WWE Raw Ratings Continue to Struggle in Global Arena
In a year marked by significant changes in the world of professional wrestling, WWE’s flagship show, Monday Night Raw, has faced an uphill battle in terms of global viewership. According to the latest ratings report, Raw failed to crack Netflix’s global Top 10 shows ranking for the third time this year, a concerning trend for the WWE as it looks to expand its reach beyond the United States.
A Year of Mixed Results
WWE Raw has consistently been a staple of American television, consistently ranking in the Top 10 on the US charts. However, its global appeal has left much to be desired. With the rise of streaming services and social media, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for the WWE to compete with the likes of Netflix, Amazon Prime, and other global entertainment giants.
WWE’s Dilemma: Local vs. Global Appeal
The WWE has always walked a fine line between catering to its local fan base and appealing to a broader, global audience. While Raw has been successful in terms of US viewership, its global performance has been lackluster. According to a WWE insider, the company is aware of the issue and is actively working to revamp its strategy to better appeal to international fans.
“Raw has always been a show that caters to a specific audience, and while that’s worked well in the US, it’s not translating as well globally,” said the source. “We’re taking a closer look at our content and trying to find ways to make it more appealing to a broader audience. It’s a challenge, but we’re committed to making it work.”
The Role of Streaming Services
The rise of streaming services has disrupted the traditional television landscape, and the WWE is no exception. With services like Netflix and Amazon Prime offering a wide range of content, including original programming and live events, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for the WWE to compete.
According to a report by eMarketer, the number of streaming service subscribers is expected to reach 1.4 billion by the end of 2025, a significant increase from 2020. For the WWE, this presents both an opportunity and a challenge.
WWE’s Digital Strategy
In response to the changing landscape, the WWE has been investing heavily in its digital strategy. The company has partnered with various streaming services to offer exclusive content, including Raw and SmackDown, as well as its popular NXT brand.
“We’re committed to making our content available to fans wherever they want to watch it,” said WWE Chief Revenue Officer, Salil Mehta. “We’re working closely with our partners to ensure that our fans have access to the best possible viewing experience, whether that’s through traditional television or streaming services.”
The Road Ahead
As the WWE looks to the future, it’s clear that the company will continue to face challenges in terms of global viewership. However, with its commitment to digital growth and its willingness to adapt to changing viewer habits, there’s hope that Raw can break through the global Top 10 ranks in the coming year.
According to a source close to Cody Rhodes, the WWE is planning a major overhaul of its global marketing strategy in 2026, which could include the introduction of new social media initiatives and a revamped content slate designed to appeal to a broader international audience.
“Cody has been a driving force behind the WWE’s digital strategy, and he’s committed to making Raw a global phenomenon,” said the source. “With his leadership and the company’s commitment to innovation, I think we’ll see significant growth in terms of global viewership in the coming year.”
Conclusion
As the WWE continues to navigate the ever-changing landscape of professional wrestling, it’s clear that Monday Night Raw will face continued challenges in terms of global viewership. However, with its commitment to digital growth and its willingness to adapt to changing viewer habits, there’s hope that Raw can break through the global Top 10 ranks in the coming year. As the WWE looks to the future, one thing is certain: the company will continue to evolve and adapt to the needs of its fans, wherever they may be in the world.