WWE on Netflix: New Coat of Paint, Same Monday Night Raw

WWE has finally made its long-awaited debut on Netflix, the world’s largest streaming platform. This landmark moment marks the beginning of a new chapter for WWE programming. So, it’s worth examining the early takeaways from this partnership and what it means for the company’s future.

WWE has clearly embraced the potential of its new partnership with Netflix, and it shows in the production and presentation of their programming. The debut episode of Raw on Netflix delivered a visual spectacle, arguably one of the most polished productions WWE has ever put forth. Known for its top-tier production quality, WWE once again proved why it is considered the gold standard in the industry.

The buzz surrounding WWE’s Netflix debut was palpable. Social media was ablaze with excitement throughout the day. Fans, and even celebrities, were expressing their enthusiasm for Raw’s arrival on the streaming giant. Both WWE and Netflix deserve credit for successfully building anticipation for this premiere. It felt like a significant milestone in WWE history, but the question remains—did WWE capitalize on this momentum?

While the production quality was exceptional, the content of the show itself left much to be desired. WWE had one clear mission with this debut: to usher in a new era, attract fresh audiences, and win back lapsed fans. Unfortunately, in this regard, the show fell short. Instead of delivering a groundbreaking episode that showcased the best of WWE, the debut felt like just another Raw—albeit with more legends than usual.

This lack of innovation has drawn comparisons to WWE’s 2019 move of SmackDown to FOX. Back then, WWE had significant momentum, with many hoping the move would reintroduce the brand to mainstream audiences. However, that opportunity fizzled out, and history may be repeating itself. WWE’s failure to deliver a truly standout episode on Netflix could undermine the potential of this new platform partnership.

Perhaps the most jarring aspect of the debut for many fans was the inclusion of commercials during Raw. For viewers accustomed to ad-free experiences on Netflix, this was an unwelcome surprise. This decision sparked significant backlash online, with many feeling blindsided by the move.

Beyond the commercials, the lack of creative risk-taking is another cause for concern. While no one expected WWE to completely overhaul its product overnight, the absence of bold storytelling or fresh concepts raises questions about the company’s long-term vision for this partnership.

WWE’s debut on Netflix had all the makings of a historic moment for the company. The production quality was stellar, and the excitement leading up to the premiere was undeniable. However, the episode itself failed to rise to the occasion, and WWE could have squandered an opportunity to win over new audiences.

As WWE and Netflix move forward, it’s imperative for WWE to reassess its approach. The partnership has immense potential, but only if the company delivers programming that matches the hype. Whether WWE learns from this experience or repeats the mistakes of the past remains to be seen.

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About Post Author

Juan Carlos Reneo

Juan Carlos Reneo is one of the original writers at The Scrap, contributing since the site’s inception. Hailing from Spain, he is a passionate professional wrestling enthusiast who primarily writes opinionated articles focused on AEW. With a large and devoted following on X, Juan brings unique insights and a dedicated perspective to his coverage of the wrestling world.

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