New to WWE Raw on Netflix tonight? Here's a beginner's guide to everything you need to know
A quick explainer of all the characters and angles a new (or lapsed) WWE fan needs for tonight's Netflix debut.
"WWE Raw" is officially on Netflix. It’s the moment we’ve been waiting for as the streaming giant will broadcast live episodes every Monday night (8 p.m. ET), ending WWE’s decades-long run with the USA Network.
If you’re returning to the WWE universe for the first time in a while, here’s everything you need to know about what’s been happening on Monday nights in the squared circle.
WWE’s new golden boy: Cody Rhodes
2024 was a massive year for WWE as it saw the elevation of Cody Rhodes as Universal Champion (the top title in WWE).
Ever since returning to WWE from AEW in 2022, Rhodes had embarked on an all-American babyface run, combining solid rivalries with lots of wholesome sidequests like posing for photos with younger fans.
After falling short on the big stage in 2023, Rhodes finally overcame the longstanding champion Roman Reigns at 2024's WrestleMania XL. It was an emotional moment for Rhodes — and for us too — as it was the one prize that had eluded his father, the late Dusty Rhodes, in an otherwise illustrious Hall of Fame career.
Rhodes is still officially part of the "WWE SmackDown" roster, but it’s been reported that he will appear on "WWE Raw" too for the near future. His current rivalry is with Kevin Owens, a disgruntled former ally who accuses Rhodes of betraying his values. Rhodes and Owens are expected to face off in a Ladder Match on Feb. 1 at the Royal Rumble.
The big angle: The Bloodline’s civil war
Back in 2023, The Bloodline ruled the roost in WWE, with Roman Reigns commanding a stable of extended family members (mostly related to WWE Hall of Famers The Rock and Rikishi) to strengthen his position as Universal Champion.
Since then, and since Reigns lost the belt in particular, things have changed dramatically.
When Reigns disappeared for a while after WrestleMania XL, his younger cousin, Solo Sikoa, spotted an opportunity to become the alpha male of the pack. He then unceremoniously expelled the old members, replacing them with his own foot-soldiers (including Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga, formerly of NJPW).
Naturally, this didn’t go down well with Reigns, and the two rival chiefs have been feuding for the past six months. They finally battle it out in the ring in a Tribal Combat Match on Monday's "WWE Raw," fighting for possession of the Ula Fala: A Samoan garland intended to honor the tribal chief.
Oh, and The Rock might also be involved somehow. The big rumor is that he is somehow pulling the strings of Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline in order to set up a Roman vs. Rock showdown later down the line…
The last time is now: Cena’s retirement tour
If you have kept up with wrestling in any way whatsoever, you likely will have heard the news that John Cena will hang up his boots this year, ending his iconic 25-year career in the ring.
It isn’t all sad news just yet. WWE has struck a deal with Cena to set aside his Hollywood projects to embark on a year-long retirement tour, which will see the all-time babyface appear at most of their PLEs this year (starting with the Royal Rumble in February and then Elimination Chamber in March).
Cena is also scheduled to make an appearance on "WWE Raw" on Jan. 6, but we have no idea what it will involve. Needless to say, there’s been a lot of speculation about “The Champ” picking up one last title before he saunters off into the sunset.
The prodigal son: CM Punk is back
It was the return that rocked the wrestling universe. Back in November 2023, WWE’s annual "Survivor Series" PLE ended with a familiar crackle of static and a guitar lick, as one of the most controversial men in wrestling, CM Punk, stepped out in front of his home state crowd in Illinois.
After leaving WWE a decade earlier, CM Punk had become persona non grata with Vince McMahon (he's gone, but that's a longer story). But when Punk's run in AEW imploded in 2023 (another long story…), we began to hear growing speculation about a potential comeback.
Since the shock return, Punk has had a box-office rivalry with Drew McIntyre and is now embarking on a much anticipated feud with Seth Rollins. The caustic promo exchanges between the two have been top tier, blurring storyline and reality in an echo of Punk's own infamous "Pipe Bomb" promo.
Now Punk and Rollins are set to main event the Jan. 6 debut of "WWE Raw" on Netflix with a must-see grudge match. Though don’t be surprised if this potentially explosive rivalry runs for much longer than that.
Rhea vs Liv: Will Ripley get revenge?
If you watched WWF/WWE in the 1990s or 2000s, you may have certain images in your head when I say that the biggest storyline in the women’s division revolves around a love triangle.
Fear not, though, as the Rhea Ripley vs. Liv Morgan feud isn’t just very different from the tawdry angles of the past, but also involves two superbly talented wrestlers — even by the high standards of WWE’s current roster.
Ripley used to be the women’s world champion, usually accompanied by Dominik Mysterio — the wayward son of WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio and one of the most dastardly heels in WWE. Then, after a big win at WrestleMania XL, Ripley had to vacate the title due to injury.
During Ripley's time away, Liv Morgan picked up the title and also began making some spicy overtures toward Dominik Mysterio. Eventually, the man they call “Dirty Dom” (or “Latino Cheat” more recently) betrayed Ripley at SummerSlam, allowing Morgan to retain her prize in front of an aghast stadium crowd.
Over the past six months, Ripley has been on the warpath, looking to destroy the homewrecker and get back her title. So far, Morgan has managed to keep “The Eradicator” at bay — largely through running away or other underhanded tactics.
That may well change on Jan. 6 when the two face off in the ring with the gold on the line.
What else do you need to know?
Big title matches and retirement tours are one thing. Here are some other storylines and subplots worth watching for:
The two remaining members of New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) are dealing with some nuclear heat, after expelling the beloved Big E from their team.
“The Man” Becky Lynch is expected to return imminently after more than six months away. Expect the roof to come off the Intuit Dome if that happens on the Jan. 6 episode.
Social media magnate Logan Paul is now a WWE superstar. Set aside any inadvertent prejudices: He’s actually a seriously good in-ring performer.
The men’s World Heavyweight Title is currently held by Gunther, an old-school powerhouse (laced-up boots and all) who is seeking his next challenger.
WWE just introduced a new Women’s Intercontinental Title to boost mid-card talent. The first winner will be crowned on the Jan. 13 episode of "WWE Raw."
