WWE is reportedly preparing a special event-level show for the Netflix debut of WWE Raw.
According to Fightful, WWE wants to make the Raw premiere on Netflix the “biggest episode in Raw history.” Internally, the show is being discussed as being on par with a PLE (Premium Live Event) and will feature stars from Smackdown.
WWE sees the Netflix deal as a significant opportunity to increase its popularity. The company signed a massive 10-year, $5 billion deal with Netflix to stream Raw. The highly anticipated premiere will take place on January 6 next year, live from the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.
John Cena has already confirmed that he will appear in the first Raw episode on Netflix. Cena, who will be with WWE in 2025 for his final year as an active wrestler, plans to participate in several events, including the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania.
WWE has secured three new T.V. deals this year. Smackdown now airs on the USA Network after ending its partnership with Fox. Meanwhile, NXT has moved from the USA Network to C.W. Despite the Netflix deal kicking in for 2025, WWE’s PLEs and library will still be available on Peacock for U.S. audiences.
