The Netflix premiere episode of WWE Raw saw The Tribal Chief finally reclaiming the Ula Fala after defeating Solo Sikoa. The Great One even showed up after the bout to acknowledge his cousin and the two shared a hug at the show.
Despite all the pleasantries, the question of a potential match was asked to Roman in the post-Raw press conference. Reigns was asked if he would like to tease the bout and The Head of The Table said that he would just let people speculate about it:
“I don’t have to tease anything, you guys do it for us. We’re just going to let the Internet do its thing. [Saying yes or no], that would defeat the whole purpose of this. The Internet won’t do its thing if I said yes or no. So, we’ll see.”
Apart from this, Roman Reigns was also asked about John Cena calling him the greatest of all time. The former WWE Champion claimed that he’s too busy to be thinking about such things. Reigns noted how the whole thing is really subjective but also discussed how John Cena is a very smart man and reminded everyone that his metrics prove Roman to be the goat.
The future of Solo Sikoa is another big question coming out of the show. After the New Bloodline leader failed to prove his dominance over the Original Tribal Chief, it’d be interesting to see how his faction members react to his loss.
Sheamus shocked the wrestling world by capturing the WWE Championship in late 2009, but the Celtic Warrior wasn’t the promotion’s only option for Raw’s top spot. Speaking on the Insightpodcast, Sheamus revealed the surprising name who could have taken his place.
“I went with John, and we had a couple of matches on a European tour… There was a throw up between me or [Jack] Swagger to go with.”
Sheamus’ meteoric rise culminated in winning the WWE Championship in a Tables Match against John Cena at WWE TLC, just 166 days after his televised debut. This rapid ascent marked the third-shortest time a wrestler had gone from debut to World Champion, trailing only Ric Flair in 1992 and Brock Lesnar in 2002.
Jack Swagger, meanwhile, would not capture a world title until 2010, when he won the World Heavyweight Championship by cashing in Money in the Bank. Swagger’s reign was brief, and he never regained the same level of success in WWE before his release in 2017.
Today, Sheamus remains a dominant force in the ring, focused on winning the Intercontinental Championship—the only title he needs to achieve Grand Slam status. Stay tuned to SEScoops for updates on Sheamus, who continues to show no signs of slowing down.
CM Punk would be open to main eventing WrestleMania but it’s not the end goal for him in wrestling anymore.
Being in the main event of the Show of Shows is one of the few achievements in wrestling that has always eluded Punk. The frustration of part-time wrestlers getting the spot over him was one of the major reasons for the Straight Edge Star quitting the company back in 2014.
Now that he is back with the promotion with a completely new management team at the helm, a lot of people believe that the timing is just right for the former AEW Champion to main event WrestleMania 41 from Las Vegas.
CM Punk was asked about the possibility of it during the post-Raw on Netflix premiere press conference. The former World Champion first claimed that he doesn’t feel the need to solidify his status in wrestling with a WrestleMania main event anymore:
“While I think you’d be foolish to say that it doesn’t matter, I would also feel it’s foolish to hold me to the same ideas and things that I said 10, 12 years ago. A lot of other people think that maybe I need to main event WrestleMania to — I don’t know, solidify anything I’ve ever done? Like, I never could have come back here and had a Hall of Fame career, right?”
Though according to Punk, it’s a feat that still scares him and so he would not be shying away from the opportunity if it comes his way:
“So to me, yeah. If that opportunity arises, I’m not going to shy away from it. Because it scares the hell out of me, frankly. And I think if your dreams don’t scare you, I think you need to find different ones, bigger ones. Main eventing the first Raw on Netflix is a pretty big deal though, so nobody else can say they did that.”
Apart from this, CM Punk was also asked about a potential match with John Cena or The Rock in 2025. Punk noted that his focus is on winning a championship in 2025, but he would not say no to either of these matches cause they come with a big paycheck.
The frosty reception Hulk Hogan received at WWE Raw’s debut on Netflix is hardly the first time those at a WWE event have booed the Hall of Famer. Taking to X, former WWE ring announcer Samantha Irvin shared that whenever Hulk Hogan impressions sprouted during commercial breaks, those at WWE shows made their views clear on the Hulkster.
In the commercial breaks we would sometimes do a “Hulk Up Cam”…. and let me tell you something brother- they would be booing lol
Hogan appeared to promote his Real American Beer, the official beer sponsor of Raw and WWE programming moving forward. Despite speaking about his passion for WWE and the fans, those inside Los Angeles’ Intuit Dome had no love for the controversial two-time WWE Hall of Famer.
Hogan’s name has been linked to controversy for years, with several wrestlers accusing him of politicking and hurting the careers of others for his own gain. In 2015, Hogan was fired from WWE after racist comments surfaced in a leaked video. In the footage, Hogan expressed opposition to his daughter dating Black men, repeatedly used a racial slur, and admitted to being “a racist, to a point.”
More recently, Hogan faced backlash for his ties to Donald Trump. In 2024, the wrestler sparked controversy by making ‘jokes’ about using wrestling moves on Kamala Harris. Hogan later attributed the comments to being under the influence of his Real American Beer, stating it was “the beer talking.”
Hogan has been promoting this month’s Saturday Night’s Main Event, after being completely committed from last month’s event. With the January 25, event coming to Texas, a state that endorsed the President-Elect, it remains to be seen what kind of response the Hulkster will receive.
Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque isn’t shying away from what WWE represents in its new era, after the promotion first-ever Raw as part of Netflix. Before the historic episode, WWE debuted a cold open video package featuring Levesque using insider wrestling terminology such as “shoot,” “face,” and “heel.”
The use of these terms sparked a debate online with fans both for and against using insider lingo. On the post-show media scrum, Levesque reflected on the reaction to his verbiage.
“The reaction seems like we did a good job with it. That was the intent, to capture the emotion and let people know, we’re not hiding what we do.”
Levesque has no intention of “insulting anybody’s intelligence” by perpetuating the notion that professional wrestling is a completely legitimate sport. Under his leadership, WWE is embracing its identity as an “art form” designed to resonate with both loyal fans and newcomers.
“It was all part of trying to capture that and say, ‘If you’ve watched, watch this and hopefully we honor what you love. If you’ve never watched this, watch this, we’ll explain to you what we are.'”
These terms had previously been banned by Vince McMahon, and their inclusion further demonstrates that WWE has moved on from its previous head. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on WWE’s new era, an era that will be more honest about the inner workings of the wrestling business.
John Cena kicked off his farewell tour during the historic WWE Raw on Netflix, during which he declared himself for the Men’s Royal Rumble match. At the post-show press conference, the 16-time WWE World Champion shared his intentions for his final year in the ring to be a celebration of all facets of his wrestling journey.
“Hopefully, by the end of all this, if you want to see a certain facet of the 23 years I’ve been in the business, hopefully you can get that little sprinkle.”
Over the years, Cena has embodied numerous personas, beginning as ‘The Prototype’ in OVW before making his main roster debut on SmackDown in June 2002. After a rocky start as a generic babyface, he found his footing as the brash Doctor of Thuganomics, eventually evolving his character into the multifaceted performer fans know today.
When asked if his role as Peacemaker might make a surprise appearance during his farewell tour, Cena acknowledged the character is owned by DC Comics but added, “never say never.”
While John’s days in the ring are numbered, the WWE icon remains fiercely loyal to the promotion that thrust him to superstardom. On the press conference, Cena made clear that his ‘farewell’ to the ring will not be a goodbye to WWE.
“I’m going to retire, but they will have to fire to get me to stop being a part of this place.”
John Cena is slated to participate in major WWE events throughout 2025, including the Royal Rumble, Elimination Chamber, and WrestleMania 41, before officially retiring from in-ring competition. Fans can look forward to an emotional year ahead as one of WWE’s greatest icons bids farewell to the squared circle.
John Cena’s Retirement Tour: Stars Vying to be a Final Opponent
On the December 2, episode of WWE Raw, Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods turned on Big E, ending a friendship that fans had seen blossom over a decade. Since then, Kingston and Woods have had plenty to say about their former friend on TV and online, and now Big E himself has weighed in.
During the WWE Raw on Netflix Premiere Post-Show, Big E was asked for his take on his so-called ‘brothers.’
“These are not the two men that I stood side by side with for the last ten years. This version of those two, I don’t recognize.”
Big E doesn’t care for this “current direction” for Woods and Kingston, which he said is nothing more than “whining, complaining, b*tching, and moaning.” Nevertheless, the former WWE Champion is intrigued to see where the New Day goes from here.
“Clearly, we’ve moved in different directions. I’m excited or interested to see what they do with their careers because right now it’s just kind of spinning.”
Big E is unfortunately still not cleared to compete, though fans remain hopeful to see him back in the ring and get payback on his treacherous former allies. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Big E in this post-New Day chapter of his career.
CM Punk put both the WWE World Champions on notice after the WWE Raw on Netflix premiere from Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California went off air.
The Straight Edge Star defeated Seth Rollins in their first singles match in over a decade in the main event of the show. Punk picked up the victory after delivering two GTS to his opponent.
Jackie Redmond interviewed the former World Champion after the Netflix broadcast ended. She asked the WWE star what to expect from him in 2025. CM Punk claimed that he’ll be coming for all the gold in 2025. The former AEW star named both Gunther and Cody Rhodes before declaring his entry into Royal Rumble:
During the promo, Punk also dedicated his Netflix victory to New Found Glory guitarist Chad Gilbert and TNA star Chris Bay. Gilbert has been dealing with cancer while Bay has been out of action after suffering a serious neck injury in October.
Punk wasn’t the only name who declared his entry into the Rumble during the night. John Cena also officially kicked off his retirement tour at the show and declared himself for the upcoming battle royal.
Apart from this, the Raw Netflix premiere featured names such as The Rock and Hulk Hogan. It also saw a surprise appearance from another WWE Hall of Famer. You can check out more about it here.
Seth Rollins and CM Punk finally clashed in a highly anticipated singles match on the premiere episode of WWE Raw on Netflix. The match headlined the historic event, delivering on the long-awaited showdown between the two superstars.
As the match reached its climax, Rollins delivered a buckle bomb followed by a stomp, resulting in a dramatic near fall. Punk countered Rollins’ falcon arrow attempt and hit the Go to Sleep (GTS). Not stopping there, Punk delivered a second GTS to secure the pinfall victory over Rollins.
This rivalry has been simmering since Punk’s shocking return to WWE at Survivor Series: WarGames. WWE has skillfully blended real-life tension between the two stars into their storyline, with both men referencing their past comments about each other. Originally, this match was slated for WrestleMania 40, where Punk was set to challenge Rollins for the World Heavyweight Championship. However, an injury sidelined Punk, forcing WWE to pivot and book Rollins against Drew McIntyre at the event instead.
Despite Punk’s extended absence in 2024 due to injury and his feud with McIntyre, WWE kept his rivalry with Rollins alive. After Punk’s return at Survivor Series, the storyline gained momentum, culminating in this memorable showdown on Raw.
This is a historic main event for the very first #RawOnNetflix!
The WWE Universe made their voices heard during this week’s Raw when Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan made an appearance. In the show’s third hour, Hogan appeared on the entrance stage to promote his Real American Beer. The beverage, a new partner of WWE, will feature its logo in the corners of the ring going forward.
Though Hogan spent decades of his career as a beloved babyface, the Hulkster was hardly welcome by the fans in Los Angeles’ Intuit Dome. There were loud boos from the crowd in attendance for the Hulkster, who was accompanied by a flag-bearing Jimmy Hart.
— Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com (@SeanRossSapp) January 7, 2025
The frosty reaction underscores Hogan’s polarizing reputation. In 2015, Hogan was fired from WWE after racist comments surfaced in a leaked video. In the footage, Hogan expressed opposition to his daughter dating Black men, repeatedly used a racial slur, and admitted to being “a racist, to a point.”
More recently, Hogan faced backlash for his ties to Donald Trump. In 2024, the wrestler sparked controversy by making ‘jokes’ about using wrestling moves on Kamala Harris. Hogan later attributed the comments to being under the influence of his Real American Beer, stating it was “the beer talking.”
Hulk Hogan has been promoting this month’s Saturday Night’s Main Event, which will take place on January 25, 2025, from the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. While WWE may have plans for the Hulkster at the event, the two-time Hall of Famer may be in store for another frosty reception judging by Raw on Netflix.
Fans can expect to learn much more about WWE 2K25 in a matter of weeks, if a tease on this week’s WWE Monday Night Raw is to be believed.
During the show, Roman Reigns confirmed his role as the OTC by defeating Solo Sikoa in Tribal Combat. In a backstage segment, Paul Heyman asked his Tribal Chief about his next appearance, which Reigns confirmed will be on January 27. As the pair entered a locker room, the WWE 2K25 logo was featured on the door, teasing that updates about the much-anticipated game will be shared on the January 27, Raw.
Reigns won’t be the only notable name at the January 27, edition of WWE Raw. That same show will also see Bill Goldberg appear inside Atlanta’s State Farm Arena. The WWE Hall of Famer will compete in his final match this year, with many predicting a showdown with World Heavyweight Champion GUNTHER to be in the works.
WWE 2K25 will be the 25th installment in the series, and the eleventh game under the WWE 2K banner. The game is expected to release in early 2025, the same time window as recent installments in the WWE 2K franchise.
Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Roman Reigns, as the one, true Tribal Chief continues to be a force to be reckoned with on TV, and in the WWE 2K series.
After his appearance on the WWE Raw Netflix premiere, The Rock is set to make his next stop at WWE NXT New Year’s Evil. The former WWE Champion made the announcement during an Instagram Live session following his appearance on Raw.
The event, scheduled to take place at the Shrine Expo Hall in Los Angeles, California, will feature The Rock alongside his daughter, Ava, who currently serves as NXT General Manager. Ava recently accompanied The Rock at the Golden Globes, adding further intrigue to their on-screen dynamic.
One of the marquee matches on the debut episode of WWE Raw on Netflix featured Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan defending her title against Rhea Ripley in a high-stakes Last Woman Standing Match.
The match was a hard-fought contest with a back-and-forth pace, as both competitors showcased their resilience. Ripley gained the upper hand at one point, hitting her finisher for a dramatic near fall. Dominik Mysterio attempted to aid Ripley by sliding the title belt into the ring, but the distraction allowed Liv Morgan to capitalize.
Morgan knocked Raquel Rodriguez off the apron and hit her finisher on Ripley, resulting in another near fall. However, Ripley ultimately secured the victory after delivering two consecutive Riptides, crowning herself the new Women’s World Champion.
Post-match, Ripley laid out Mysterio with a low blow and hit her finisher. Undertaker came out on his motorcycle and did his signature arm pose with Ripley.
The rivalry between Morgan and Ripley has been brewing since WrestleMania 40, where Morgan entered into a program with Ripley. The Women’s World Title was vacated shortly afterward due to Morgan suffering an injury. Morgan regained the title by defeating Becky Lynch at the King and Queen of the Ring Premium Live Event. She continued her feud with Ripley, retaining the championship at SummerSlam with assistance from Dominik Mysterio.
The animosity escalated further at Bash in Berlin, where Ripley and Damian Priest defeated Morgan and Mysterio in a mixed tag team match. Their next encounter came at Bad Blood, where Ripley earned a title match victory via disqualification. The Last Woman Standing Match on Raw marked the culmination of their heated rivalry, with Ripley emerging victorious and reclaiming championship gold.
Penta El Zero Miedo’s WWE signing has been made official, with the announcement teased during the premiere episode of Raw on Netflix. While Penta did not appear live on the show, a cryptic teaser aired, confirming his imminent arrival. However, the exact date of his in-ring debut remains unclear.
WWE has been airing mysterious vignettes in recent weeks, fueling speculation about the signing of the former AEW star. One notable vignette featured a zero symbol crossed by a line, which many fans connected to Penta. These cryptic hints culminated in a teaser aired during the December 30th episode of Raw, where Penta El Zero Miedo’s iconic mask was prominently displayed, effectively ending the speculation.
Penta departed AEW with widespread belief that he was bound for WWE. Adding to the buzz was his trademark for “Cero Miedo” (Zero Fear), which provided further evidence of his intentions.
Meanwhile, Penta’s tag team partner and brother, Rey Fenix, has also attracted WWE’s interest. However, AEW has reportedly extended Fenix’s contract to account for missed time due to injuries, leaving him with approximately a year remaining on his deal. Once Fenix fulfills his AEW obligations, he is expected to join Penta in WWE, reuniting the Lucha Brothers under a new banner.
John Cena officially kicked off his WWE retirement tour with an appearance on the premiere episode of Raw on Netflix in Los Angeles.
Cena took center stage at the start of the second hour, delivering a heartfelt promo about WWE’s new era and his deep connection to the city. He addressed speculation about his WrestleMania opponent, his final match, and the possibility of breaking the record for most World Championship reigns. Acknowledging his current losing streak, Cena said it would take a “miracle” for him to become champion again, but he left the door open for the unexpected.
Cena revealed his intention to enter the Royal Rumble match, calling it a fitting way to thank his fans. He emphasized his belief in the impossible, vowing to win the Rumble and reminding the audience that nothing is out of reach for him.
Cena’s plans to retire from in-ring competition in 2025 have been public since the summer, giving fans time to celebrate his storied career. His farewell tour will include marquee events such as the Royal Rumble, Elimination Chamber, and WrestleMania 41, where he will make his final WWE appearances.
In addition to the big events, Cena plans to wrestle throughout the year, targeting 36 dates with WWE in 2025. A highly anticipated match against Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes is reportedly in the works for WrestleMania 41, adding even more excitement to his farewell run.
Roman Reigns competed in a rare televised match during the premiere episode of WWE Raw on Netflix, taking on Solo Sikoa in a Tribal Combat match.
The match opened the night with Sikoa dominating much of the action. Both competitors utilized weapons, including steel steps and chairs, to gain an edge. At one point, Reigns drove Sikoa through a table, but Tama Tonga interfered, pulling the referee out of the ring during the pin attempt. Jacob Fatu then appeared, attacking Reigns and teaming up with Sikoa to hit their finishers, leading to a near fall.
The chaos escalated when Sikoa took out the referee with a Samoan Spike. Sami Zayn and Jimmy Uso ran in to even the odds, with Reigns hitting a spear on Sikoa for a two-count. Kevin Owens entered unexpectedly, delivering a Stunner to Reigns for another near fall. Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, who faces Owens in a ladder match at the Royal Rumble, rushed out to neutralize Owens. Reigns ultimately secured the win with a final spear to Sikoa.
After the match, The Rock entered the ring and placed the Ula Fala, a symbolic necklace, around Reigns’ neck as a gesture of respect. The two embraced in a powerful moment.
Reigns has been feuding with Sikoa since returning at SummerSlam, where he helped Rhodes retain the Undisputed WWE Championship against Sikoa. The rivalry included multi-man matches, such as The OG Bloodline defeating The New Bloodline at WarGames.
Since signing a reduced-schedule deal with WWE in 2022, Reigns has made fewer appearances on television and primarily competes at Premium Live Events, emphasizing his status as WWE’s top draw. His last TV match was on December 30, 2022, in the episode of SmackDown, where he and Sami Zayn lost to John Cena and Kevin Owens in a tag team match. However, Reigns is expected to make more appearances on Raw moving forward, while still remaining a key figure on SmackDown.
Se van a anuncios en Estados Unidos… Y EN EL RESTO DEL MUNDO SEGUIMOS VIENDO EL COMBATE.
The Rock made a special appearance during the premiere episode of Raw on Netflix in Los Angeles, opening the show with a memorable segment.
The Rock entered the ring and congratulated the audience for attending the highest-grossing arena show in WWE history. He hyped the event’s debut on Netflix and praised Cody Rhodes for “carrying WWE on his back for the last year.” In a lighthearted moment, he told Rhodes to pass along his regards to Mama Rhodes.
Turning his attention to Roman Reigns, The Rock referred to him as the “Original Tribal Chief” and hyped the upcoming Tribal Chief Combat match. Before leaving, he delivered his signature catchphrase, much to the crowd’s delight.
After the segment, The Rock embraced Rhodes at ringside. Many fans believed this appearance could kick off the build for a WrestleMania 41 match, as WWE executives reportedly expect The Rock to wrestle at the event. However, no official plans have been confirmed.
Last year, The Rock and Rhodes teased a singles match after teaming up during the WrestleMania XL Night 1 tag team main event. Despite the speculation, WWE is reportedly leaning toward booking John Cena vs. Cody Rhodes for WrestleMania 41 instead of Rock vs. Rhodes.
Nikki Garcia, also known as Nikki Bella, was officially welcomed back into the WWE family on Monday night during the Raw on Netflix premiere in Los Angeles. Garcia appeared on the red carpet ahead of the show.
As of this writing, it’s unclear whether Garcia has signed a Legends Deal with WWE or is just visiting.
The last time Garcia was scheduled to attend a WWE event, plans fell through. The Bella Twins were originally slated to appear at the Raw 30th Anniversary show in January 2023. However, they were ultimately booked to promote the premiere of Nikki Bella’s Says I Do.
Nikki and her sister Brie commented on Instagram about the lack of women’s representation in clips shown during the Raw 30 broadcast. In March 2023, on their podcast, The Nikki & Brie Show, Nikki and Brie announced that they and WWE had mutually agreed to not renew their contracts
In November, Garcia and Artem Chigvintsev finalized their divorce. The filing followed several tumultuous events, including Chigvintsev’s arrest in late August on domestic violence charges at their Napa County home. However, the charges were dropped in September due to insufficient evidence, according to the district attorney.
Garcia was with WWE from 2007 to 2022. She is a two-time WWE Divas Champion, with her second reign of 301 days being the longest in the title’s history.
Jade Cargill was spotted at the WWE Performance Center today, according to PWInsider. The powerhouse performer has been working out in the ring, and will return this week, a significant update for fans following conflicting reports about her status.
During a Fightful Select Q&A, Sean Ross Sapp said that Cargill is “on their [WWE] internal injury list as best I know.”
Mike Johnson now reports that Cargill has been healthy, vacationing internationally and pursuing entertainment ventures outside of WWE.
Her absence from television has been storyline-driven, tied to an injury angle and a “mystery attacker” plot that remains unresolved.
The Storyline So Far
Cargill was written off WWE programming in dramatic fashion with a staged injury storyline, leaving fans speculating about her future.
The “mystery attacker” storyline continues to be a focal point in Cargill’s absence, keeping fans guessing about who might be behind the assault and what role Cargill will play upon her return.
During her hiatus, Naomi has (temporarily?) replaced her as one half of the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions along with Bianca Belair. This adds a new dynamic to the tag division and the attacker’s identity.
Despite being active on social media in recent weeks with some bloody photographs (possibly from a project she’s working on), Cargill has remained tight-lipped about her storyline, her rumored injury, or when fans can expect her back on WWE television. This silence has only fueled further speculation about the direction of her character and the resolution of the mystery angle.
Cargill’s return to the Performance Center suggests that her comeback may be imminent. Whether she will immediately re-enter the tag division alongside Naomi or pursue revenge against her “mystery attacker” remains to be seen. With her in-ring workouts resuming, fans can anticipate her eventual return to action as the storyline continues to unfold.
WWE SmackDown expanded to a 3-hour format this past Friday (January 3, 2025), but the show will drop the extra hour later this year. Triple H, WWE’s EVP of Global Talent Strategy & Development, confirmed this transition during a Monday appearance on The Pat McAfee Show.
“Look, there are some parameters that we have to hit, but it’s no different than episodic television shows,” he began. “Sometimes there’s an episode that’s 45 minutes, the next week it’s an hour, right? It depends on what you need to put into that show.”
Triple H provided insight on the production-aspect of show lengths. “Sometimes when we do three-hour shows there’s a little bit of collapsible stuff in there that’s put in on purpose. It’s a little bit of fat in the show that you can trim off if you need to.”
"Somewhere between that two and three hour window is the sweet spot..
He added that sometimes with a two-hour show, they need to cut things out to keep the show as tight as possible. “So somewhere between that two and three-hour window, to me, is the sweet spot.”
“The Game” emphasized that while SmackDown is presently a three-hour spectacle, it is slated to return to the two-hour format in the foreseeable future. However, he refrained from specifying an exact date for this change.
“Yes, for right now (it is three hours), and then it switches back to two.”
Triple H confirms WWE SmackDown is returning to a two-hour format in 2025
Brandon Thurston of Wrestlenomics says SmackDown is slated to go back to two hours in June 2025 and credits Wrestlevotes with the scoop.
Levesque didn't specify the timing here. I've been informed Smackdown is planned to return to a 2-hour format beginning in June.
Meanwhile, WWE Raw, another flagship show from the wrestling giant, is gearing up for its Netflix premiere. The inaugural episode is scheduled to air on Monday, January 6 and the show will have no set run-time each week, a unique perk they’re afforded on Netflix.
WWE has announced that the 39th annual Royal Rumble will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in January 2026, marking the first time the event will be held outside North America.
This milestone is part of WWE’s ongoing partnership with Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (GEA), led by HE Turki Alalshikh, who highlighted the event as a reflection of the Kingdom’s efforts to host major global entertainment events and enhance its entertainment sector. As part of Riyadh Season, the Royal Rumble aims to attract a global audience, offering fans a transformative experience.
For the first time in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the legendary Royal Rumble is coming to #RiyadhSeason on January 2026 A historic night for WWE fans ???… pic.twitter.com/5Oy3BmxYBq
In a press release issued to SEScoops, WWE President Nick Khan emphasized the importance of expanding the company’s global presence through this collaboration, which builds on a series of successful events already held in Saudi Arabia, including Crown Jewel and Elimination Chamber.
The Royal Rumble is a premier WWE event featuring men’s and women’s matches where winners earn a Championship opportunity at WrestleMania.WWE Royal Rumble 2025 is scheduled for Saturday, February 1 from Indianapolis, Indiana at Lucas Oil Stadium.
SAUDI ARABIA TO HOST ROYAL RUMBLE®? IN 2026
January 6, 2025 – WWE®?, part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO), in partnership with The General Entertainment Authority (GEA), on behalf of HE Turki Alalshikh, announced that the 39th annual Royal Rumble will be held in January 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This landmark event marks the first time the Royal Rumble will be hosted outside of North America.
Royal Rumble is an annual WWE Premium Live Event that includes both a men’s and women’s match with the winners eliminating all opponents and securing a Championship opportunity at WrestleMania®.
In a statement, HE Turki Alalshikh said, “Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the Royal Rumble for the first time outside North America reflects the General Entertainment Authority’s ongoing commitment to bringing the world’s largest and most important entertainment events to the Kingdom. Through this partnership with WWE, we aim to enhance the entertainment sector and deliver a transformative experience that attracts a wide audience.”
He added, “We are excited to see this historic event as part of Riyadh Season’s activities and look forward to providing an exceptional experience for wrestling fans from around the world, whom we welcome to all events hosted in Saudi Arabia.”
“WWE is a global enterprise and it only made sense to expand our relationship with the Kingdom by bringing one of our biggest annual events to Riyadh in January of 2026.”
Nick Khan, WWE President
The announcement of Royal Rumble being held in Riyadh in 2026 marks a continued expansion to the successful partnership between WWE and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia which has already seen record-breaking events including Crown Jewel, Elimination Chamber, King & Queen of the Ring, Night of Champions, SmackDown and Monday Night RAW.
Tonight’s debut of Monday Night Raw on Netflix marks a monumental step forward for WWE, and the company is pulling out all the stops to ensure it begins on a high note. From an impactful opening segment to extensive behind-the-scenes preparations, WWE is determined to set a new standard for its flagship show.
According to PWInsider, the opening segment will feature WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque delivering a powerful, extended promo. This address will spotlight WWE’s evolution, reflecting on the company’s storied past while embracing the fresh opportunities the Netflix platform brings.
Extensive Rehearsals
Adding to the gravity of the occasion, WWE has reportedly left no detail to chance, conducting all-night rehearsals and fine-tuning every element well into the morning at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. These extensive preparations underscore the company’s commitment to delivering an unforgettable kickoff for this historic episode.
Triple H’s opening promo is designed to serve as both a celebration of WWE’s legacy and a declaration of intent for its bold future. The segment will not only set the tone for the night but also frame the company’s transition to the global streaming platform, ensuring fans feel connected to the journey that has led to this momentous debut.
The energy and significance of the introduction will carry forward into a stacked lineup, featuring major matches such as Roman Reigns vs. Solo Sikoa in Tribal Combat, CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins, and the launch of John Cena’s Farewell Tour.
As the curtain rises on this new chapter, WWE is making it clear that every detail—from the opening promo to the high-stakes matches—has been carefully crafted to resonate with fans old and new alike.
WWE RAW Lineup for January 6, 2025:
WWE stacked PPV-Caliber card for the first WWE Raw on Netlifx
Preview for tonight’s WWE Raw debut episode on Netflix
This star-studded cold open is a clear indication of what will be a jam-packed, exciting show tonight on Netflix. The show will feature:
The Rock To Appear:WWE’s Final Boss has confirmed he will be part of tonight’s historic event, with fans speculating what he has in store.
CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins: A highly anticipated bout between two bitter rivals that has been brewing since before Punk’s return to WWE in 2023.
Liv Morgan vs. Rhea Ripley (Women’s World Championship Match): Rhea Ripley seeks to regain the title she was never beaten for, and get revenge on Liv Morgan.
John Cena’s Farewell Tour: The legendary wrestler will begin his farewell tour on Raw, marking the start of his retirement from professional wrestling.
Drew McIntyre Vs. Jey Uso: ‘Main Event’ Jey has been the victim of beatdowns from McIntyre, but will the YEET army get payback in Los Angeles?
WWE Hall of Famer Bill Goldberg is set to return to programming in the coming weeks, ahead of his highly anticipated retirement match later this year. On Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer reported that Goldberg will appear on the January 27 episode of Monday Night Raw, live from the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.
This appearance holds special significance for Goldberg, as Atlanta has played a pivotal role in his career and personal life. Atlanta is not only Goldberg’s hometown but also the site of one of his most iconic victories—defeating Hulk Hogan to win the WCW World Heavyweight Championship in 1998. Most recently, Goldberg graced his hometown crowd at WWE Bad Blood 2024, also held in Atlanta.
Goldberg’s Retirement Match
In November 2024, Goldberg announced his plans to have a final match in 2025, though he did not reveal who his opponent would be. Following his confrontation with GUNTHER at Bad Blood 2024, speculation has been rife that the reigning Intercontinental Champion could be the one to face Goldberg in his swan song.
A farewell match has been on Goldberg’s radar for years. The former Universal Champion previously revealed that Vince McMahon had promised him a retirement match before his WWE contract expired in 2022—a promise that went unfulfilled. Now, Goldberg has the opportunity to conclude his legendary career on his own terms, in a match that will surprise fans of all ages.
Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Goldberg as he prepares to say farewell to the ring for good in 2025.
Tonight, WWE Raw will officially launch on Netflix, kicking off a new era for the red brand on the streaming juggernaut. Ahead of the show, WWE has released the cold open for tonight’s show, giving fans a sneak peek as to what to expect.
The cold open is highly cinematic and includes a monologue by Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque about the very nature of the sport. In a sign of WWE’s new era post-Vince McMahon, Levesque uses terms previously banned by his father-in-law, including ‘wrestling,’ ‘face’, ‘heel’ and ‘shoot.’
WWE Raw On Netflix
This star-studded cold open is a clear indication of what will be a jam-packed, exciting show tonight on Netflix. The show will feature:
The Rock To Appear:WWE’s Final Boss has confirmed he will be part of tonight’s historic event, with fans speculating what he has in store.
CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins: A highly anticipated bout between two bitter rivals that has been brewing since before Punk’s return to WWE in 2023.
Liv Morgan vs. Rhea Ripley (Women’s World Championship Match): Rhea Ripley seeks to regain the title she was never beaten for, and get revenge on Liv Morgan.
John Cena’s Farewell Tour: The legendary wrestler will begin his farewell tour on Raw, marking the start of his retirement from professional wrestling.
Drew McIntyre Vs. Jey Uso: ‘Main Event’ Jey has been the victim of beatdowns from McIntyre, but will the YEET army get payback in Los Angeles?
WWE wants their fans “hulking up” with a cold brewski courtesy of Hulk Hogan’s beer for years to come. An announcement was made on Monday morning by WWE that the company has formed a “Mega Powers” type alliance with Hulk Hogan’s Real American Beer.
The new multi-year partnership revealed that Real American Beer will be a weekly advertisement stretched on the RAW ring canvas every week as that red brand begins its debut on Netflix starting tonight, January 6.
Quotes regarding the partnership come from both TKO EVP Grant Norris-Jones and Hogan himself. The latter spoke in true Hogan form, expressing his excitement for his presence to pop on WWE programming once again.
Grant Norris-Jones, Executive Vice President & Head of Global Partnerships for TKO, complimented Hogan for doing a tremendous job introducing an exciting, new product to a competitive marketplace. “We are excited to unlock a new partnership category and to showcase Real American Beer in front of Netflix’s global audience,” he said.
Real American Beer co-founder Hulk Hogan also cut a promo about the partnerhsip:
“Well, let me tell you something brother! From the first time I stepped into the ring, I’ve always fought for something bigger than myself.
I’m thrilled to bring Real American Beer into the ring with WWE. Together, we’re bringing that pride to America, one beer, one match at a time, brother!”
The press release also noted that Real American Beer will receive a social media boost in tandem with WWE as the company will present the beer on its digital platforms. Hogan is reportedly scheduled to make an appearance on tonight’s episode of WWE RAW.
