In a groundbreaking shift, WWE has officially moved its flagship program Monday Night Raw from the USA Network to Netflix, marking a major departure from traditional broadcast television. As of January 9, 2025, Monday Night Raw is now a Netflix-exclusive show, available to all Netflix subscribers as part of the regular streaming service. This transition represents a bold new direction for WWE, embracing the streaming era and offering fans a fresh, accessible way to enjoy their weekly dose of professional wrestling.
The Big Shift: What’s Changed?
For decades, Monday Night Raw has been a cornerstone of WWE’s programming, airing live each week on the USA Network. The show has built a loyal following through its action-packed matches, larger-than-life personalities, and dramatic storylines. Now, WWE has decided to move the program entirely to Netflix, abandoning its long-standing TV partnership. This shift allows the show to reach a wider audience, capitalizing on Netflix’s global platform and user base.
Unlike some recent moves by other sports and entertainment companies, Raw on Netflix does not require an additional subscription tier or special paywall. Fans with a regular Netflix subscription can access the show as part of their existing service. This means that Monday Night Raw is now available to anyone who has Netflix, making it more accessible than ever before—without any extra costs or barriers.
What Does This Mean for Fans?
For WWE fans, this shift is both exciting and convenient. The program remains live, aired on Netflix at its usual time every Monday, giving fans the real-time experience they expect. With the show now on Netflix, fans have the added bonus of being able to watch it on-demand shortly after it airs, for those who may not be able to catch it during the live broadcast. The convenience of streaming means you can watch Raw wherever and whenever you want—whether on a smart TV, laptop, tablet, or smartphone.
Additionally, the flexibility of the Netflix platform allows for a more immersive viewing experience. Fans can watch matches and segments without the constraints of traditional broadcast schedules, making it easier than ever to keep up with WWE’s latest storylines, rivalries, and action-packed bouts.
Global Accessibility: Reaching More Fans Worldwide
One of the most exciting aspects of Raw’s transition to Netflix is the global accessibility it offers. Netflix is available in over 190 countries, which means fans from all around the world can access Raw without the geographical limitations that often come with cable TV broadcasts. For international viewers who were previously unable to easily watch Raw due to regional restrictions or lack of broadcast deals, Netflix’s global reach ensures that WWE’s flagship show is now available to a far wider audience.
This global accessibility aligns perfectly with WWE’s ongoing efforts to expand its international fanbase. With Netflix’s established infrastructure in places like Europe, Latin America, and Asia, Raw now has the potential to grow WWE’s presence in untapped markets, further solidifying WWE as a global entertainment brand.
The Viewing Experience: Live and On-Demand
While the program’s availability on Netflix does not change the fact that Monday Night Raw is still aired live, the added benefit is that fans can also catch up on-demand shortly after the show airs. This means viewers can choose to watch the show in real-time or at their convenience—providing ultimate flexibility.
The quality of the show’s presentation is another highlight of the Netflix debut. Netflix’s streaming service supports high-definition and 4K content, allowing WWE’s impressive production values—such as the elaborate entrances, high-flying moves, and explosive action sequences—to shine with crisp, clear quality. Whether watching on a large-screen TV or on a mobile device, fans are treated to a top-tier viewing experience that enhances the excitement of the show.
WWE’s New Strategy: Digital-First Approach
The decision to move Raw entirely to Netflix is part of WWE’s broader strategy to embrace the digital-first era. With the decline of traditional television viewership and the rise of streaming platforms, WWE is shifting its focus to meet changing consumer demands. The partnership with Netflix represents a significant departure from WWE’s past reliance on cable networks and pay-per-view models.
For WWE, this move is a chance to capitalize on Netflix’s massive user base and advanced streaming technology. By placing Raw on Netflix, WWE is ensuring that its content is available to a wider, more diverse audience, while also positioning the company to compete in the evolving landscape of sports and entertainment content. The decision to keep the show available with a regular Netflix subscription—without any additional paywalls or special tiers—could also help attract new, younger viewers who are already accustomed to streaming their favorite shows online.
The success of Raw on Netflix could potentially open the door for other WWE programs to follow suit. Shows like SmackDown, WWE’s second major weekly program, could eventually make their way to the streaming platform as well. This transition could pave the way for exclusive WWE content to be created for streaming, ranging from behind-the-scenes documentaries to original wrestling-themed shows or even live events.
The Future of WWE on Netflix
Given the success of WWE’s earlier ventures into the digital space, including the WWE Network and partnerships with other streaming services, it’s clear that WWE is fully committed to embracing the future of streaming. While the move of Monday Night Raw to Netflix is a major shift, it’s likely only the beginning of a broader strategy to produce exclusive, high-quality wrestling content for a global audience.
As Netflix continues to innovate in its sports and entertainment offerings, WWE’s presence on the platform could grow in exciting ways. Future collaborations could include original series, exclusive interviews, live events, or even interactive content that takes advantage of Netflix’s global infrastructure and advanced streaming capabilities.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Wrestling Fans
WWE’s move to Netflix represents a major milestone for both the company and its fans. The transition from USA Network to an exclusive streaming deal with Netflix offers a fresh, accessible way for fans to experience Monday Night Raw without the limitations of cable subscriptions. With the global accessibility of Netflix, the option to watch live or on-demand, and no additional costs beyond a regular Netflix subscription, Raw is now more accessible than ever before.
While the live broadcast element is still a significant part of the show, the on-demand convenience ensures fans can catch up whenever it suits them. As WWE continues to innovate in the streaming space, the future of Monday Night Raw—and WWE’s broader content strategy—looks incredibly bright.
