WWE Raw on Netflix format update

In the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer gave an update on the expected format for WWE Raw on Netflix.

From October 7 through the end of 2024, Raw is going back to a two-hour show for the first time in more than a decade. Raw will then move to Netflix in January 2025. After initially noting that Raw was expected to move back to three hours on Netflix, Meltzer clarified that the plan is still to be determined. Without the constraints of regular television, there’s potential for Raw’s format to be more flexible:

The plan for Netflix is to be determined. It was noted that a normal Raw at three hours is 132 minutes so you can have the same content in a two-and-a-half hour show with less commercial time. There will be commercials on Netflix as one of the reasons Netflix picked up Raw is because they are trying to add commercials to programming and the Raw and pro wrestling audience is used to commercials on the shows, but they can adjust a lot differently than on regular television such as when and how long the breaks are and not have the show to the second when it comes to that. The time can also adjust such as if they need longer to tell the story or want to go shorter, it’s not like they have to be off the air because another show is starting. The idea is the length can change so the time frame of the main event finishes can be less predictable.

Raw’s deal with USA Network had been set to expire at the end of this month, but the two sides reached an agreement to keep the show on USA until its Netflix move. The date for the first Raw on Netflix is Monday, January 6, 2025.

It’s a 10-year deal between WWE and Netflix for Raw. Per the contract, Netflix has the option of extending the agreement for another 10 years after that. Netflix also could opt out at the five-year mark in 2030.