on RAW. Currently, Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns are part of Friday Night SmackDown, while Punk is associated with the red brand.
When WWE was questioned regarding the supposed change, the company indicated that the final decision on the lineups post the transition to Netflix has not been made yet.
An upper-level WWE officer said: “Saudi wanted Yokozuna, we want Yokozuna back too, and I’m sure Netflix does, too,” without giving additional information about the conversation between the two organizations.
This comment pertains to an old rumor about discussions that took place between former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon and the Saudi Arabian Prince concerning The Greatest Royal Rumble event. According to the grapevine, the Prince showed interest in having wrestlers like The Undertaker, The Ultimate Warrior, and Yokozuna at the 2018 event, apparently not being aware that the latter two had died.
Furthermore, the report reveals that WWE Superstars are yet to be briefed about the brand they will represent after the shift to Netflix and if they will be any specific criteria affecting any changes to the roster.
Several stars from both RAW and SmackDown took part in a Netflix commercial and video shoot on October 27. Present at the shoot was Baron Corbin, who was recently let go by the WWE.
Additional Superstars featured in the commercial shoot comprised IYO SKY, Kairi Sane, The Motor City Machine Guns, and Elektra Lopez, along with a few members of the LWO amongst others.
In another update, Cody Rhodes and Netflix held talks over a potential movie role that, however, didn’t see the light of the day.
The Intuit Dome in Los Angeles is likely to be the venue for the first Monday Night RAW on Netflix. It has been reported that the venue staff have been informed that the show scheduled for January 6th is being advertised as a prestigious event. The venue, nevertheless, has not so far disclosed any specific details.