WWE Raw finally reversed its recent trend of declining viewership on October 20, 2025, delivering its best ratings and audience numbers since late August and early September. The episode marked a significant rebound across multiple metrics, including global streaming numbers on Netflix and traditional TV rankings, signaling renewed fan interest as the show continues to evolve its post-peak season narrative.
Raw’s Global Streaming Audience Climbs to 2.6 Million Views on Netflix
The October 20 edition of WWE Raw generated approximately 2.6 million global views on Netflix, an increase from the 2.4 million reported the previous week. This upward trajectory pushed Raw to the 6th place worldwide among English-language Netflix shows for that week and 4th place in the U.S. market, highlighting a solid resurgence in international and domestic digital consumption[1][2][4].
This resurgence is notable considering WWE Raw’s early 2025 transition from cable TV to Netflix, which initially delivered record-setting viewership but saw fluctuations throughout the summer and early fall. According to Netflix data, the October 20 episode represents Raw’s highest global ranking since August 25, 2025, emphasizing an encouraging viewership recovery[6].
Traditional Ratings and Viewership Saw Notable Improvement
Apart from streaming platforms, the traditional Nielsen ratings for Raw also reflected a positive trend. After a period of subdued numbers attributed to storyline stagnation and competition from other sports and entertainment shows, Raw managed to regain some ground, approaching figures last seen in early September.
Industry analysts point out that the show’s recent narrative decisions, including the dramatic storyline involving Seth Rollins being stripped of the World Heavyweight Championship, likely contributed to this uptick. The storyline’s high stakes created buzz, drawing more viewers both on live broadcasts and on-demand platforms.
Backstage Insight: Renewed Optimism Among WWE Talent
According to sources close to key WWE personnel, morale backstage has improved significantly in response to the rising ratings and positive fan engagement. One WWE insider shared:
“The feedback we’re seeing from both the fans and internal teams is very encouraging. The management is pushing hard to build storylines that resonate and keep the audience hooked heading into the final quarter of the year. The October 20 Raw demonstrated that with the right mix of drama and in-ring action, viewers will come back.”
This insider further highlighted that the creative team is actively working to maintain momentum by focusing on character development and surprise elements that keep fans guessing.
Key Factors Behind the Viewership Increase
Several elements contributed to the improved performance of the October 20, 2025 WWE Raw:
High-Profile Storylines: The focus on Seth Rollins’ championship controversy drove engagement, as fans tuned in to see the fallout of the title stripping.
Strategic Talent Push: WWE appears to be emphasizing emerging stars and fan favorites, reinvigorating interest from long-time viewers and attracting newer audiences.
Enhanced Production and Accessibility: The Netflix platform continues to provide greater international accessibility, broadening the potential viewer base beyond traditional cable audiences.
Promotion and Social Media Buzz: Targeted marketing campaigns, combined with viral social media moments from the broadcast, created anticipation leading up to the episode.
WWE Raw’s Place in the 2025 Wrestling Landscape
While WWE Raw’s ratings bounce is a positive signal, it competes in a highly crowded wrestling entertainment landscape, including rising challengers like AEW. Wrestlenomics reports indicate AEW’s growing key performance indicators for Q3 2025, suggesting that WWE must continue its adjustments to maintain leadership[5].
Industry experts agree that WWE’s migration to Netflix offers both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, the streaming platform expands WWE’s reach and modernizes its viewing experience; on the other, it requires adapting content strategies to maintain strong live and on-demand rankings.
What’s Next for WWE Raw?
With the momentum from the October 20 episode, WWE insiders suggest that the company is planning to build on this success with several upcoming major story developments and marquee matches. Wrestlers like Cody Rhodes are expected to play prominent roles in story arcs designed to capture late-year excitement.
Sources close to Rhodes revealed, “There’s a renewed focus on weaving compelling narratives that give the audience a reason to keep showing up weekly, beyond just the matches themselves. The energy backstage is about crafting memorable moments.”
As WWE approaches the holiday wrestling calendar, including Survivor Series and special pay-per-view events, maintaining this audience growth will be crucial.