Further details have been provided as to what fans can expect when WWE moves to Netflix at the start of 2025.
In a historic deal that surprised many, Raw will be broadcast on Netflix around the world next year and markets outside of the United States will also get SmackDown, NXT and Premium Live Events as part of the deal, signalling an end to the Network after more than 10 years. As announced at the JPMorgan Global Technology, Media and Communications Conference, more wrestling content will also be premiering on the platform.
Appearing at the conference, TKO Chief Operating Officer Mark Shapiro discussed the upcoming partnership and stated that there would be “a lot of ancillary shoulder programming” to accompany the weekly TV and PLEs. One project that has been confirmed is a docuseries that will be produced in a similar format to the popular F1 show Drive To Survive.
The behind-the-scenes F1 docuseries provides additional insight into the season and features exclusive interviews with drivers, team principals and prominent journalists. The show has become one of the most popular on the streaming platform and has been a major factor in the sports spike in popularity and lucrative media rights deals in the United States.
Other highlights from the event, as reported by Josh Nason of F4WOnline, are as follows:
- WWE will “expand” their deal with Saudi Arabia in the next 6 to 12 months, which follows a previous update from Turki Alsheikh of the Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority that the Kingdom is looking to host a Royal Rumble or a WrestleMania in 2026 or 2027.
- Packaging UFC and WWE events is a large part of their strategy moving forward and attendance, site fees and pricing are the key performance indicators. Additionally, the company has to be “heavily incentivized” when bringing shows to town, but this does not have to be cash.
- The UFC may also host additional events in Saudi Arabia past their contracted obligations.
Why Was There A Gap Between Platforms For WWE Raw?
When the historic deal was announced back in January, many pointed out that as the current deal for Raw between WWE and the USA Network expires in October there would be a 3-month window where the Monday night show would not have a home. Later in the year, a deal was agreed upon where the USA Network extended its relationship with WWE for the final quarter of 2024. According to a report, the reason why there was a gap between WWE deals was due to international factors.
In the Q2 investors call, a new update on WWE content was provided.