On January 6, 2025, WWE stepped into uncharted territory, making its historic debut on Netflix. Monday Night Raw, the longest-running weekly episodic show in history, had finally arrived on the world’s largest streaming platform. It wasn’t just another business move - it was a moment. The kind of moment that made you stop and realize: this isn’t just wrestling. This is something bigger.
And WWE knew it.
The opening video that aired before the debut didn’t just welcome fans to the new era—it made a statement. It framed wrestling as a timeless, almost sacred ritual. “We all are part of history in the making,” it began, before diving headfirst into the heart of wrestling’s magic: not just the hero, but the villain. Not just the fight, but the story. And not just wrestling, but the mythos that surrounds it.
The Endless Story: Wrestling as Modern Myth
Professional wrestling has always thrived on the blurred lines between reality and fiction. It’s part sport, part theater, and, if you ask the right people, part philosophy. The opening video leaned into this duality, calling back to wrestling’s “primeval roots” while acknowledging its deep ties to modern culture.
The hero and the villain. The face and the heel. The eternal cycle of triumph, betrayal, fame, and obscurity. These aren’t just wrestling tropes - they’re human ones. Wrestling takes these universal themes and amplifies them to a fever pitch. It’s Shakespeare with steel chairs. It’s mythology in tights. And it’s real - in a way that transcends the question of whether the punches land or not.
And now, it’s gone global in a way we’ve never seen before.
Netflix: The New Stage for the Eternal Battle
WWE’s move to Netflix isn’t just about convenience - it’s about transformation. Netflix is the ultimate platform for modern storytelling, and WWE is taking full advantage of its reach. For the first time, Raw, SmackDown, NXT, and premium live events like WrestleMania are under one global roof.
Think about that. Wrestling, once a regional pastime, is now a worldwide phenomenon, accessible to millions with the click of a button. WWE isn’t just telling American stories anymore. It’s telling stories for everyone, everywhere.
And the debut event didn’t just feature big names - it blurred the lines like never before. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson opened the show, but not as his wrestling alter ego. Instead, he appeared as a board member, a real-life figure addressing the audience directly. It was a rare moment of kayfabe being set aside, and it set the tone for the night: this is WWE, bigger, bolder, and unafraid to embrace its duality.
The Feud That Defined the Debut: CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins
The main event wasn’t just a match - it was a masterclass in how WWE blurs reality and fiction. CM Punk, whose real-life tensions with Seth Rollins had been the subject of endless speculation, stepped into the ring with Rollins for a showdown that felt as personal as it was theatrical.
For weeks, their feud played out across promos and social media, with Rollins calling Punk a “cancer” and Punk firing back with biting critiques. Was it real? Was it a work? The beauty of wrestling is that it doesn’t matter. The emotions were real, the stakes were high, and the crowd was on fire.
When the bell rang, it wasn’t just a fight - it was catharsis. It was two men settling a score, one that had roots both in and out of the ring. The match ended with Punk standing tall, but the story felt far from over. That’s the thing about wrestling: even when it ends, it never really does.
What Comes Next?
As the opening video proclaimed, “The screens get smaller, but the show gets bigger.” WWE on Netflix isn’t just a new platform - it’s a new opportunity to experiment, to grow, and to connect with fans like never before.
Imagine curated playlists of legendary rivalries. Exclusive documentaries diving into the rise of stars like Bianca Belair and Roman Reigns. Interactive features where fans can vote on match stipulations. The possibilities are endless.
But at its core, WWE on Netflix is about one thing: telling stories. The greatest stories. The kind that make you cheer, boo, laugh, and cry. The kind that stick with you long after the lights go out.
Why It Matters
This move isn’t just about WWE. It’s about what wrestling represents. A modern mythology. A reflection of who we are. A place where the lines between good and evil blur, where heroes fall, villains rise, and the eternal battle continues.
Netflix may be the biggest stage yet, but wrestling’s story is as old as time. And now, it’s truly global. From America to the world, from television to streaming, WWE continues to prove why it’s The Greatest Story Ever Told.
Welcome to the new era. Welcome to the global stage.
Stay legendary.
WWE Raw Results – Netflix Debut (January 6, 2025) Intuit Dome, Inglewood, California
Highlights from WWE Raw's Historic Netflix Debut
A New Era Begins: WWE kicked off a new chapter, transitioning Raw to Netflix after 30+ years on traditional TV. WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H narrated a powerful introduction, paying homage to wrestling's evolution and global impact.
The Rock Returns to Electrify Raw: The Rock made a thunderous return, welcoming the Netflix audience and acknowledging legends like Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes. Carrying the People’s Championship, The Rock rallied the crowd and set the tone for an unforgettable night.
Key Matches and Moments
Roman Reigns Defeats Solo Sikoa In a brutal, no-disqualification Tribal Combat match, Roman Reigns reclaimed the Ula Fala after an intense battle featuring interference from Jacob Fatu, Tama Tonga, and Kevin Owens. Post-match, The Rock embraced Reigns and ceremoniously placed the Ula Fala around his neck, signaling unity within the Anoa'i family.
Rhea Ripley Becomes Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley dethroned Liv Morgan in a hard-fought match, ending Morgan’s 226-day reign. Dominik Mysterio's attempt to interfere backfired, with Ripley delivering a post-match Riptide to him. The Undertaker, as the "American Bad Ass," made a surprise appearance, celebrating Ripley's victory.
John Cena Announces Royal Rumble Entry Cena began his farewell tour with an emotional speech, recounting his journey and hinting at one last title run. He announced his participation in the Royal Rumble, aiming to make history before retiring.
CM Punk Defeats Seth "Freakin" Rollins In a grueling and emotional match, CM Punk overcame Seth Rollins with a second Go To Sleep. Both men delivered a classic bout, with Punk emerging victorious in his first Raw match in over a decade.
Quick Match Results
Tribal Combat: Roman Reigns def. Solo Sikoa
Women’s World Championship: Rhea Ripley def. Liv Morgan (new champion)
“Main Event” Jey Uso def. Drew McIntyre
CM Punk def. Seth “Freakin” Rollins
Notable Segments
The Rock’s Tribute and Message The Rock celebrated WWE's Netflix debut, acknowledging legends and teasing a future appearance on NXT.
John Cena’s Emotional Farewell Cena promised fans a year of unforgettable moments, starting with his entry into the Royal Rumble.
Logan Paul Joins Raw Logan Paul announced his full-time WWE career, declaring the start of his era.
Gunther’s Warning World Heavyweight Champion Gunther promised to crush hopes and ambitions, solidifying his dominance.
What’s Next?
Upcoming Matches for Next Week WWE
Women’s Intercontinental Championship Final: Dakota Kai vs. Lyra Valkyria
Sheamus vs. Ludwig Kaiser
Chad Gable vs. Mystery Luchador
Street Fight: Damian Priest vs. Finn Bálor
WWE SmackDown Results – January 10, Moda Center, Portland, Oregon
Key Moments and Matches from SmackDown
Paul Heyman Sets the Stage for Roman Reigns’ Return Paul Heyman opened the show by declaring that Roman Reigns would enter the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble to reclaim the Undisputed WWE Heavyweight Championship from Cody Rhodes. Cody Rhodes interrupted, only to be confronted by Kevin Owens, who accused him of siding with the wrong people. A brawl ensued between Cody and Owens, with WWE officials trying to break it up. Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga made their presence felt, but Jimmy Uso and Cody fought them off, setting up the night’s main event.
Chelsea Green Retains the WWE Women’s United States Championship In a competitive match, Chelsea Green defeated Michin to retain her title. With help from Piper Niven’s interference, Chelsea reversed a cross-body and used underhanded tactics to secure the victory. Post-match, Niven attacked Michin, further asserting their dominance.
Los Garza Defeat Pretty Deadly Los Garza (Angel and Humberto) overcame Pretty Deadly in a fast-paced tag team match. Elektra Lopez and Santos Escobar of Legado Del Fantasma played a pivotal role, distracting Pretty Deadly to ensure Los Garza’s win.
LA Knight vs. Shinsuke Nakamura Ends in Chaos LA Knight appeared on the verge of winning the WWE United States Championship from Shinsuke Nakamura after hitting the BFT, but interference from Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga caused a disqualification. A brawl broke out, with Cody Rhodes and Jimmy Uso eventually coming to LA Knight’s aid, leading to a tag team main event later in the night.
Motor City Machine Guns Defeat A-Town Down Under Motor City Machine Guns emerged victorious against A-Town Down Under in a high-energy tag team match. Shelley and Sabin showcased their signature chemistry, defeating Theory and Waller with Skull and Bones.
Tiffany Stratton Celebrates as WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton gloated about outsmarting Nia Jax to win the title, claiming it was her time to shine. Nia interrupted, threatening to take the title back by force. Bayley, Naomi, and Bianca Belair also staked their claims, leading to a chaotic brawl. SmackDown GM Nick Aldis set up a Fatal Four-Way Match to determine the #1 contender.
Bayley Wins Fatal Four-Way to Become #1 Contender In a grueling match against Nia Jax, Bianca Belair, and Naomi, Bayley secured the victory after hitting Naomi with the Rose Plant. Bayley will face Tiffany Stratton for the WWE Women’s Championship next week.
Main Event: Cody Rhodes & Jimmy Uso vs. Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga The highly anticipated tag team match saw intense action as Cody Rhodes and Jimmy Uso faced Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga. Highlights included Cody’s Disaster Kick and Jimmy’s Uso Splash, but interference from Kevin Owens caused Cody to leave mid-match to fight Owens backstage. Jacob Fatu capitalized on the chaos, hitting Jimmy with a moonsault to secure the victory for his team. The show ended with Cody and Owens brawling near the stage, culminating in both men crashing through a table.
What’s Next?
Next Week on SmackDown:
WWE Women’s Championship: Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Bayley
Fallout from Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens’ brawl
More developments in Roman Reigns’ road to WrestleMania
SmackDown delivered a night full of chaos, thrilling matches, and significant story developments as the road to the Royal Rumble intensifies!