Summary
– WWE Raw’s landmark move to Netflix in 2025 marks the end of its era with the USA Network.
– The transition ensures a commercial-free experience for ad-free Netflix subscribers, enhancing the viewing experience.
– This change is part of a strategic ten-year deal between WWE and Netflix, signaling a significant shift in sports entertainment broadcasting.
WWE Raw, a cornerstone of professional wrestling entertainment, is poised for a historic shift. Starting January 2025, the longest-running episodic television show will bid farewell to the USA Network and make its way to Netflix. This move is not just a platform change but also brings a transformative viewing experience – a complete absence of commercial breaks for ad-free Netflix subscribers.
The deal between WWE and Netflix, penned for ten years with options for extension or early termination, is a clear response to evolving viewer preferences in an increasingly streaming-dominated world. According to Alex Sherman of CNBC, this transition means that the in-ring action on Raw will be uninterrupted, offering a seamless and immersive wrestling experience. Viewers will enjoy continuous match action, with even non-crucial moments like sustained headlocks being part of the uninterrupted broadcast.
This shift to Netflix represents more than just a change in broadcasting platform; it’s a strategic move by WWE to adapt to the changing media landscape. The ad-free format significantly differs from traditional sports broadcasting and could set a new standard for live sports entertainment on streaming platforms.