Update on WWE move to Netflix and possible roster changes

– Fightful Select has an update on the upcoming move of WWE programming and WWE Raw to Netflix. This includes WWE's plans and what Netflix hopes to achieve with live streaming of Raw on the platform.

According to the report, Netflix named names like CM Punk, Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes as male superstars to be featured on Raw. Cody Rhodes and Reigns are currently part of the SmackDown roster. Punk is now part of the Raw roster. Fightful points out that when the company contacted WWE about the matter, they said the post-Netflix rosters had not yet been set. A senior WWE official is quoted as saying, “Saudi wanted Yokozuna back, we want Yokozuna back too, and I'm sure Netflix wants that too,” without adding many details about what both sides talked about. This refers to an old rumor about a conversation between former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon and the Prince of Saudi Arabia regarding The Greatest Royal Rumble event. Rumor has it that the Saudi prince wanted to have wrestlers like The Undertaker, The Ultimate Warrior and Yokozuna at the event, not knowing that the latter two had passed away.

According to the report, WWE talent has not been told which brands they will appear on after Netflix or if there will be a deciding factor in potential roster moves. Additionally, Fightful points out that superstars from both rosters recently took part in a Netflix promotional and video shoot that took place on October 27th. Among the superstars at the commercial shoot was Baron Corbin, who was recently informed that his contract would not be renewed. Other superstars who attended the commercial shoot included Iyo Sky, Kairi Sane, The Motor City Machine Guns, Elektra Lopez, members of the LWO and more.

In addition, Cody Rhodes and Netflix had discussions about a possible film role, but these did not materialize. The Intuit Dome in Los Angeles is expected to be the venue for the first edition of Monday Night Raw on Netflix. Venue staff reportedly touted the event as a major event. However, the venue has not announced any official details yet. WWE Raw will debut on Netflix in January 2025.