WWE Raw Netflix Premiere Review
New year, new frontiers, countless possibilities
Can you believe it’s 2025 already? Nope? Me either! It feels like 2024 disappeared in the blink of an eye. Life got pretty busy during the second half of the year, so things got pretty quiet around here. But, with the start of a new year comes a new chapter for WWE, and this new chapter brings me a new surge of intrigue for what lies ahead for wrestling. When I talk about a new chapter, I’m talking, of course, about WWE’s premiere on Netflix. Kicking off with an action-packed Monday Night Raw, it’s clear that WWE means business in 2025.
Image courtesy of WWE
Streaming live from Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California, this event pushed the venue capacity to its limits and smashed WWE gate records out of the park. We’re yet to know the viewership stats across Netflix globally, but I reckon the numbers are going to be impressive once they’re out. Like Triple H was in his post-event press conference, I’m optimistic.
Where to start with breaking down such an epic premiere? Well, apart from giving props to the brilliant intro montage welcoming in the Netflix Era, I have to talk about my highlight of the event: Solo Sikoa versus Roman Reigns for the title of The Bloodline Tribal Chief. This match was so good for a few reasons. Firstly, they brought out a few heavy-hitters like Cody Rhodes, Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, and a few others to give us a taste of the rivalries we’ll see developing this year. Secondly, the use of props was excellent. I will never complain when I see a table pulled out from under the ring. Thirdly, it was wicked to see Jacob Fatu showcased in the match, because frankly, the man is a beast and I see him becoming the future heavyweight world champion one day (mark my words). Finally, it was great to see the Ula Fala draped around Roman’s neck when he defeated Sikoa… and see a hint at the possibility of him and The Rock interacting more this year… watch this space!
Image courtesy of WWE
Next up, I want to talk about CM Punk’s victory over Seth Rollins. Don’t get me wrong, it was a good match, but I wonder if the type of match itself did the rivalry between the two justice. There is so much tension and history between the two of them (check out this clip from WWE for background), that a standard match just felt a little too underwhelming. I would have preferred to see something where they could have really let out their rage on each other, like a street fight, hell in a cell, or extreme rules match-style instead. That said, I’m interested to see how this rivalry will develop over the next year, as I don’t think this is the last time we’ll see these two go head-to-head any time soon.
Image courtesy of The Undertaker
A particular treat of the night was a very special (and unexpected) appearance from The Undertaker. Rhea Ripley got a chance to claim back her status as top dog by defeating Liv Morgan, and during her celebration, the unmistakable gong rung out across the stadium to everyone’s surprise. Undertaker did a lap of the ring on his motorcycle, and then stood side-by-side with Rhea and seemingly gave her his endorsement. What a huge moment for Rhea, but also a huge moment for fans - what could this mean in the bigger scheme of things? I’m excited to find out! The same goes for John Cena, who made an appearance, too. Although I am heartbroken its his final year, I can’t wait to see how his final storylines unfold.
Are you pumped for what 2025 will bring for WWE? Because I’m pretty freakin’ pumped.
Oh, and while I’ve got you, let me tell you my predictions for 2025:
John Cena versus The Undertaker at Wrestlemania
Roman Reigns versus The Rock versus Cody Rhodes in a Triple Threat match
Rhea Ripley versus Becky Lynch for the world championship title (starting with a victory for Becky at Royal Rumble, where she warns Rhea that she’s coming for the belt)
Cody Rhodes returns to AEW
CM Punk finally gets his Wrestlemania main event, and we see a surprise return of his wife AJ Lee at the Royal Rumble
Will any of this actually happen? I guess we’ll have to see!
I give this event 4 out of 5 stars:
