For the first time in its storied history, Monday Night Raw made the leap to a streaming platform, debuting on Netflix. This bold move represents a seismic shift for WWE, signaling its intent to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving media landscape. While the debut was packed with major stars, storyline developments, and a renewed sense of occasion, it was far from perfect. Let’s break down the highs and lows of this historic night.
The Good
1. Triple H Sets the Stage
The night began with Triple H delivering an electrifying opening segment. As one of the most respected voices in WWE, his speech captured the gravity of the transition to Netflix, blending nostalgia with excitement for the future. His presence gave the show a sense of gravitas, drawing fans into this new era.
2. The Video Opening Package
Before the live action began, WWE unveiled a sleek, high-energy video package. This new opening was a feast for the senses, blending iconic moments from Raw’s history with cutting-edge visuals, perfectly encapsulating the importance of this new chapter on Netflix.
3. Jey Uso’s Entrance
Jey Uso’s entrance was another highlight, brimming with charisma and crowd engagement. The audience erupted as his music hit, and the energy he brought to the arena reminded everyone why he’s become a fan favorite. The combination of confidence and authenticity made his presence one of the evening’s standout moments.
4. Solo Sikoa vs. Roman Reigns: A Bloodline Showcase
The night’s standout match featured Roman Reigns clashing with Solo Sikoa, furthering the ever-evolving Bloodline saga. The interplay between the old and new Bloodline members brought a fresh dynamic, with Jimmy Uso, Sami Zayn, Tama Tonga, and Jacob Fatu adding intrigue to the proceedings. Kevin Owens’ interference, followed by a dramatic save by Cody Rhodes, elevated the stakes and chaos.
Paul Heyman played a pivotal role, clutching the Ula Fala—a symbol of tribal authority—which underscored the depth of the storyline. After the match, in a moment that left fans buzzing, The Rock presented the Ula Fala to Roman Reigns, cementing his status as Tribal Chief and hinting at a potential WrestleMania showdown. This segment captured everything fans love about WWE: drama, athleticism, and storytelling.
The Bad
1. The Rock’s Promo: Off-Key and Confusing
While The Rock’s return is always a major draw, his promo felt off. Rather than embracing the high-stakes aura of his “Final Boss” or “High Chief” personas, he leaned into a good-guy corporate tone. References to Cody Rhodes and even “Mama Rhodes” only muddled the message, leaving fans unsure of his alignment in the storyline. For a character of The Rock’s stature, this was a missed opportunity to deliver something unforgettable.
2. Excessive Crowd Panning
Throughout the night, cameras repeatedly cut to celebrities and WWE stars in the audience. While this was meant to showcase the show’s star-studded appeal, it detracted from the in-ring action and felt more like a spectacle than a wrestling event.
3. Jey Uso vs. Drew McIntyre: A Missed Opportunity
This match was solid but felt misplaced on such a momentous night. Its inclusion overshadowed the Solo vs. Roman storyline, which could have benefitted from the full spotlight. Pushing this match to another week might have allowed for a more cohesive narrative focus.
The Ugly
1. Liv Morgan vs. Rhea Ripley: Poor Booking
The Women’s Championship match was one of the night’s biggest disappointments. Despite Liv Morgan’s recent character development and momentum, the match ended in a quick squash that did little justice to her efforts. Adding insult to injury, Dominik Mysterio’s attempt to reconcile with Rhea Ripley fell flat, undermining both the match and the broader storyline.
2. CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins: A Sloppy Main Event
Closing the show with CM Punk and Seth Rollins—a dream match for many fans—should have been the perfect exclamation point. Instead, it fell short of expectations. The match was plagued by a lack of chemistry and visible missteps, leaving viewers with a sour taste. For a performer of CM Punk’s caliber, it raised questions about whether he still has what it takes to deliver at the highest level.
3. Hulk Hogan’s Reception: A Fallen Hero
The boos for Hulk Hogan during his brief appearance served as a stark reminder of his complicated legacy. Once hailed as the ultimate babyface, the crowd’s reaction mirrored the infamous “Dark Knight” line: “You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain.” While Hogan’s presence was meant to evoke nostalgia, it instead highlighted how far the fanbase has shifted.
Final Thoughts
WWE Raw’s debut on Netflix was a mixed bag. On one hand, it showcased moments of brilliance, such as the Bloodline storyline, Triple H’s opening segment, the electrifying video package, and Jey Uso’s undeniable star power. On the other, the night was marred by uneven pacing, questionable creative decisions, and a lackluster main event.
As WWE adjusts to its new home on Netflix, the potential for growth is undeniable. However, this debut underscores the importance of balancing spectacle with substance. Fans tune in for compelling stories and stellar matches—something that Raw delivered sporadically on this historic night.
With the road to WrestleMania fast approaching, the stakes have never been higher. Here’s hoping WWE can find its footing and deliver a product worthy of its storied legacy and new platform.
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