Raw Reimagined: WWE's Groundbreaking Partnership with Netflix

WWE and Netflix have joined forces in a groundbreaking partnership that is set to redefine the world of sports entertainment. In a move that marks a major shift for WWE's flagship program, Raw, the show will bid farewell to linear television after 31 years and find its exclusive home on Netflix starting from January 2025.

This seismic collaboration between WWE and Netflix will not only bring Raw to the streaming platform but will also make Netflix the exclusive home for all WWE shows and specials outside the U.S., including SmackDown, NXT, and Premium Live Events like WrestleMania, SummerSlam, and Royal Rumble. Moreover, Netflix will be hosting WWE's award-winning documentaries, original series, and future projects from 2025 onwards.

This partnership has been described as transformative, as it combines WWE's can't-miss product with Netflix's unrivalled global reach, promising significant and predictable economics for years to come. Not only will this move expand the reach of WWE, but it will also draw in new audiences who may not have had access to the thrilling world of sports entertainment before.

Raw, with an impressive 1,600 episodes to date, is undoubtedly the most iconic show in sports entertainment. Since its debut in 1993, Raw has delivered non-stop action, drama, and athleticism to millions of fans worldwide for 52 weeks a year. The show has been instrumental in launching the careers of wrestling legends such as Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin, Triple H, John Cena, Roman Reigns, Bianca Belair, and Charlotte Flair.

Currently the No. 1 show on the USA Network, Raw attracts an incredible 17.5 million unique viewers annually and dominates social media with over one billion followers across WWE platforms. With its move to Netflix, Raw has the potential to reach an even wider audience, captivating and engaging fans around the globe.

Mark Shapiro, TKO President and COO, hailed the partnership, stating that it merges the unmissable WWE product with Netflix's extraordinary global reach, while bringing a whole new level of entertainment to fans. Shapiro believes that this collaboration fundamentally alters and strengthens the media landscape, expanding WWE's horizons and delivering weekly live appointment viewing on Netflix.

Bela Bajaria, Netflix Chief Content Officer, expressed excitement about having WWE Raw on the streaming platform, thanks to the show's large and passionate multigenerational fan base. Bajaria believes that this collaboration allows Netflix to combine its reach, recommendations, and fandom with WWE, resulting in even more joy and value for their audiences and Netflix members. Bajaria emphasized that Raw, with its remarkable blend of great characters, storytelling, and live action, is the pinnacle of sports entertainment, and Netflix is thrilled to embark on this long-term partnership with WWE.

Nick Khan, WWE President, spoke highly of Netflix's storytelling prowess, noting their phenomenal track record. Khan sees Netflix, one of the world's leading entertainment brands, as the perfect long-term home for Raw's loyal and ever-growing fan base. This momentous partnership between WWE and Netflix is poised to redefine the way fans experience sports entertainment, bringing excitement and an immersive viewing experience to audiences across the globe.