Major update on controversial WWE RAW change for the Netflix era - Reports

WWE is just over two weeks away from one of its most important RAW episodes in company history. The company's flagship show will premiere on Netflix under a new 10-year deal worth more than five billion dollars. The WWE Universe is expecting many swerves and surprises for the new red brand era, and now sources have provided a backstage update on one controversial change.

Monday Night RAW premiered in primetime on January 11, 1993, via the USA Network. After 1,649 episodes, the longest-running weekly episodic show in TV history will make the jump to Netflix. WWE's new partner is able to opt out after five years, or extend the deal for an extra ten. This means World Wrestling Entertainment and Netflix could be partnered for five, ten, or fifteen years, depending on what the streaming giant wants.

Vince McMahon took RAW to two hours in February 1997 to compete with WCW Nitro. RAW 1000 in July 2012 marked the move to three hours. In a big surprise, RAW temporarily moved back to two hours on October 7 earlier this year, but the three-hour format will reportedly return on January 6. Fightful Select reported that WWE talents have some unanswered questions as the Netflix premiere rapidly approaches.

RAW moved back to two hours in the fall due to a USA Network request as part of the brief extension between the longtime partners. The deal was originally scheduled to run through October 2024, but extended a few months to bridge the gap to the launch of the Netflix era. The change was welcomed by many, but the company was adamant about going back to three hours.

Superstars who were at last Monday's Boston tapings to air on December 23 for Christmas week have noted to sources how they still were not told exactly how long the weekly RAW runtime will be on Netflix. Additional sources have not provided a clear answer when asked over the past few months either.

Netflix is said to have no hard-outs for RAW, according to one backstage source. This could be a major bonus for WWE, as sources added that there will be plenty of flexibility when it comes to the show and how it airs. Officials will surely welcome these perks as word from months back was how behind-the-scenes workers and talents were looking forward to less censorship and more leeway from Netflix.

WWE RAW Netflix premiere updated lineup

WWE RAW will premiere on Netflix for the first episode of 2025. The red brand will begin its new era on January 6, live from the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.

Officials have confirmed appearances by John Cena, Logan Paul, Cody Rhodes, and Gunther, among others. Below is the updated lineup:

Women's World Championship: Liv Morgan (c) vs. Rhea Ripley
Seth Rollins vs. CM Punk
Tribal Combat for the Ula Fala: Solo Sikoa vs. Roman Reigns (winner will also be recognized as The Tribal Chief of The Anoa'i Family)

WWE is now promoting the second and third Netflix episodes on its platforms. The January 13 episode will air live from the SAP Center in San Jose, while the red brand will be in Dallas at the American Airlines Center the following week. Gunther, Seth Rollins, Jey Uso, Rhea Ripley, Liv Morgan, and The New Day are being advertised for both shows, while Rhodes is also listed for Dallas.