Get ready to fire up the Netflix account because “WWE Raw” is ditching its cable home of 30 years to become your next binge-worthy fix, officially streaming January 6. While it’s a historic move, the streaming debut seems to be throwing the WWE brand split out the window, with SmackDown stars like Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes supposedly making the guest list alongside Raw icons such as CM Punk.
The question on everyone’s mind: Is Netflix reimagining Raw as a crossover paradise? It sure seems so, given that SmackDown stars, including the Motor City Machine Guns, IYO SKY, and even the entire LWO, showed up for the promo shoot. Also spotted on set was WWE’s Baron Corbin—who, in true wrestling plot twist fashion, reportedly received his pink slip right after filming wrapped. It’s safe to say Netflix is ready to shake up the red brand’s formula, even if it means blurring lines WWE spent years drawing between brands.
As if that weren’t enough excitement, Netflix reportedly had dreams of a full-fledged Cody Rhodes movie. Yep, they envisioned the Undisputed WWE Champion trading suplexes for scripts! That idea might be on ice, but we’re already picturing a drama-filled, spandex-clad epic hitting the Top 10.
Meanwhile, WWE SmackDown will still be holding down the fort on cable, with NXT expanding its reach to broadcast TV. And just to make things more interesting, AEW is throwing its hat into the streaming ring, too. AEW programming will soon debut on Max while still airing on TBS and TNT—a sweet double-dip, courtesy of Warner Bros. Discovery.
So, buckle up, wrestling fans! With Raw on Netflix and AEW entering the streaming cage match, the future of wrestling is online. As for the brand split? Let’s just say this new era might be about more, well, flexibility than WWE ever anticipated.