Backstage update on top names requested by Netflix for Monday Night Raw’s switch to the streaming platform: Reports

The worldwide streaming platform has asked WWE for some big-time attractions to be a part of their historic deal on a regular basis.


Backstage update on top names requested by Netflix for Monday Night Raw’s switch to the streaming platform: Reports

WWE Raw on Netflix [via- WWE and WrestleZone]

WWE’s flagship episodic show, Raw, will quit linear television for the first time in over three decades to start streaming on Netflix beginning January 6. The debut episode is expected to be one of the company’s biggest in history from a buzz standpoint. But once that bash is over, how’d the show look? Per Fightful, Netflix specifically is hoping for major names to keep appearing on their platform.

Those include Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, and CM Punk on the men’s side of things. It’s not clear at this point how WWE would get to have Reigns and Rhodes, who are SmackDown-bound, featured on Raw with its Netflix foray. Of course, the WWE Draft could be ignored for a week or so. However, the company might need to shake up the rosters a bit to give Netflix what they’ve envisioned.

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Speaking of the highly debatable Raw runtime, WWE is still monitoring the situation with Netflix higher-ups. The red brand underwent a significant change last month when it reverted back to being a two-hour show. It will continue like that until the season finale on December 30, as noted by WWE.

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There were talks within the company about Raw regaining its third hour with the Netflix move. As stated above, WWE has yet to figure it out. The two-hour format has its pros and cons. One of the biggest pet peeves the fans have had with Raw shedding an hour of programming is the lack of female representation.

Current AEW star Mercedes Mone had previously alluded to this exact issue. She was on the fence with the $5 billion worth WWE-Netflix deal, saying the women would sorely need to have Raw’s third hour added back.

How is WWE Raw debut on Netflix shaping up?

Though nothing has been made official, Raw’s premiere on Netflix has been assigned a venue. WrestleVotes mentioned that the Los Angeles-based Intuit Dome has been targeted by WWE. The company’s expecting Hollywood star and part-time wrestler Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson to be present. Although it’s not set in stone.

The Rock and John Cena
The Rock and John Cena could both be on the show (via Cinemablend and Variety)

16-time World Champion John Cena will surely grace the night and is believed to get his retirement tour underway as well. WWE might call in a few more legends to be a part of Raw’s Netflix debut show. With almost a couple of months to go, the anticipation is growing rapidly.

Will the Netflix intervention be an implicit gateway to the non-PG era? Time will tell. However, as WWE labels their product suitable for everyone, including children, it’s not going to be a complete overhaul to strictly cater to a mature audience.