The iconic Monday Night Raw has officially made its debut on Netflix, marking a historic shift for WWE. As part of the company’s new streaming era, this move transitions Raw from cable to one of the world’s largest streaming platforms, ushering in an exciting chapter for wrestling fans globally.
Held at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, the inaugural Netflix episode featured star-studded appearances, high-stakes matches, and unforgettable moments.
Key Highlights from the Monday Night Raw Netflix Debut
1. CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins: A Rivalry for the Ages
- Match Overview:
CM Punk and Seth Rollins delivered a thrilling main event match fueled by their personal animosity.- Both wrestlers pushed their limits, with Rollins mimicking Punk’s moves, including the Go To Sleep (GTS), but Punk ultimately emerged victorious.
- Punk sealed the win with back-to-back GTS maneuvers, setting himself up for a potential WrestleMania main event.
- Analysis:
The match showcased incredible storytelling and athleticism. Rollins’ loss will likely push him into a darker phase, while Punk solidifies his dominance.
2. Tribal Combat: Roman Reigns Reclaims the Ula Fala
- Match Overview:
Roman Reigns faced off against Solo Sikoa in tribal combat for the ula fala and the title of Tribal Chief.- The chaotic match featured interference from Tama Tonga, Jacob Fatu, Sami Zayn, and Jimmy Uso, but Reigns ultimately prevailed with two devastating spears.
- A surprise appearance by The Rock capped the match, as he placed the ula fala on Reigns, signaling respect and unity within the Bloodline.
- Analysis:
Reigns’ victory reaffirms his position as the leader of the Bloodline. The inclusion of The Rock adds a new layer of intrigue, possibly setting the stage for a future WrestleMania showdown.
3. Rhea Ripley Reclaims the Women’s World Championship
- Match Overview:
In a brutal contest against Liv Morgan, Ripley overpowered her opponent to regain the Women’s World Championship.- Despite interference from Dominik Mysterio and Raquel Rodriguez, Ripley delivered two Riptides to secure the win.
- Post-match, Ripley hit a low blow on Mysterio, officially ending their alliance.
- Analysis:
Ripley’s dominant victory restores her as a top figure in the women’s division. The rivalry with Morgan is far from over, with a rematch likely at Royal Rumble 2025.
4. Jey Uso Stuns Drew McIntyre
- Match Overview:
Jey Uso shocked Drew McIntyre with a surprise roll-up victory.- McIntyre’s control throughout the match wasn’t enough to prevent Uso’s quick thinking.
- Analysis:
The result intensifies McIntyre’s frustrations with the OG Bloodline, hinting at future clashes.
Memorable Appearances and Announcements
John Cena’s Farewell Tour Begins
- Cena’s Speech:
Cena kicked off his final year in WWE, announcing his entry into the 2025 Royal Rumble. With hopes of becoming a 17-time WWE Champion, Cena declared:“I’m going to win the Royal Rumble.”
The Rock Electrifies the Intuit Dome
- Tribute to Family:
The Rock dedicated the night to his wrestling lineage, paying homage to High Chief Peter Maivia and Rocky Johnson.- He also praised Cody Rhodes for carrying WWE in the past year.
- The Rock’s involvement in the Reigns-Sikoa tribal combat further solidified his legendary status.
Other Highlights
- Triple H Welcomes the Netflix Era:
WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque introduced the new ring, emphasizing the global reach of Netflix.- “Welcome to the Netflix era!” he proclaimed.
- Travis Scott Performs:
The rapper performed the new Monday Night Raw theme song, energizing the crowd and adding star power to the event.
Match Card Results
- CM Punk def. Seth Rollins (Main Event)
- Roman Reigns def. Solo Sikoa (Tribal Combat for Ula Fala)
- Rhea Ripley def. Liv Morgan (Women’s World Championship)
- Jey Uso def. Drew McIntyre
How to Watch Monday Night Raw on Netflix
- Time: Mondays at 8 PM ET.
- Platform: Netflix (Available to all subscription tiers at no additional cost).
What’s Next?
The Netflix era of Monday Night Raw has begun with a bang, delivering unforgettable moments and setting up exciting storylines for the road to WrestleMania 41. With returning legends like The Rock and John Cena, WWE is poised to dominate the streaming space while captivating fans worldwide.
Stay tuned for the next electrifying episode of Monday Night Raw!