Netflix and WWE make history with record-breaking RAW debut

Netflix and WWE®, part of TKO Group Holdings , have officially debuted Monday Night RAW on Netflix, delivering staggering viewership and engagement figures. The premiere episode captured 4.9 million Live+1 global views, marking a monumental start for WWE's flagship program on the world’s largest streaming platform.

U.S. Viewership Soars

In the United States, the inaugural RAW episode averaged 2.6 million households (Live+SD), according to VideoAmp, representing a 116% increase compared to RAW's average 2024 U.S. audience of 1.2 million households. This viewership surge marks the highest-rated RAW broadcast in over five years. The event also recorded a dramatic spike in the coveted A18-49 demographic, more than doubling last year’s numbers.

Social Media Frenzy

The event generated unprecedented engagement on social media:

223 million social views, setting a record for any RAW episode in 2024.
#WWERaw trended as the #1 topic for 14 consecutive hours in the UK and dominated platforms in the U.S., Brazil, Australia, and Mexico.
Other hashtags like #RAWonNetflix and #WWEonNetflix trended globally, including in Spain and Canada.

Historic Event in Los Angeles

Held at a sold-out Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, the premiere episode became WWE's highest-grossing arena event ever, also breaking merchandise sales records for a non-Premium Live Event.

The star-studded event featured an array of blockbuster matches and appearances:

Rhea Ripley reclaimed the Women’s World Championship.
Roman Reigns defeated Solo Sikoa in a tribal combat match.
CM Punk overcame Seth “Freakin” Rollins in a much-anticipated grudge match.
Jey Uso triumphed over Drew McIntyre.
Appearances by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, The Undertaker, Logan Paul, and music sensation Travis Scott further elevated the spectacle.
John Cena kicked off his year-long farewell tour, which will be a central feature of Netflix’s WWE content.

A Groundbreaking Partnership

In January 2024, WWE and Netflix announced a landmark deal, making Netflix the exclusive home of RAW in the U.S., Canada, the UK, Australia, and Latin America starting in 2025. The streaming giant now holds exclusive rights to WWE’s extensive portfolio, including SmackDown, NXT, Premium Live Events, and archival content in key international markets.

Industry Impact

“RAW's debut on Netflix represents a seismic shift in the entertainment landscape,” said industry analysts. "This partnership combines WWE’s unparalleled live-action spectacle with Netflix’s global reach and massive subscriber base."

The RAW debut has set a new benchmark for streaming sports-entertainment partnerships, heralding a new era of viewership and fan engagement.

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