Anticipation has been running high since it was announced Netflix would begin streaming RAW in 2025, but what did the first broadcast bring?
WWE‘s chief content officer, Paul Levesque, also known as ‘Triple H’, ushered in the “Netflix Era” of the company in a star-studded inaugural show that had millions watching.
The long-awaited streaming debut of Monday Night Raw featured tonnes of nostalgia with appearances from Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, The Undertaker and Hulk Hogan as well as WWE’s current big hitters, with the former Universal champion Roman Reigns competing on RAW for the first time in almost three years.
Much was speculated about how Netflix’s financial might would change the flagship show’s production following the streaming giant’s earlier forays into sports streaming with Jake Paul v Mike Tyson and its NFL Christmas Day event. Here are five things we learned from the opening chapter of the Netflix Era.
Returning legends
The show got off in the most electrifying way possible in sports entertainment with an appearance from The Rock, following Paul Levesque’s opening monologue.
In his speech, The Rock shocked fans by paying tribute to his former Wrestlemania opponent and current WWE champion, Cody Rhodes for “carrying the company on his back for the past year” as well as his cousin Roman Reigns. “Not only is Roman Reigns the tribal chief but he is the original tribal chief,” he added. The Rock and Reigns embraced later on following the former’s victory over Solo Sikoa in a Tribal Combat match.
Elsewhere, John Cena returned to our screens for the first time since announcing that 2025 would be his retirement year. The 16-time world champion alluded to fans’ ambitions for him to clinch the WWE championship for a record 17th time but admitted he was focused on breaking his streak of 2046 days since last winning any match.
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The Undertaker returned with his American Badass character to give props to Rhea Ripley following her victory over Liv Morgan for the Women’s World Championship. This short cameo was rounded off with both ‘Taker and Ripley posing with their arms aloft before leaving the arena.
Finally, Hulk Hogan made a controversial appearance as he was met with a sea of boos from the Los Angeles crowd. The Hulkster, who appeared several times throughout Donald Trump’s presidential campaign run, seemed taken aback by the reaction. Hogan was joined by former manager, Jimmy Hart waving a US flag. Hogan, wearing a ‘Real American Beer’ sponsored t-shirt, was jeered throughout his speech detailing his 40 years working with WWE.
CM Punk drops ‘coldest promo of all time’
CM Punk toppled Seth Rollins in the first main event of the Netflix era – and his first match on Raw in more than 4,000 days. Many fans touted the bout fight of the night but it was Punk’s performance on the mic afterwards that set social media alight.
In a charged speech, Punk crowned himself number one in the company claiming he was “back and better than ever. Nobody is touching me – BITW; Best in the World.
“I’m coming for all the gold in ’25 – Royal Rumble, Elimination Chamber, Wrestlemania.”
Roman Reigns finally Tribal Chief again
As mentioned earlier, in his first match on Raw for nearly three years, Roman Reigns conquered Solo Sikoa to be recrowned tribal chief.
The Rock bestowed the ‘Ula Fala on Reigns as a symbol of his status as tribal chief before the pair shook hands and hugged in the middle of the ring.
Where was the big debut of former AEW star?
For weeks WWE teased the debut of AEW star Penta, but he failed to make an appearance and fans noticed.
Many X users made their disappointment at the booking, or lack of it, with thousands left puzzled as to why Penta was a no-show despite WWE’s apparent push.
“They really cut Penta just so Hogan can yap about the past.” One user posted as fans began to direct their annoyance at other segments of the broadcast. But, Chad Gable cut a promo about luchadores during the broadcast which some believed to be planting the seeds for a potential feud with Penta, beginning with his debut next week.
Travis Scott smoking as he walks out with iconic belt?
Travis Scott’s affinity towards WWE, particularly its Attitude Era, is well documented with the rapper sometimes going by Cactus Jack – one of the many wrestling personas created by hardcore legend Mick Foley.
This hardcore connection was strengthened when Paul Levesque gifted Scott with an updated version of the retired Hardcore Championship belt at a concert in November 2024. The rapper donned the revamped strap during his performance of Jey Uso’s entrance. Many viewers spotted Travis also appeared to be smoking a joint during the performance.
Many hope the reappearance of the retired championship belt means it will be reinstated soon along with its chaotic 24-hour rule.