Wed Jan 08 01:16:54 UTC 2025: ## WWE’s Monday Night Raw Makes Netflix Debut in Historic Deal

**Toronto, ON** – In a groundbreaking move, WWE’s flagship program, Monday Night Raw, streamed exclusively on Netflix for the first time, marking the beginning of a landmark 10-year, $5 billion partnership. The 1,650th episode, airing exclusively on the streaming platform in the US, Canada, the UK, and Latin America (with further international expansion planned), signals a significant shift for both WWE and the wrestling industry.

The event, featuring wrestling legends like John Cena, The Rock, and Hulk Hogan, alongside current stars, was described by some fans as a “revitalization” of the sport, while others noted a return to the edgier style of the Attitude Era (late 1990s-early 2000s), known for its violence and profanity. The show featured several controversial moments, including appearances by Hogan (who faced boos from the audience) and rapper Travis Scott (who appeared to smoke a blunt on-air). The looser content restrictions offered by the Netflix platform were cited as a possible reason for the show’s bolder tone.

Experts believe this partnership is a strategic move by WWE to recapture the profitability of the Attitude Era, aligning with a perceived cultural shift towards more assertive masculinity. The deal also promises increased global viewership for both WWE and Netflix. With Netflix’s vast international reach, the potential for expanding WWE’s fan base into lucrative markets like Saudi Arabia, Japan, and India is significant.

Professor Michael Naraine of Brock University suggests that the shift reflects a broader cultural trend and could contribute to millions of new viewers for Raw, boosting both WWE revenue and Netflix subscriptions. This deal is part of Netflix’s broader push into live sports, having recently secured rights to the Women’s World Cup and hosted other major sporting events. The long-term success of this unprecedented partnership remains to be seen, but its immediate impact has undeniably reshaped the landscape of professional wrestling.

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