• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
The biggest names in sports media. All in one room. Get your ticket now!

Netflix Premiere of ‘Raw’ Draws Millions As WWE’s New Era Begins

The Netflix premiere of WWE “Raw” is up nearly 50% from the show’s first episode in 2024 on the USA Network.

Imagn Images

The partnership between WWE and Netflix is off to a hot start.

Netflix announced that Raw’s streaming debut Monday averaged 2.6 million viewers in the U.S., up 116% from the 2024 household average of 1.2 million, according to VideoAmp. Nielsen, which Netflix did not use for this measurement, estimated Raw averaged about 1.6 million viewers per episode last year.

Comparing the Nielsen data with the VideoAmp data, the Netflix debut is up 49% from the show’s first episode of 2024 on the USA Network. The number is also higher than any episode of Raw in 2024, when it breached two million viewers just once, on April 8, the Raw that followed WrestleMania 40.

One of the key components of the WWE’s 10-year, $5 billion media deal with Netflix was to make the product more accessible globally. 

“This is the first time in history that Raw is broadcast simultaneously around the world,” John Cena said during his promo.

The Netflix debut delivered for WWE in that regard, as Raw attracted 4.9 million global viewers. 

Just the Beginning

The strong viewership numbers continue a trend for Netflix, which posted record streaming ratings for the Mike Tyson–Jake Paul fight in November and the NFL’s Christmas Day doubleheader last month.

Despite the strong initial results, the jury is still out on the partnership, which has an opt-out in five years and a possibility of an extension to 20 years, according to Variety. WWE treated the Netflix debut as a special event, booking a WrestleMania-type card. It’s Netflix’s first attempt at a weekly live sports event—though WWE is considered sports entertainment—so the question remains whether the fans will return to the streamer every Monday.

WWE and Netflix’s U.S. deal only includes live streaming Raw, while the global deal involves premium live events. The two sides may explore bringing PLEs onto the streamer, though the promotion is in the middle of a five-year, $1 billion deal with Peacock that ends in 2026. Chief content officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque left the door open on WWE’s future with domestic PLEs.

“At some point this year, we’ll get into the deal with Peacock, who we love and they’ll get a lot of consideration for us as the existing partner. … I like to think that if we’re successful the way we think we will be, Netflix would be very interested and others will be as well,” Levesque told Sports Illustrated’s Jimmy Traina.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Barstool

Barstool Sues for Millions Over Failed Sponsorship Deal 

The media company says it was stiffed to the tune of $4.2 million.

Parsons Trade Reinforces Packers As NFL TV Powerhouse

Betting odds surge for Green Bay after acquiring the star defensive end.
Jason Kelce
exclusive

YouTube Approached Jason Kelce for Chiefs Game, ESPN Said No

ESPN continues to enforce its policy of not lending talents to streamers.

Featured Today

Oct 13, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) and wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) celebrate their touchdown pass during the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Lincoln Financial Field.

TV Ratings Just Changed Again. The NFL Will Be the Big Winner

Nielsen’s new viewership system will have a big impact on sports.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates with offensive lineman Donovan Jackson (74) after a touchdown catch against Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first quarter during the College Football Playoff National Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on January 20, 2025.
August 30, 2025

The Most Expensive Roster Year in College Football History

The House settlement created revenue-sharing—and a big NIL loophole.
August 26, 2025

‘You’re Going to Get Beat Up’: The Liberty’s All-Male Practice Squad

A select group suits up weekly to take on the defending champs.
August 24, 2025

The Honey Deuce Effect: How Tennis Perfected the Signature Cocktail

Sold every 1.5 seconds, they total more than $12 million in sales.

NFL on Nielsen’s Latest Measurement Upgrade: ‘More Work to Be Done’

The league calls its relationship with the agency a “protracted journey.”
August 28, 2025

NFL Preseason Sees 17% Jump in TV Ratings, Best Since 2018

Average audiences for the exhibition games increase sharply from last year.
September 1, 2025

Lee Corso’s Farewell Delivers Record ‘College GameDay’ Viewership

ESPN averaged 3.5 million viewers, per preliminary figures.
Sponsored

Gareth Bale on MLS vs EPL, Retirement & Buying Cardiff City

Gareth Bale shares his post-soccer business playbook.
Tom Brady
August 27, 2025

NFL Continues to Loosen Tom Brady Restrictions

Brady will be able to attend production meetings–remotely–this season.
ESPN
August 27, 2025

Disney Sues Sling TV Over $5 Day Passes Granting ESPN Access

Newly introduced short-term subscriptions spark a legal challenge.
August 27, 2025

FCC Chair Joins Fox–YouTube TV Fight With Big Game on the Line

The Trump appointee is now involved in another media carriage fight.
Aug 24, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Tommy Fleetwood holds the FedExCup Trophy on the 18th green after winning the TOUR Championship golf tournament.
August 26, 2025

PGA Tour TV Ratings: Fleetwood’s Breakthrough Caps Playoff Surge

Sunday’s final round drew nearly 4.5 million viewers on NBC.