On December 3rd key executives from both WWE and Netflix formally convened at Netflix headquarters in Los Angeles to discuss plans for RAW in 2025.
The WWE x Netflix deal for RAW is worth $5 billion dollars. The terms of the agreement will cost Netflix more than $5 billion and last for 10 years, with an option to extend an additional 10 years or opt out after five.
in the Netflix Era.
CREDIT: WWE AND JAMIE NELSON
During the presentation many topics and questions were brought up. On stage, the panel participants included the moderator Michael Cole, Netflix’s Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria and VP of Nonfiction Series and Sports, Brandon Riegg, and on behalf of WWE, President Nick Khan and Chief Content Officer, Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque.
“There was no doubt in my mind,” Levesque said about changing to the streaming model by going into business with Netflix. “As soon as that conversation happened and the first time [streaming] was brought up, in my mind, I was like, ‘Oh, my God, that’s a game changer for us.’ Not only because of the environment, like the reach and how much that can expand our base, but just look at the shows they do. [Look] at the things that they do and the freedom that they have within that. It’s a game changer for us.”
Netflix.
CREDIT: WWE
Other superstars included Cody Rhodes, Becky Lynch, Rhea Ripley, CM Punk, Seth Rollins and more.
RAW on Netflix programming rating was brought up and WWE President Nick Khan commentated:
“We’re not changing the rating of our programming. So there’s some online chatter about, ‘oh, it’s going to be R-rated, or for us old folks, X-rated.’ That’s definitely not happening,” he said. “It’s family-friendly, multi-generational, advertiser-friendly programming. It’s going to stay that way. I would look for more global flair, especially as the relationship continues to develop. Countries outside of the United States are as important to us as the United States is. So we have certain targeted countries that are priorities for Netflix. They’re priorities for us. You’re going to see more of that. I think that’s the way you’ll see a bit of a difference.”
Exclusive WWE documentaries and specials were also a topic in the meeting and Netflix’s Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria and VP of Nonfiction Series and Sports spoke on this:
“We are really looking forward to doing documentaries and taking some of [WWE’s] great history and characters and doing that on the unscripted and scripted side,” Bajaria said. “Again, we have so many great stars that come from WWE that we’ve had a great relationship with on the TV and movie side. We are about to do a new movie with our very own John Cena. It’s a really great comedy called Little Brother [starring Cena] and Eric Andre together, and we’re super excited about that,” she continued.
RAW debuts on Netflix January 6th 2025.
