WWE Wrestles Its Way to Successful ‘Monday Night Raw’ Netflix Debut

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It’s official: Raw. Is. Netflix.

For the first time worldwide, WWE’s premier weekly series “Monday Night Raw” aired live on Netflix on January 6, marking its debut. The event, reminiscent of “WrestleMania,” took place at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, and captivated over 17,000 spectators with only four matches. Each contest ignited excitement among the crowd. Notable figures such as Roman Reigns, Rhea Ripley, CM Punk, veterans like John Cena, and even Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson graced the event to welcome this new phase.

In a refreshing revival, WWE provided brief summaries of ongoing storylines before each match, making it easier for newcomers to follow along with dedicated fans who had been keeping up with “Raw” on its previous USA Network broadcast. These recaps were often posted on WWE’s social media platforms ahead of the show. According to Paul “Triple H” Levesque, this approach was instrumental in sparking discussions. He stated, “The watercooler talk is now happening on TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat.” Essentially, if these platforms suggest there’s something worth watching, viewers don’t have to tune in at a specific time; they can catch up later, like on Netflix. Once they do, the aim is to draw them into becoming fans.

Unlike the technical issues experienced by Netflix users during the Jake Paul-Mike Tyson fight in November, the relaunch of “Raw” seemed to run smoothly without significant interruptions in the stream, aside from minor buffering problems.

The WWE’s livestreaming debut was a significant triumph, and it could be an even more considerable victory for Netflix as they broaden their reach in live programming. The WWE has been at the forefront of embracing major trends that have reshaped how content is consumed. As the established leader in live linear television makes this impressive livestreaming transition, it’s likely to pose challenges for traditional broadcast and cable networks, which have persisted in believing that their expertise in presenting live events sets them apart from streamers.

The impressive launch wasn’t solely the wrestlers’ feat within the ring; it required the collective effort of approximately 200 individuals behind the scenes during the Netflix debut of “Raw”. This increased workforce added an extra dimension to the performances, as revealed by someone familiar with the production.

Under Levesque and head of media and production Lee Fitting, the WWE team has been experimenting with advanced camera angles and technologies, enhancing their established programming. On Monday, these innovations were evident: crane shots were frequently used to offer close-up views of the action in the ring, while drones soared through the Intuit Dome throughout the night, contributing significantly to the live show.

The crowd’s excitement during Jey Uso’s entrance, where he stood on the announcers’ table with Travis Scott and Pat McAfee while a drone circled him, showcases the electrifying energy Uso brings to the ring.

Marty Miller, WWE’s senior vice president and director of TV, commends his team for adapting to new technologies without compromising the fundamentals. “Our superstars are our primary focus,” he states, “and all production aspects serve to complement and support these stars, regardless of the level.”

Levesque regards the Netflix phase as a significant turning point due to the streaming giant’s vast global reach. “When we go live,” he says, “we become accessible to 280 million homes worldwide. If you multiply that by three for people in each home, it represents a massive number. This is a game changer.

A version of this story first appeared in the Jan. 8 issue of EbMaster magazine.

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2025-01-08 21:19