WWE Raw Makes Netflix Debut, Hulk Hogan Booed, Triple H, The Rock & John Cena Show Up
Written by djfrosty on January 7, 2025
WWE Raw is entering a new era and made its splashy debut on the Netflix platform this week, with the early reactions from fans largely staying favorable. WWE Raw was packed with surprises as Triple H, The Rock, John Cena, and Hulk Hogan all showed up at varying intervals.
We’re CHANGING THE GAME on Monday nights! 💥#RawOnNetflix pic.twitter.com/1xWCPSAW2D
— WWE (@WWE) January 7, 2025
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The WWE Raw and Netflix deal stirred up plenty of interest among pro wrestling fans and the anticipation for Monday’s (Jan. 6) event was high from the moment the partnership was announced in 2024. It’s clear that the deal is a lucrative one with the opening video montage getting fans both new and established up to speed about the history of professional wrestling.
FINALLY… 🎤#RawOnNetflix pic.twitter.com/OuwTKNl1a5
— WWE (@WWE) January 7, 2025
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Triple H, who is the WWE’s chief content officer, opened up the show at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles before giving the center of the ring to Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who sits on the board of TKO Group, the company behind the UFC and WWE. Johnson gave praise to Netflix, his cousin Roman Reigns, and Cody Rhodes in a promo moment that seemed to win some fans over.
It’s getting EMOTIONAL right here and now.#RawOnNetflix pic.twitter.com/wg7g1lKniz
— WWE (@WWE) January 7, 2025
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John Cena, who is currently on his path to retiring from pro wrestling, kicked off his farewell tour in a quick promo for his Feb. 1 Royal Rumble match. After the announcement, the matchups were visually entertaining and full of spectacle as expected.
WE’VE GOT COMPANY!!!#RawOnNetflix pic.twitter.com/YNnPhGYSD3
— WWE (@WWE) January 7, 2025
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RHEA RIPLEY DID IT!!!#RawOnNetflix pic.twitter.com/CHctDf2qaP
— WWE (@WWE) January 7, 2025
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Roman Reigns, alongside his trusty manager Paul Heyman, took down Solo Sikoa in the Tribal Combat match for the Ula Fala and recognition as Tribal Chief of the Anoaʻifamily. That was followed by the Women’s World Championship bout between Rhea Ripley, who defeated Liv Morgan for the title.
Hulk Hogan, at one time one of the most popular stars in the pro wrestling world, was on hand to promote his Real American Beer brand but faced the boos of the crowd despite trying to thank WWE and his supporters. It could be assumed that Hogan was targeted due to his connection to President-elect Donald Trump.
🗣️ LET’S GO ROLL-INS!
🗣️ CM PUNK!#RawOnNetflix pic.twitter.com/KvnaxFSw5U
— WWE (@WWE) January 7, 2025
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After Hogan was swiftly moved to the side, Jey Uso, also part of the Anoaʻi wrestling family, took on Drew McIntyre and won the match. Afterwards, the main event, CM Punk and Seth Rollins ended with Punk emerging victorious.
In all, it appears that WWE Raw’s partnership with Netflix will be a fruitful one as it remains one of the top ratings cash cows in all of sports and entertainment.
On X, reactions to the event were all over the map with some not pleased with the show while others said they’re back on the bandwagon. We’ve got them listed below.
WWE’s Chief Content Officer @TripleH narrates the official Cold Open for the debut of #RawOnNetflix streaming live TONIGHT at 8PM ET nationwide!#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/35eCNT1Moa
— WWE (@WWE) January 6, 2025
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Photo: WWE/Getty