Listed here are 10 loopy (however doable) predictions about what might occur

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Listed here are 10 loopy (however doable) predictions about what might occur

For sure, the debut of WWE RAW on Netflix there have been undoubtedly folks speaking. From new or informal followers to probably the most loyal, the efficiency was a once-in-a-lifetime expertise. Though most viewers accepted of the present, others felt that elements of it had been lacking. After a couple of weeks on its new streaming platform, Marca Vermelha's programming is beginning to take form. The pomp and pageantry can now be put aside as WWE and Netflix transfer ahead, financially and creatively.

Nevertheless, There's little question the present will evolve. Because the weeks and months cross, the promotion and community will proceed to tweak the product. This may be probably the most thrilling facet of all: the truth that we're unsure what to anticipate right here. The restrictions that Vince McMahon positioned on the expertise and manufacturing workforce are lengthy gone. Thus, a possible Pandora's field has been opened for World Wrestling Leisure.

What adjustments might they make? We've already seen the distinction in the best way RAW is filmed and produced. The standard is at a stage by no means seen earlier than in sports activities leisure. There may very well be extra, nevertheless. From particular occasions to the present's script, everybody's favourite Monday night time wrestling present might look quite a bit completely different within the coming years.

10

A primary hour of nothing however storytelling

Delving deeper into the character of the “TV present”

We've not too long ago seen some wonderful movie-style vignettes from WWE. For instance, the match between Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns was an absolute masterpiece - worthy of an Emmy award. Previously, the promotion's makes an attempt to function a lot of these movies have been hit and miss. Typically they seemed sharp and instructed an ideal story; different instances, they had been so unstable that they additional sophisticated the present's angles.

The brand new format is strictly the other. It has viewers glued to their screens. This begs the query: With a three-hour present, what if WWE turned the whole first hour into pre-filmed vignettes like this? Like a cleaning soap opera – earlier than the present begins – to whet the followers' urge for food? In spite of everything, Triple H has already made it clear that WWE approaches its present product extra like a TV present than a sports activities competitors.

Though it might appear loopy, WWE already dedicates nearly an hour to any such content material. Why not group all of them collectively and make the primary 60 minutes of RAW a cinematic introduction to the motion? It might do extra to maintain followers' consideration than a lot of the present content material they stream now to start out the present.

It's an period of open collaboration


Screenshot 01/16/2025 09/16/22

In recent times, we've seen WWE spotlight wrestlers from different promotions, reminiscent of TNA's Jordynne Grace, Joe Hendry, and Mickie James. They've additionally had a unfastened working relationship with Professional Wrestling NOAH in Japan not too long ago. It's an opportunity for Triple H to increase an olive department whereas additionally scouting expertise he'd wish to signal sooner or later.

It is a far cry from Vince McMahon's tenure, when WWE basically acted as if no different wrestling existed wherever moreover their promotion. Because the panorama modified, any point out of a competitor was made dismissive. Fortuitously, every part has modified within the trendy period, because the not too long ago signed deal between WWE and TNA proves.

So why not take it a step additional? Convey one match per week - sanctioned by an out of doors promotion - and make it a 'featured' part on RAW. This could make for excellent PR inside the business, and the corporate might discover some diamonds within the tough alongside the best way.

8

Including a Netflix TV title or championship

It's time for the TV title to return


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Whereas WWE has all the time prevented having what could be thought-about a 'tv championship' a spotlight of WCW's programming again within the day, its new take care of Netflix might change that thought course of. As a option to additional strengthen your bond along with your new residence, the Uncooked model might function the Netflix Championship.

In fact, the NWA/WCW has lengthy been recognized for having an ideal legacy with a lot of these prizes. All Elite Wrestling President Tony Khan has already positioned his males's and ladies's tv titles beneath the umbrella of the TNT and TBS networks on which his firm seems. Maybe WWE can be tempted to do the identical sooner or later sooner or later and pay tribute to their manufacturing associate.

7

Redefining the "Night time After 'Mania" Phenomenon

Many Uncooked exhibits can turn out to be particular occasions

For many of the final 25-30 years, the RAW that follows WrestleMania has historically been often called an evening of surprises and the beginning of recent angles. Among the most electrifying appearances we've ever witnessed occurred when NXT performers made the soar to the primary roster on that holy day.

It was the night time we noticed Shawn Michaels bid a fond farewell to an emotional viewers after shedding his retirement match to The Undertaker at 'Mania 26 in 2010. Six years later, it was the place the WWE Universe noticed Enzo and Cass make one of many Most electrical predominant roster entries ever.

Similar to AEW markets a few of its common episodes as 'particular occasions', it could be logical for WWE to do the identical. With the brand new format, the probabilities could be limitless by way of creativity and advertising and marketing for that magical date on the calendar.

6

Exhibiting prolonged trailers for Netflix movies

A obligatory break from a 3-hour program

With three hours to fill, there'll finally come a time when the present begins to tug. After the rose blooms, some followers will resist watching a lot wrestling programming, and strongly rejected it in the course of the promotion's extended artistic disaster. To fight this delay in display screen time, WWE might capitalize on this by way of good advertising and marketing.

The corporate has aired film trailers on its programming previously - notably in the event that they featured a WWE performer. Now, WWE might take prolonged breaks by exhibiting 10-minute lengthy trailers for Netflix motion pictures. This not solely is sensible from a enterprise perspective, but additionally from a artistic mindset.

Some viewers members will stay engaged to see what else on the community they need to tune into. Others will use it as a handy time to go to the lavatory. Anyway, it could be a break from the motion and an opportunity for viewers to 'reset' mid-show.

5

A RAW pre-show

Much more content material for wrestling fanatics

Imagine it or not, some wrestling followers nonetheless can't get sufficient content material. Die-hard viewers members are the sort who watch each present, watch each trailer, and browse wrestling web sites each day. Their thirst for what occurs within the squared circle appears insatiable. Because the outdated saying goes: Some are sicker than others.

For these folks, WWE might select to broadcast the spherical tables they maintain earlier than Premium occasions stay. Not solely wouldn't it be much more stay content material for Netflix to stream, however it could additionally seal a four-hour block on the world's main streaming service.

Why would WWE do that? Fairly merely, the reply is cash. That additional programming would imply more cash in promoting income and positively some sort of concession from Netflix as properly. It might not attraction to everybody, but when there appears to be a big sufficient viewers to justify it, it might occur.

4

One hour devoted solely to the ladies's division

Driving the evolution of girls

We've seen WWE's girls's division proceed to thrive as its roster grows. In 2024, the ladies don't simply have expertise, they've depth, with extra expertise ready within the wings in NXT. Behind every champion is a listing of worthy candidates who look alike.

With the corporate including two new girls's belts – with a girls's model of the Intercontinental and United States Championships – the division is greater than ever. To not point out the truth that its two largest stars, Becky Lynch and Charlotte Aptitude, will return to motion full-time.

WWE might choose to make the most of the present's second hour to function nothing however girls's matches and promos. This might give followers a break from a few of the dizzying storylines within the males's division and provides the ladies a much-deserved part of the present devoted strictly to them.

3

Crossover with different Netflix properties

Extra superstar appearances


RAW in the NETFLIX logo

This isn't actually a loopy prediction. WWE has all the time relied on overcoming Hollywood star energy - for the reason that first WrestleMania. Previously, TV stars have been concerned within the angles and in-ring motion. Whereas that is usually a turn-off for many wrestling purists, it's a beacon of publicity for the group.

It's affordable to consider that Netflix collection regulars will by some means have interaction with Monday Night time RAW. It maintains the corporate's custom of being as 'Hollywood' as doable. Moreover, it helps to additional unite the WWE and Netflix manufacturers. This can doubtless be an everyday prevalence in 2025 and past.

2

May RAW turn out to be an expert wrestling selection present?

A radical change which will upset purists

Netflix's debut was marked by many celebrities {and professional} athletes within the crowd and even taking part in some RAW programming. Some celebrities, like Puerto Rican megastar Dangerous Bunny, even received in on the motion. However there's additionally the opportunity of incorporating celebrities WITHOUT them needing to be clotheslined.

Constructing on its mainstream success, What if RAW turned extra of a spread present constructed round skilled wrestling? In a manner, you could possibly consider it because the Saturday night time stay format. In between comedy sketches, they function a musical visitor. Previously, they even had stand-up comics do units throughout breaks. RAW may very well be a present that mixes artwork, athletics and aggression.

Think about if - proper after a brutal title match - they reduce to a section that includes somebody like Kendrick Lamar or whoever the most well liked musician on the time is. It's not the craziest thought on this planet. The promotion has experimented with this kind of factor previously (most notably McMahon's pseudo-talk present, Tuesday Night time Titans). It might appear a bit unusual, however in right now's age, it might probably work.

1

Making RAW a Premium Buy on Netflix

Whereas some members of the WWE Universe might not need to hear this, the extra profitable RAW turns into on Netflix, the extra helpful it turns into as a property. Because the numbers improve, the streaming service could also be tempted to extend the value of streaming as a part of some premium bundle.

Together with RAW, Finally, there should be a house for a lot of the corporate's historic content materialSo the possibility for a 'WWE add-on' to be a part of your month-to-month Netflix invoice may very well be a part of the long run. Though followers can be upset and name it a mere money seize, they may nonetheless purchase the product - particularly as RAW's reputation will increase.

A scenario the place the entire promotion's archived content material, stay pay-per-views, and stay RAW each week could be price it if priced accordingly. On the similar time, it would proceed to line the pockets of World Wrestling Leisure and TKO Sports activities.