WRESTLING fans have seen countless tag teams rise over the years, but the partnership between WWE and Netflix is set to redefine significance in the world of sports entertainment!
WWE has been instrumental in shaping the futures of numerous remarkable superstars, including icons like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and John Cena, among others.
The weekly programming that began in the 1980s has consistently delivered high-octane matches for viewers across terrestrial television every week of the year.
However, on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, Netflix stunned audiences by announcing it would become the new home of WWE.
This groundbreaking partnership is set to launch in early 2025.
When is WWE making the transition to Netflix?
Starting on Monday, January 6, 2025, Netflix will exclusively stream WWE Raw.
This flagship weekly show will be available for viewers in the US, Canada, UK, Latin America, and additional regions.
Will WWE PPVs be broadcast live on Netflix as well?
In the US, WWE PPVs—referred to as PLEs—will remain on Peacock for at least one more year, as per the current agreement.
On the other hand, in the UK, all WWE PLEs will be streamed live on Netflix, alongside Smackdown and NXT.
What are the reactions to this partnership?
Netflix Chief Content Officer Bela Bajara shared his enthusiasm for incorporating WWE into the platform.
Bajara remarked: “We are delighted to host WWE Raw, which has a large and enthusiastic multigenerational fan base, on Netflix.
“By utilizing our reach, recommendations, and fan engagement with WWE, we aim to enhance enjoyment and value for both their audiences and our subscribers.
“Raw represents the pinnacle of sports entertainment, featuring incredible characters and storylines coupled with live action 52 weeks a year, and we are eager for this long-term partnership with WWE.”
Additionally, TKO President Mark Shapiro shared similar sentiments, stating: “This agreement is groundbreaking.
“It merges the must-watch content from WWE with Netflix’s unparalleled global reach, ensuring substantial and consistent revenue for years to come.
“Our collaboration fundamentally transforms and strengthens the media landscape, significantly expanding WWE’s audience and introducing weekly live viewership to Netflix.”
What is the value of the WWE Raw and Netflix deal?
The agreement between Netflix and WWE Raw is reportedly valued at an astonishing $5 billion!
Sources indicate the deal is worth $500 million annually over a period of ten years.
Additionally, Netflix retains the option to exit after the first five years or extend the deal for an additional ten years.