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.
WWE’s current agreement with the USA Network expires in September, which means there is a three-month gap between the end of RAW’s deal with the USA Network and its debut on Netflix.
During the TKO’s Q4 earnings call, TKO CFO Andrew Schleimer addressed the matter, noting that they intend to find a home for RAW during that interim period. He said,
“We also intend to renew our license or find an alternate provider to carry Raw in the U.S. for the 90-day period from October 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024 before it moves to Netflix as described below. These domestic licenses together account for a very significant portion of our media segment revenues and profitability. No assurances can be provided as to the outcome of these negotiations and, if we are unable to renew existing agreements or find alternative streaming or distribution partners, our results of operations could be adversely impacted.”
He continued, “We believe RAW will be aired in the fourth quarter. We have no further information. We feel pretty positive about it.”
WWE Monday Night RAW to Air on Netflix in 2025
In a groundbreaking move, WWE’s flagship show, Monday Night RAW, will be exclusively available on Netflix starting in January 2025. This decision marks a significant shift in the way professional wrestling content is distributed, as it will be the first time that RAW will not air new episodes on a traditional television network.
The current agreement between WWE and the USA Network, which has been the home of RAW for many years, is set to expire in September. This means that there will be a three-month gap between the end of RAW’s deal with the USA Network and its debut on Netflix.
During TKO’s Q4 earnings call, TKO CFO Andrew Schleimer addressed the matter and assured fans that they are actively working to find a temporary home for RAW during this interim period. He stated, “We also intend to renew our license or find an alternate provider to carry Raw in the U.S. for the 90-day period from October 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024 before it moves to Netflix as described below.”
Schleimer emphasized the importance of these negotiations, as they account for a significant portion of TKO’s media segment revenues and profitability. He acknowledged that the outcome of these discussions is uncertain and that failure to renew existing agreements or find alternative streaming or distribution partners could adversely impact their operations.
Despite the temporary uncertainty, Schleimer expressed optimism about finding a solution. He stated, “We believe RAW will be aired in the fourth quarter. We have no further information. We feel pretty positive about it.”
The move to Netflix represents WWE’s recognition of the changing landscape of media consumption. With the rise of streaming platforms and the increasing popularity of on-demand content, WWE aims to reach a wider audience by partnering with one of the world’s leading streaming services.
Netflix’s global reach and vast subscriber base provide an excellent opportunity for WWE to expand its viewership and attract new fans. By making RAW available on Netflix, WWE can tap into the platform’s extensive user base, which spans across multiple countries and demographics.
This move also aligns with Netflix’s strategy of diversifying its content offerings to cater to a wide range of interests. As the streaming giant continues to invest in original programming and secure exclusive rights to popular shows and events, adding professional wrestling to its catalog further strengthens its position as a leading entertainment provider.
For WWE fans, this transition to Netflix brings both excitement and anticipation. The convenience of accessing RAW episodes on-demand, without the constraints of traditional television schedules, allows fans to enjoy their favorite wrestling program at their own convenience. Additionally, the potential for enhanced production values and innovative storytelling techniques on a platform like Netflix opens up new possibilities for the presentation of WWE content.
While the exact details of WWE’s partnership with Netflix are yet to be revealed, this move undoubtedly signifies a significant shift in the entertainment industry. As streaming services continue to disrupt traditional television models, WWE’s decision to bring Monday Night RAW to Netflix demonstrates their willingness to adapt and embrace new platforms to reach their audience.