WWE ‘Raw’ resolves USA Network and Netflix hiatus

wrestling

by Ryan Glaspiegel

The temporary home of WWE “Raw” will be the same as its previous home.

Earlier this year, WWE announced that in January 2025, Netflix would acquire the rights to its Monday night show, which has long been home to USA Network.

Andrew Schleimer, chief financial officer of WWE’s parent company TKO, said during the company’s earnings call Wednesday that “Raw” will continue from mid-September through the end of the year as Netflix ramps up its live streaming infrastructure. We are planning to announce that it will be broadcast in the United States. Millions of people around the world are watching the show at the same time.

USA’s broadcast contract with RAW was scheduled to expire in September.

There will be synergy for WWE fans as “SmackDown” moves from Fox to the United States in the fall. Therefore, both weekly episodic shows will have the same home base for several months.

It was a relative shock when WWE announced in January that it was moving “Raw” to Netflix. Streaming services have not traditionally been major players in live sports rights.

Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s chief content officer, said at the time: “We’re thrilled to bring WWE Raw, which has a passionate, multi-generational fan base, to Netflix.”

“By combining our reach, recommendations and fandom with WWE, we will be able to bring even more joy and value to WWE’s viewers and members. RAW is sports entertainment at its finest, featuring great characters and We are thrilled to be in a long-term partnership with WWE as we blend storytelling and live action 52 weeks a year.”

Netflix is ​​paying WWE $5 billion in a 10-year deal that also includes the majority of the company’s worldwide rights.

Netflix has the option to terminate the contract after five years, and the option to extend the contract for another 10 years once the initial contract is signed.