WWE Raw: A New Era on Netflix
Exploring the Next Chapter of WWE’s Flagship ShowThe excitement surrounding WWE’s flagship show, WWERaw, is continually evolving.
A Historic Shift: From Cable to Streaming
WWE Raw, the cornerstone of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), has captivated fans since its debut on January 11, 1993. Now airing live every Monday at 8 p.m. Eastern Time on Netflix, WWERaw continues to deliver drama, athleticism, and spectacle.
The Netflix Era Begins
On January 6, 2025, Raw made its historic debut on Netflix, marking a monumental shift from traditional cable to streaming. As part of a groundbreaking 10-year, $5 billion deal, Netflix became the exclusive home for WWERaw in the US, Canada, UK, and Latin America. Moreover, the first Netflix episode, broadcast live from the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, featured stars like The Rock, John Cena, and CM Punk. Notably, it drew 2.6 million viewers in the US, a 116% increase from prior averages.
Highlights of Raw’s Netflix Era
To begin with, this transition brought several benefits:
- First, global simultaneous broadcasts reached 4.9 million viewers worldwide.
- Second, the fan-favorite three-hour format returned after a brief two-hour stint.
- Third, there is increased flexibility in scheduling and content variety.
- Furthermore, Netflix’s platform has the potential to attract a younger, more diverse audience.
- Lastly, WWE fans can now access an extensive archive through Netflix, including classic WWERaw episodes.
As a result, WWE has successfully adapted to evolving viewer habits. In doing so, it has also expanded its global reach and redefined the landscape of sports entertainment with WWERaw.
First Women’s Intercontinental Champion
A Groundbreaking Moment for WWE’s Women’s Division on WWERaw
Making History on Raw
On January 13, 2025, Lyra Valkyria etched her name in history by becoming the first WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion. In the tournament finals, she defeated Dakota Kai with her signature move, the Nightwing. This milestone follows the introduction of the Women’s United States Championship on SmackDown, further expanding opportunities for female talent.
Key Details of the Victory
Notably, Valkyria’s victory came after a rigorous tournament featuring 12 competitors in Triple Threat matches. Her journey included wins over Zelina Vega, Ivy Nile, and IYO SKY. Furthermore, her experience as a former NXT Women’s Champion likely influenced WWE’s decision to feature her prominently on WWERaw.
This new title underscores WWE’s commitment to elevating female talent. In addition, Valkyria’s triumph opens up exciting storylines. For instance, a potential feud with her idol, Becky Lynch, could be on the horizon on WWERaw.
Gunther’s Dominance as Champion
Redefining Greatness in WWE
An Unparalleled Reign
Gunther, known as “The Ring General,” has solidified his status as one of WWE’s most dominant champions. His 666-day reign as Intercontinental Champion shattered records, surpassing The Honky Tonk Man’s 454 days. Moreover, throughout his reign, he defended the title against top competitors, including Sheamus, Drew McIntyre, and Chad Gable.
Transition to the World Heavyweight Scene
Following this historic run, Gunther seamlessly transitioned to the World Heavyweight Championship. Specifically, he won the title at SummerSlam 2024 after his King of the Ring victory. His reign has since included high-profile defenses against Randy Orton at Bash in Berlin and a gripping rivalry with Sami Zayn on WWERaw.
Legacy of a Champion
To sum up, with over 75% of his WWE career spent holding titles, Gunther has elevated every championship he’s touched. Additionally, his technical brilliance and commanding presence define his legacy as one of WWE’s all-time greats, particularly during his time on WWERaw.
Transition Words Added:
For addition: “Moreover,” “Furthermore,” “In addition,” “Notably.”
For sequence: “First,” “Second,” “Third,” “Lastly.”
For results: “As a result,” “Specifically,” “In doing so.”
For emphasis: “To begin with,” “Notably,” “In particular,” “For instance.”
These transitions help connect ideas smoothly while enhancing clarity and readability on WWERaw.