WWE struck a deal with Netflix to move its flagship program, Monday Night RAW, from the USA Network to the streaming platform starting in January 2025.
Fightful has shared an update on RAW’s move to Netflix. This includes WWE’s strategies and Netflix’s expectations for streaming RAW live on their platform.
According to the report, Netflix has expressed interest in featuring male Superstars like CM Punk, Roman Reigns, and Cody Rhodes on RAW.
Rhodes and Reigns are currently part of the Friday Night SmackDown roster, while Punk belongs to the red brand.
When contacting WWE about this matter, the company indicated that the rosters following the Netflix transition have yet to be finalized.
One high-ranking WWE official commented, “Saudi wanted Yokozuna, we want Yokozuna back too, and I’m sure Netflix does, too,” without providing further details about discussions between the two parties.
This refers to an old rumor surrounding talks between former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon and the Saudi Arabian Prince regarding The Greatest Royal Rumble event.
According to the rumor, the Saudi Prince expressed interest in having wrestlers like The Undertaker, The Ultimate Warrior, and Yokozuna appear at the 2018 event without realizing that the latter two had already passed away.
The report also states that WWE Superstars have not been informed about which brands they will represent after the Netflix move or whether any criteria will impact roster changes.
Moreover, talent from both RAW and SmackDown recently participated in a Netflix commercial and video shoot on October 27. Among those present was Baron Corbin, who was recently released by WWE.
Other Superstars involved in the commercial shoot included IYO SKY, Kairi Sane, The Motor City Machine Guns, Elektra Lopez, several members of the LWO, and others.
Furthermore, Cody Rhodes and Netflix discussed a potential movie role that did not materialize.
The Intuit Dome in Los Angeles is expected to host the inaugural edition of Monday Night RAW on Netflix. Staff at the venue have reportedly been informed that the January 6th show is being promoted as a major event.
However, the venue has yet to release any official details.
