WWE Expands Worldwide with $5 Billion Netflix Deal/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ WWE’s flagship program, Monday Night Raw, debuts on Netflix today, kicking off a $5 billion, 10-year partnership. Fans in most international territories will now have access to WWE’s full programming, including Raw, SmackDown, NXT, and Premium Live Events. International stars like Axiom, Isla Dawn, and Stephanie Vaquer are excited about the opportunity to showcase their talents to a global audience.
WWE-Netflix Partnership: Quick Looks
- Major Deal: WWE begins a $5 billion, 10-year deal with Netflix.
- Programming Access: Fans worldwide can now watch Raw, SmackDown, NXT, and live events.
- Global Reach: International stars see the deal as transformative for wrestling’s popularity.
- Fan Accessibility: Shows will now stream without delays, increasing global audience engagement.
- Cultural Impact: WWE aims for a Netflix-fueled rise similar to Money Heist.
- Future Events: WWE will host international shows, including SmackDown in Barcelona.
WWE Expands Worldwide with $5 Billion Netflix Deal
Deep Look
WWE has officially transitioned to a new era, launching its flagship programming on Netflix as part of a $5 billion, 10-year global partnership. For the first time, international fans will gain near-instant access to weekly episodes of Monday Night Raw, SmackDown, NXT, and the company’s Premium Live Events (PLEs), as well as a vast library of WWE content.
This milestone marks the end of WWE’s decades-long reliance on terrestrial television and opens up opportunities for a worldwide audience to connect with the brand. While the U.S. will primarily receive Raw, most other territories gain access to all three shows, further expanding the reach of professional wrestling.
For International Talent, A Game-Changer
For WWE’s global superstars, the Netflix deal represents more than just expanded viewership—it’s an opportunity to showcase their work to fans in their home countries. Spanish wrestler Axiom, currently one-half of the NXT Tag Team Champions as part of the “Fraxiom” duo, emphasized the potential for WWE to grow in Spain, where wrestling has historically struggled to find a mainstream audience.
“Wrestling in Spain was popular for a brief time on TV, but then it disappeared,” Axiom explained. “The Netflix deal gives fans in my country and others the chance to stay up-to-date in ways they never could before.”
Scottish star Isla Dawn, a former Women’s Tag Team Champion, echoed this sentiment. “Growing up, we had to save up for pay-per-views,” she recalled. “Now fans in Scotland can access all WWE shows whenever they want. It’s a game-changer.”
Stephanie Vaquer, a rising star from Chile, believes the accessibility of WWE on Netflix will resonate deeply in her home country. “WWE is already popular in Chile, but it’s been hard to watch live. Now, fans of all ages will be able to tune in on-demand,” she said.
A Global Push for WWE
The Netflix partnership aligns with WWE’s increasing efforts to embrace international markets. In 2024, several of the year’s highest-rated PLEs were held abroad, including Backlash in Lyon, France, and Elimination Chamber in Perth, Australia. The upcoming Road to WrestleMania tour will include a stop in Barcelona, where fans will be hoping to see Axiom perform in his home country.
Vaquer also dreams of debuting as a WWE star in her hometown. “I’ve fought all over the world, but never in Chile,” she said. “It would mean everything to me to debut there as part of WWE.”
More Than Just Wrestling
Beyond expanding wrestling’s reach, the Netflix deal positions WWE stars for crossover opportunities in entertainment. Isla Dawn believes the visibility of WWE on Netflix will open new doors for performers.
“Wrestling has always had its niche fan base, but now, anyone scrolling Netflix can discover WWE. That kind of exposure can lead to broader recognition, much like what stars like The Rock and John Cena have achieved.”
Axiom drew parallels between WWE’s potential and the global success of Netflix’s Money Heist. “When Money Heist was on Spanish TV, it was a local success, but Netflix turned it into a worldwide phenomenon,” he said. “I believe WWE can achieve similar success on a global scale.”
As WWE becomes accessible to more fans in more countries, the Netflix partnership is set to usher in a new era for the brand, its superstars, and professional wrestling as a whole.
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