
Is WWE RAW on Netflix in Jeopardy? Viewer Numbers Don't Look Promising!
2025-06-07
Author: Jacques
WWE's bold leap into the Netflix realm with Monday Night Raw could be fizzling fast! Recent reports indicate that the streaming giant is already having doubts about how this live wrestling staple fits into its user-friendly platform.
Insider Dave Meltzer, speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, highlighted a worrying trend: since switching over to Netflix, viewer numbers have taken a hit. Fans of Netflix are accustomed to binge-watching at their own pace, rather than syncing up with weekly live broadcasts.
Meltzer suggested that Netflix might actually be more suited for larger, hyped-up events once a month rather than a weekly grind like Raw. "Maybe a big pay-per-view event would get viewers excited, allowing for some serious buildup and buzz. But Raw's weekly format seems out of step with Netflix's audience habits," he explained.
Garrett Gonzales echoed Meltzer’s concerns, noting that Netflix viewers aren't likely to think, "It's 5 PM; time for wrestling!" Instead, they ask, "What fresh content is my algorithm suggesting today?" This disconnect poses a serious challenge for WWE's flagship show.
In a surprising twist, Meltzer revealed that WWE and Netflix’s deal includes a five-year opt-out clause. If Raw continues to dwindle in viewership, Netflix could decide to part ways in 2029. "The next four and a half years will be crucial in determining whether they renew their partnership," he cautioned.
Meltzer further analyzed the situation, describing WWE programming—particularly Raw—as feeling stale. Recent viewership numbers have been disappointing, prompting questions about the overall appeal of wrestling on streaming platforms.
He pointed out a significant demographic shift: the older audience, particularly those over 50, seems to have vanished from the Netflix landscape. This age group does not typically watch live sports or wrestling via streaming, which could spell trouble for the long-term success of Raw.
Gonzales weighed in on the technical hurdles inherent to Netflix as well, arguing that the platform’s structure makes it far from ideal for live events. "If you log in late, catching up becomes a hassle, and that’s not what live TV viewers are accustomed to. It’s what makes traditional television so accessible," he declared.
Capping off his commentary, Meltzer bluntly stated, "Netflix is designed for binge-watching rather than appointment viewing. This mismatch spells trouble for WWE, who were banking on Raw being a solid weekly draw. But it’s just not panning out as they thought it would."
With internal projections already falling short, the future of this groundbreaking partnership hangs in the balance. Both WWE and Netflix face mounting pressure to prove this collaboration brings lasting value—or shift gears before it’s too late.