WWE veteran confirms massive roster shakeup for Raw and SmackDown after Netflix jump in 2025

Fans can expect massive changes to their favorite shows as WWE announces transfer window ahead of Raw moving to Netflix.

WWE veteran confirms massive roster shakeup for Raw and SmackDown after Netflix jump in 2025

Michael Cole makes huge announcement regarding Raw move to Netflix (via WWE and Netflix)

Raw will find its new home on Netflix in 2025 as part of a $5 billion deal. With this shift less than a month away, WWE has already started to make some bold moves in anticipation. On the latest episode of SmackDown, fans witnessed Michael Cole make an announcement that would surely change the landscape of the promotion heading into the new year with WWE Netflix deal.

Michael Cole announced that fans can expect some major changes from 2025. SmackDown will kick off on January 3rd, and the first Raw episode will premiere on Netflix three days later. He said that a transfer window applies to all three brands. Their respective general managers are already putting their heads together to come up with a brand-new roster for all WWE programming.

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This transfer window will allow superstars to be drafted to a new brand without the promotion hosting a Draft event. WWE has already teased this on the latest episode of SmackDown. Chad Gable recently made an appearance to confront Cody Rhodes. He even hinted that the blue brand could become his new permanent home, especially with WWE Netflix transition.

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Previous reports have suggested that Netflix has demanded several top stars on Raw once the show moves over to the streaming giant. These names include Roman Reigns, CM Punk, and Cody Rhodes. This is the most likely reason for WWE opening this special transfer window. It would be interesting to see the shake-up that results as an aftermath of this transfer window as Raw joins WWE Netflix.

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All episodes of Raw to be streamed live on Netflix regardless of time zones

While WWE will not be shifting to an adult rating for their weekly programs in 2025, fans can expect a different positive addition. A highly frustrating feature of the current WWE programming occurs when the promotion chooses international venues for their weekly shows. These shows generally start a few hours earlier than usual due to time zone differences. However, due to contractual obligations, all episodes of Raw and SmackDown must air at the same time each week.

WWE Raw Netflix
Raw moves to Netflix from January 2025 (via @WWE/X)

WWE is best enjoyed when watched live. Pre-taped episodes often open up opportunities for spoilers and render global fans unable to watch the shows together. However, this will no longer be a concern when the red brand moves over to Netflix and becomes part of WWE Netflix.

All episodes of Raw will be streamed live on Netflix regardless of where they take place. A recording of these shows will still be made available on the streaming giant to watch later. This is great news, considering that the company already planned a few international episodes to be hosted in Brussels and London leading up to WrestleMania 41. International fans will also not have to stay up late to catch these episodes on WWE Netflix.

Related: Ahead of $5 billion Netflix move, top WWE star preparing for character shift amidst rumors of return