Steady Figures for WWE RAW on Netflix
The September 29th, 2025 episode of WWE RAW averaged 2.3 million global viewers and accumulated 4.5 million hours watched on Netflix, according to the streaming giant’s latest report[1][3][4]. These figures mirror the previous week’s performance, signaling stability for WWE’s flagship show in its new streaming home. For two consecutive weeks, RAW has held steady as a top-10 global program on Netflix, ranking eighth worldwide for its category[1][3].
This consistency is notable for WWE as it navigates the uncharted waters of live sports entertainment on a major streaming platform. According to a WWE insider, “The transition to Netflix was never expected to be an overnight revolution, but the audience is holding—they’re tuning in, and that gives us a solid base to build on.”
How WWE RAW Stacks Up Globally
Netflix’s global rankings for the week ending September 29th placed WWE RAW at #8 among English-language TV shows, a position it also held the prior week[1][3]. Domestically in the United States, the show slipped slightly from fourth to seventh, reflecting increased competition from both scripted and unscripted series[2]. The shows that outperformed RAW included “Wayward,” “Monster: The Ed Gein Story,” “House of Guinness,” “Love is Blind” season nine, “Black Rabbit,” “Wednesday” season two, and the debut season of “Dark Winds”[2].
Despite the competition, WWE RAW remains a cornerstone of Netflix’s live programming experiment. “We knew Monday Night Football and scripted hits would take some shine off, but having RAW in the global top 10 every week is a win for both WWE and Netflix,” said an industry analyst familiar with the deal.
The Impact of Monday Night Football and Live Sports
One challenge for the September 29th episode was its direct competition with Monday Night Football, a perennial ratings juggernaut in the American sports landscape[2]. Wrestling Inc. noted that the episode tied with the previous week’s show for the lowest viewership since RAW’s move to Netflix at the start of 2025, attributing part of the dip to the NFL’s dominance in the same time slot[2]. Both episodes began at 7 PM EST, squarely in the heart of prime-time sports viewing.
Sources close to WWE creative suggest that the company is taking a patient approach: “There’s no panic. We’re in a marathon, not a sprint. The key is providing must-see moments every week to keep the audience invested, even when football is on.” This strategy seems to be paying off, as the show’s global numbers remain robust despite domestic fluctuations.
Highlights That Drove Engagement
The September 29th edition of RAW was packed with high-stakes action and storyline progression. Rhea Ripley’s heated confrontation with Asuka and Kairi Sane—culminating in IYO SKY snatching the infamous blue mist from Asuka—was a major talking point among fans and analysts[2]. Elsewhere on the card, Intercontinental Champion Dominik Mysterio successfully defended his title against Rusev, while Raquel Rodriguez triumphed over Bayley in a hard-fought matchup.
The main event saw the explosive return of Roman Reigns, who intervened to assist The Usos in their tornado tag team match against The Vision (Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker)[2]. According to sources close to Cody Rhodes, “Roman’s return was a planned spectacle to remind everyone that RAW can still deliver shocking moments, live and unscripted. That’s the advantage of our new platform.”
YouTube and Social Media Buzz
Beyond the live broadcast, key moments from the September 29th RAW saw significant traction on YouTube. Roman Reigns’ return to help The Usos garnered over 2 million views, while Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins’ explosive faceoff surpassed 600,000 views[1]. Other standout clips included IYO SKY berating Kairi Sane, Tiffany Stratton confronting Stephanie Vaquer, and Asuka spraying IYO SKY with poison mist—each racking up hundreds of thousands of views within days[1].
Social media engagement, particularly on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Threads, remained high, with fans debating the show’s direction and the impact of the Netflix move. “We’re seeing more global participation in the conversation, which is exactly what WWE wanted from this partnership,” noted a social media manager for the company.
The Long Game: Patience and Innovation
The transition from cable to streaming was always going to be a test of WWE’s resilience and adaptability. While the viewership numbers for September 29th didn’t show growth, they also didn’t decline—a sign that WWE’s core audience is sticking with the product even as the platform changes[1][3][4].
According to a WWE executive, “Netflix gives us a chance to rethink how we present live wrestling. We’re experimenting with interactive features, behind-the-scenes content, and even different broadcast times for international audiences. This is just the beginning.”
What’s Next for WWE RAW on Netflix?
Looking ahead, WWE faces the dual challenge of maintaining its loyal fanbase while attracting new viewers unfamiliar with weekly wrestling. Upcoming episodes are expected to feature high-profile returns, championship clashes, and continued storyline escalation, all designed to drive engagement and word-of-mouth buzz.
Industry observers suggest that WWE will likely leverage Netflix’s global reach to tailor content for different regions, potentially introducing localized commentary, subtitles, and even exclusive matches for international subscribers. “The goal is to make RAW a true global phenomenon, not just an American export,” said a source within WWE’s international division.
Conclusion: Stability, Not Stagnation
The September 29th episode of WWE RAW on Netflix may not have broken records, but it demonstrated that the show can hold its own in a crowded streaming landscape. With 2.3 million viewers, 4.5 million hours watched, and a consistent place in Netflix’s top 10, RAW is proving to be a reliable asset for both WWE and its new streaming partner[1][3][4].
As WWE continues to innovate and adapt, the key to long-term success will be delivering must-see moments, engaging global audiences, and embracing the unique opportunities that streaming offers. According to a veteran backstage source, “We’re not just putting on a TV show anymore—we’re building a worldwide community. That’s the future of WWE RAW.”
For fans, the message is clear: the red brand is here to stay, and the best may be yet to come.