Mon Jan 19 22:00:00 UTC 2026: # WWE Raw Moves to Netflix, Featuring High-Stakes Title Match
The Story:
World Wrestling Entertainment’s (WWE) flagship program, Raw, is set to air live on Netflix on Monday, January 19, at a special start time of 3 PM Eastern/12 PM Pacific. The episode features a World Heavyweight Championship match between current champion CM Punk and Finn Bálor in Belfast, offering Bálor a potential home-field advantage. Additionally, Becky Lynch will defend her Women’s Intercontinental Championship, Gunther will kick off the show following a controversial victory, and Je’Von Evans will face El Grande Americano. Rey Mysterio, Penta, and Dragon Lee will team up against Logan Paul, Bronson Reed, and Austin Theory in a six-man tag team match.
Key Points:
- Raw is airing live on Netflix on Monday, January 19, at 3 PM Eastern/12 PM Pacific.
- CM Punk will defend the World Heavyweight Championship against Finn Bálor.
- Becky Lynch will defend the Women’s Intercontinental Championship.
- Gunther will open the show.
- Je’Von Evans will face El Grande Americano.
- A six-man tag team match will feature Rey Mysterio, Penta, and Dragon Lee vs. Logan Paul, Bronson Reed, and Austin Theory.
Critical Analysis:
The shift to Netflix represents a significant move for WWE, indicating a strategic adaptation to the evolving media landscape. WWE is clearly attempting to reach a broader audience through streaming, capitalizing on Netflix’s vast subscriber base. The special start time suggests an attempt to cater to a wider global viewership, rather than adhering strictly to traditional television broadcast schedules. The matches being promoted signal a focus on delivering high-profile matchups to entice new viewers to the platform.
Key Takeaways:
- WWE is aggressively pursuing a streaming strategy to expand its reach.
- The move to Netflix signifies a major shift in WWE’s broadcasting model.
- High-profile matches are being used to draw viewership to the Netflix premiere.
- The special start time reflects an effort to reach a global audience.
- WWE is banking on Netflix’s subscriber base to boost Raw’s viewership.
Impact Analysis:
The transition of Raw to Netflix has the potential for far-reaching impacts. For WWE, it could lead to increased revenue through licensing fees and a broader global audience. For Netflix, it adds a major live sports/entertainment property to its portfolio, potentially attracting new subscribers and increasing engagement. The shift could also influence other sports and entertainment properties to explore streaming options, further accelerating the decline of traditional television viewership. If successful, this model may become the standard for premier live events moving forward, blurring the lines between entertainment and sports streaming.
First Piper 