WWE Raw continues its resurgence in global popularity with the October 20, 2025 episode securing the #6 spot on Netflix’s global Top 10 chart, drawing an impressive 2.6 million viewers and over 5.1 million hours watched worldwide. This marks an upward trend from the previous week’s #8 ranking, signaling strong momentum for WWE’s flagship show in the streaming arena.
October 20th Episode Performance: Key Figures and Impact
The October 20 edition of Raw aired amid a high-stakes storyline featuring top WWE superstars such as CM Punk and Cody Rhodes, alongside the ongoing drama surrounding the World Heavyweight Championship. The episode’s streaming numbers, released by Netflix eight days post-broadcast, show an increase from the 2.4 million views recorded for the October 13 episode to 2.6 million viewers—a 8.3% rise[1].
Raw’s 5.1 million hours viewed on Netflix underscore the show’s ability to engage a global audience beyond traditional cable TV. Additionally, in the highly competitive U.S. market, WWE Raw ranked #4 among all English-language Netflix programs for that week, highlighting the brand’s strong domestic appeal as well[4].
What Drove the Viewership Spike?
Several factors contributed to the surge in streaming popularity for WWE Raw on this date:
High-Profile Title Turmoil: The episode featured Seth Rollins being stripped of the World Heavyweight Championship, a storyline element that generated buzz inside and outside the WWE community. Fans were captivated by the ramifications this had on subsequent contender storylines[1][8].
Featured Star Power: The presence of fan favorites like CM Punk and Cody Rhodes boosted interest, with sources close to Rhodes revealing backstage excitement about the spotlight he continues to hold on the show[8]. WWE insiders attribute the spike partially to these popular wrestlers driving viewership growth.
Pandemic-Era Streaming Shift: Since WWE’s move of Raw onto Netflix earlier in 2025, the show has adapted well to the streaming format. Analysts note that the convenience and accessibility of Netflix are expanding WWE’s audience reach, especially among younger and international viewers[5].
Backstage Insights: Momentum Is Building
According to a WWE insider familiar with the Netflix strategy, “The team behind Raw is truly pumped about this climb. The October 20 episode’s performance reaffirmed that WWE’s storytelling and star booking are resonating with fans globally. Streaming is a game-changer, and the focus now is to maintain this upward trend by delivering compelling television every week.”
This enthusiasm echoes the wider WWE corporate push to maximize viewership via digital platforms. With metrics like Netflix’s global Top 10 rankings now becoming a key indicator of success, the company is working closely with its stars and creative team to tailor content that appeals both live and on-demand[1][4].
The Broader Context: WWE Raw’s Netflix Journey Since 2025 Premiere
WWE Raw’s transition to Netflix earlier this year marked the most watched episode premiere since 2018 in the U.S., with initial viewership exceeding 3 million domestic viewers. Despite some fluctuations, Raw’s Netflix ratings have stabilized at a strong level, positioning the show competitively within the wrestling and sports-entertainment genre on streaming platforms[5].
This latest #6 ranking reflects a sustained momentum growth, aligning with WWE’s strategic content expansion and investment in storylines designed to capture global audiences. As the wrestling world anticipates upcoming pay-per-view events, Raw’s continued success on Netflix adds another layer of excitement for fans and advertisers alike.
What’s Next for WWE Raw on Netflix?
Looking ahead, WWE plans to capitalize on the current positive trends by delivering high-intensity rivalries, championship matches, and special appearances designed to boost streaming viewership further. Sources emphasize that the backstage atmosphere is focused on maximizing the global impact of key episodes and retaining the loyal Netflix fanbase.
With the World Heavyweight Championship picture evolving and fan-favorite wrestlers front and center, Raw’s positioning in Netflix’s global Top 10 is expected to become a recurring achievement. WWE’s symbiotic relationship with Netflix is shaping how modern wrestling is consumed and appreciated worldwide.