Backstage news about WWE Raw's Netflix transition

“WWE Raw” arrives on Netflix on January 6th, after 30 years on cable television. As WWE prepares for its big streaming debut, new details about the Netflix premiere have emerged.

According to Fightful Select, Netflix has named “SmackDown” stars Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes, as well as “Raw” superstars like CM Punk, as wrestlers they hope will appear on the show. Netflix's apparent ambivalence toward WWE's brand split was compounded by the fact that “SmackDown” wrestlers such as the WWE Tag Team Champions, the Motor City Machine Guns, the LWO, IYO SKY and other members of the roster were on hand for a Filming a commercial for Netflix. Also taking part in the commercial shoot was Baron Corbin, whose departure from WWE was announced just days after production. “WWE Raw” is scheduled to air on January 6th from the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, but WWE has not yet confirmed this.

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Not only was Netflix interested in Cody Rhodes appearing on Raw, the streamer also met with the undisputed WWE champion about a possible film on Netflix that reportedly didn't come to fruition. “WWE SmackDown” remains on cable, while “WWE NXT” airs on television.

“Raw” isn’t the only show that will begin streaming in 2025, as AEW programming will also stream on Max in addition to airing on TBS and TNT. There is no date known for when Max streaming will begin, as WBD is still working on live broadcast capabilities for the streaming platform, but simulcasting was a much-touted part of AEW's new deal with WBD.