## WWE’s Global Expansion: A Netflix Partnership Ushers in a New Era
For three decades, WWE’s “Monday Night Raw” has been a staple of terrestrial television. Now, the wrestling giant embarks on a new chapter, launching its flagship show, and much more, on Netflix. This marks the beginning of a groundbreaking ten-year, $5 billion partnership poised to revolutionize the way WWE connects with its global fanbase.
In the United States, the deal focuses on the weekly “Raw” program. However, internationally, the scope is significantly broader. Most territories will gain access to all three weekly shows – “Raw,” “SmackDown,” and “NXT” – alongside Premium Live Events (PLEs) and a wealth of supplementary content. This unprecedented access represents a game-changer for international audiences, many of whom will experience WWE’s full programming slate for the first time. The impact is particularly profound for international WWE talent, whose families, friends, and home country fans will now readily enjoy their performances.
This enhanced accessibility resonates deeply with WWE superstars. Axiom, a Madrid native and current NXT Tag Team Champion, highlights the significance of this development. He recalls a brief period of wrestling popularity in Spain around 2007-2008, before access became limited to the WWE Network, often with significant delays. For Axiom, whose success as part of the tag team Fraxiom (with Nathan Frazier) has earned them Sports Illustrated’s “best tag team in the world” accolade, Netflix provides a crucial platform for expanding the reach of professional wrestling in Spain. He draws a compelling parallel to the global success of “Money Heist” after its Netflix acquisition, suggesting WWE’s visibility will similarly explode.
Isla Dawn, a member of the Unholy Union tag team, shares similar sentiments from a Scottish perspective. She recalls the financial sacrifices her family made to watch WWE PLEs during the pay-per-view era, highlighting the improved accessibility Netflix offers. Similarly, Stephanie Vaquer, a Chilean newcomer and major 2024 free agent signing, recounts her childhood pursuit of cable television solely to watch WWE, emphasizing the increased convenience and widespread appeal the Netflix partnership will offer her countrymen.
The partnership benefits extend beyond mere accessibility. The expanded global reach positions WWE for significant growth, mirroring the success stories of other international content on Netflix. WWE’s increasingly diverse roster, featuring talent from around the world, is perfectly positioned to capitalize on this global platform. The company’s strategic shift towards hosting more live events abroad, as evidenced by successful 2024 PLEs in France, Australia, and Scotland, further underscores its commitment to engaging international audiences. This global expansion also promises exciting new opportunities for WWE superstars, potentially leading to increased crossover into mainstream entertainment, much like John Cena and The Rock. The Netflix deal isn’t just about increased viewership; it’s about solidifying WWE’s position as a major player in global entertainment.