WWE: Raw is an action-packed professional wrestling television program airing every Monday evening on USA Network and produced over 1,600 episodes, showcasing some of the greatest names in pro wrestling such as Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Triple H and John Cena.
WWE and Netflix, one of the world’s leading entertainment brands, have joined forces to deliver Raw worldwide starting January 2025. This new partnership begins immediately.
The History of Raw
Raw has long held an air of mystery and legend around it. Held each Monday after WrestleMania, this show provides many memorable moments which set up its story for the remainder of the year. Furthermore, it holds the longest running weekly wrestling show in television history with over 700 episodes without interruption!
Raw was first broadcast live from Manhattan Center on January 11, 1993 and marked a significant shift in WWF programming; previously most shows had been taped for studio use with prerecorded voice overs and interviews; with Raw, matches were shot live before an audience with angles as they occurred.
Vince McMahon, Rob Bartlett and Bobby Heenan served as original broadcast team members. The opening video featured a remixed version of Raw Is War video with new remixed theme song remix.
The Impact of Raw on the World of Wrestling
Since 1993, Raw has become an iconic show in sports entertainment. Combining soap opera style storytelling with action and incredible athleticism over 52 weeks a year, this show has launched many careers such as John Cena, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, Triple H and Bianca Belair – just to name a few!
WWE RAW is often considered their flagship program due to its long history, high ratings, and emphasis on pay-per-views. Furthermore, it holds the longest running weekly episodic wrestling show on television ever.
Early years of the program were broadcast live from Manhattan Center Studios in New York City. While this format proved successful, its weekly live schedule eventually proved too costly for the WWF. Instead, from early 1994 forwards, shows began being taped. At first this consisted of Vince McMahon, Rob Bartlett, and Bobby Heenan with Gorilla Monsoon taking his place for storyline reasons.
The Impact of Raw on the World of Entertainment
Raw has long featured musical artists, television personalities and politicians as special guests on its show. Additionally, tributes were paid to professional wrestlers who have passed away while Milestones like its 1000th episode were honored on TV.
WWE officials credit Raw with helping to launch the careers of such superstars as Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Triple H and John Cena. Furthermore, Raw’s unique brand of entertainment has had an influence over other sports organizations and political campaigns seeking a TV presence.
Evans is making sure Raw remains relevant in an age of streaming media by striking deals such as one with Netflix which will see it broadcast free in countries where it would normally cost money, as well as being available on YouTube to reach audiences that don’t have access to traditional television. These agreements join one that gives NBCUniversal Peacock platform rights for U.S. audiences only.
The Impact of Raw on the World of Sports
Since 1983, WWE fans have flocked to Monday nights for over 30 years to witness an array of action, drama, and unmatched athleticism on television. Over 1,600 episodes have been produced with notable stars like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, CM Punk, Triple H, John Cena Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins among many others rising through its ranks.
Netflix will assume ownership of WWE’s two-hour live program beginning January 2025 from USA Network, as well as having rights for NXT and Friday Night Smackdown shows in Canada, the UK and Latin America as well as premium live events promoted by wrestling promotion.
Netflix’s $5 billion deal with WWE will serve as an essential test of its ambitions in live sports. Although they have experimented with sports-adjacent programming before (including live NFL game last year) the WWE deal takes their ambitions one step further.