WWE’s explosive entrance to Netflix has begun with the first two episodes of “Monday Night Raw,”marking a massive shift in wrestling entertainment. 

Debuting Jan. 6 and followed by an action-packed second episode Jan. 13, WWE capitalized on its new platform with new must-see matches and huge storytelling moments throughout.

The inaugural Netflix episode was a sight to behold. Legends including The Rock, The Undertaker and John Cena returned to celebrate this brand-new chapter. 

WWE’s Chief Content Officer Triple H opened the episode with a speech that blended nostalgia and modernization — “Welcome to the Netflix Era. This is where wrestling history meets the future.”

The main event pitted Seth “Freakin” Rollins against CM Punk in a brutal match. A high-energy clash culminated in Punk delivering a go-to-sleep move for the final victory, re-establishing himself as “The Best in the World.”

Meanwhile, Roman Reigns triumphed in a grueling tribal combat match against Solo Sikoa, reclaiming his position as the tribal chief.

The Rock appeared post-match to ceremonially present Reigns with the Ula Fala, solidifying his dominance in The Bloodline storyline.  

The women’s division was nothing short of memorable, making the premier shine. Rhea Ripley and Liv Morgan faced off in an intense rumble that showcased their history, drive and athleticism. 

Ripley emerged victorious, delivering a devastating Riptide and cementing her position as one of WWE’s most dominant champions. 

After the match, Ripley said, “This is my kingdom now, and no one’s taking it from me.”

The second episode further highlighted the division with the inaugural women’s intercontinental championship match. 

Lyra Valkyria and Dakota Kai delivered a hard-hitting rally that ended with Kai securing the title, earning chants of “You deserve it” from the audience.

This match was praised for its fast-paced action and technical prowess, proving the women’s division remains a pillar of WWE programming.

The second episode featured a thrilling street fight between Damian Priest and Finn Balor. 

Balor secured a narrow victory after delivering a coup de grâce through a table, concluding one of the night’s standout matches.

Meanwhile, Chad Gable stunned the audience by defeating a mystery luchador, creating speculations about the masked wrestler’s identity.

The women’s division continued to dominate headlines when Bianca Belair made her return, interrupting Charlotte Flair’s segment. 

The two exchanged heated words before brawling, with Flair saying, “You may be The EST, but I’m still the queen.”

The WWE corporate website said that the debut episode of “Monday Night Raw” on Netflix drew in an impressive 4.9 million viewers live globally with a reach of 2.6 million U.S. households, signaling a strong start for WWE’s partnership. 

Fans and critics alike praised the show’s production quality and its bold storytelling choices, such as breaking kayfabe in post-match interviews.

WWE’s Netflix era is off to a promising start. The integration of high-stakes men’s and women’s matches, nostalgic appearances by wrestling legends and innovative storytelling have made “Monday Night Raw”must-watch television. As Ripley said, “This is only the beginning.”

If the first two episodes are any indication, the future of WWE on Netflix is bright.