4 mistakes WWE must avoid on RAW's Netflix debut
As 2024 comes to an end, WWE is gearing up for a new era in 2025, which will be marked by RAW's move to Netflix. After 31 years on television, the Stamford-based promotion's flagship weekly show will transition to streaming, becoming available to over 250 million subscribers worldwide. This $5 billion move could change not just the company but the entire business forever.
Given the massive significance of the change, Triple H and Co. are doing everything possible to ensure the red brand makes an unforgettable first impression. As such, the debut on the streaming giant on January 6, 2025, will be stacked with PLE-level star power and matches. In the quest to make it as big as possible, however, the creative team could end up getting some things wrong.
Here are four huge mistakes WWE must avoid on RAW's Netflix debut
#4. WWE must be careful with its booking of returning legends on RAW's Netflix debut
Over the years, WWE has often relied on its unmatched gallery of legends to spice up landmark episodes of its weekly shows. In the past, this nostalgic booking has often come at the expense of current superstars, causing more long-term harm than good despite increasing ratings on the night. Under Triple H, the usage of legends has greatly improved, but some old concerns still remain.
For example, DX headlining Raw XXX in January 2023 didn't sit well with some fans, and The Rock's booking has ruffled multiple feathers in 2024. With The Great One and John Cena almost certain to feature and other legends potentially showing up on the Netflix premiere, Triple H and Co. must avoid booking them in myopic fashion.
These icons must have appropriately meaningful storylines on the show, which will be for the long-term good of the red brand in its new era.
#3. WWE must avoid hotshot title changes on RAW's Netflix debut
![Rhea Ripley vs Liv Morgan was the first title match confirmed for RAW's Netflix debut [Image from WWE.com]](https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/8005b-17347755521638-1920.jpg?w=500)
Other than short-sighted booking of legends, hotshot title booking was another vice that plagued WWE for years on special weekly shows. Vince McMahon often shoehorned title changes onto these big shows without putting much thought into how they would affect the future. This significantly affected the quality of the product, arguably devaluing the titles.
The Women's World Championship will be on the line as Liv Morgan faces Rhea Ripley on January 6, and more title bouts could be added in the coming weeks. Triple H and Co. must avoid unnecessary title changes despite the fact that they would garner short-term buzz. If any championships are to change hands, they must fit into the creative team's long-term plans.
#2. WWE's rumored plans to introduce a new Tribal Chief title on RAW's Netflix debut could be a huge mistake
With the introduction of the Women's United States and Intercontinental Championships, WWE now has 11 main roster championships. There is much debate about whether this number is too big, and that's without counting the men's and women's Speed titles. Rumors are circulating that the company is set to introduce an Undisputed Tribal Chief title, and fans' fears could be coming true.
The Bloodline already has a Ula Fala, which is treated with almost as much prestige as a title. An Undisputed Tribal Chief championship could devalue the tribal ornament and other titles at the same time. The traditional Samoan symbol of Chiefdom should arguably be kept as it is for its own good and the good of the other gold on the WWE product.
#1. WWE must avoid selecting the wrong main event for RAW's Netflix debut
Following the WWE RAW on Netflix kickoff show, a heated debate raged among the internet wrestling fanbase over who should be in the main event. The early frontrunners were Roman Reigns vs Solo Sikoa in Tribal Combat and CM Punk vs Seth Rollins in a WrestleMania-worthy dream match. Both of these long-term storylines have grown incredibly personal, drumming up massive interest.
Despite Michael Cole suggesting at the kickoff show that Punk and Rollins would headline, other reports suggest that Tribal Combat will go on last instead. This has divided fans down the middle, bringing back memories of Bad Blood, when Punk's match with Drew McIntyre didn't headline the PLE despite being widely regarded as the best feud and match on the card.
Whatever match or segment does go on last, Triple H and Co. must ensure it lives up to the hype above everything else on the episode. Failure to do so may prove to be a massive mistake that dampens the buzz around RAW's debut on Netflix.