WWE Raw's Netflix Debut Hits a Snag: What Does This Mean for the Future of Wrestling Streaming?
The wrestling world was left scratching its head after the December 22 episode of WWE Raw failed to make a splash on Netflix’s global charts. But here's where it gets even more surprising: for the first time since its Netflix debut, Raw didn't even crack the U.S. charts. Tudum reports (https://www.netflix.com/tudum/top10/tv) that the episode was overshadowed by the unstoppable juggernaut that is Stranger Things, with multiple seasons of the sci-fi hit dominating viewership. This raises a bold question: Can WWE Raw compete with Netflix’s powerhouse originals, or is it destined to be a niche offering?
To put things in perspective, the December 15 episode of Raw managed to secure the seventh spot on the U.S. charts, though it didn’t chart globally. The December 8 episode fared slightly better, making it onto the global charts, while the December 1 and November 24 episodes also failed to gain traction. This inconsistent performance begs the question: Is WWE Raw struggling to find its footing in the streaming era, or is it simply a victim of timing and competition?
And this is the part most people miss: while Netflix viewership may be lagging, WWE Raw’s YouTube highlights continue to draw significant attention. The top five most-viewed videos from the December 22 episode showcase the enduring appeal of WWE’s superstar talent:
- CM Punk & Rey Mysterio vs. Bronson Reed & Austin Theory (723K views) – A high-octane tag team match that had fans on the edge of their seats.
- CM Punk confronts Gunther in an intense face-to-face (637K views) – A heated exchange that left viewers buzzing.
- Maxxine Dupri makes Becky Lynch tap out to the ankle lock (391K views) – A shocking moment that proved Dupri is a force to be reckoned with.
- Nikki Bella touts her greatness and targets Women’s World Title (328K views) – A bold declaration that reignited title speculation.
- Bayley defeats Roxanne Perez after Judgement Day’s mishap (275K views) – A match filled with drama and unexpected twists.
For those eager to dive deeper, the full results from the December 22 episode of Raw are available here (https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/wwe-raw-on-netflix-results-12-22-2025-cm-punk-rey-mysterio-vs-the-vision-rhea-ripley-vs-asuka-gunther-jevon-evans-more/). Don’t forget to check out the post-show podcast for a comprehensive review (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS7fkAtgKoJAgoujvNrWIIA). Curious about past viewership numbers? You can find them all here (https://www.fightful.com/tag/wwe-raw-viewership/).
Controversial Take: While Netflix’s global reach is undeniable, WWE Raw’s struggle to chart could be a sign that traditional wrestling content needs a fresh approach to thrive in the streaming landscape. Do you think WWE should rethink its strategy, or is this just a temporary setback? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take!
