WWE RAW to exit major network soon ahead of Netflix transition - Reports
WWE made the biggest network change announcement at the beginning of 2024 by unveiling its deal with Netflix for RAW. Since then, the company has made several network changes across its brands. Now, as 2025 comes close, the red brand will reportedly exit a major network ahead of its transition to the streaming giant.
WWE operates on different networks across different countries and regions to reach its fans every week. In Australia, the promotion relies on Foxtel and Binge for the streaming of Monday Night RAW. However, PWInsider reported that with the Netflix deal beginning in January 2025, the red brand will exit these networks. Thus, fans in Australia will need to switch to Netflix to continue to catch the action on RAW.
Many fans believe that the move to Netflix will drastically give the company’s creative direction much freedom, marking the real end of the PG era. While the Stamford-based promotion is paying attention to RAW, it recently made a network change for its developmental brand as well.
The transition of WWE NXT to the CW Network
WWE NXT is the developmental territory of the company, but it has a big fan following. This was evident from Tiffany Stratton’s Elimination Chamber appearance on February 24, 2024, despite making her SmackDown debut on February 2, 2024, and later becoming Ms. Money in the Bank. The black and silver brand recently left the USA Network for the CW Network on October 1.
The company is currently bringing main roster superstars to the show to keep the ratings up. So far, CM Punk has made a special guest referee appearance for the NXT Championship match that saw Trick Williams regain his title from Ethan Page. Moreover, Jey Uso also made an appearance on October 8, 2024, to celebrate Trick Willy’s second title run.
Randy Orton fought a main event match against Je’Von Evans in his hometown, St. Louis, last week. While The Viper picked up the win, The Young OG also bagged a number one contender’s match against All Ego and Wes Lee to face Williams for the NXT Championship.
It will be interesting to see how the brand’s ratings fare after the change and these major appearances.