WWE RAW, which transitioned to Netflix on January 6, 2025, will see fewer commercial breaks following viewer complaints. The change comes after subscribers worldwide collectively spent over 525 million hours watching WWE content in the past year, with RAW accounting for 340 million of those hours. Despite strong streaming numbers, fans voiced concerns about an excessive number of ads during the show.
Details on Advertisement Reductions and Future WWE Content Plans
According to reports from WrestleVotes Radio via Fightful Select, Netflix has decreased commercial interruptions during WWE RAW from 12 breaks per episode to 10 starting this week. It remains unclear if the individual breaks will be extended to compensate. This adjustment coincides with Netflix’s plans to increase WWE offerings in 2026, suggesting a strategic effort to improve viewer satisfaction.
Upcoming Royal Rumble Event and Changes in WWE Championship Storyline
The first major WWE Premium Live Event of 2026, the Royal Rumble, will take place on January 31 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This event will include the men’s and women’s Royal Rumble matches alongside a limited number of additional contests, a format consistent with recent years. WWE Executive Director Bruce Prichard has provided insight into this streamlined approach.
Meanwhile, the World Title landscape has recently shifted. On the January 9 episode of SmackDown, Drew McIntyre defeated Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes to claim the championship. Despite this, reports suggest McIntyre’s reign is intended to be temporary, with plans to return the title to Rhodes, who is expected to feature in the main event of this year’s WrestleMania in Las Vegas against a familiar rival.
Significance of Adjustments in WWE RAW Streaming Experience
The decision to reduce advertising during WWE RAW underscores Netflix’s commitment to enhancing the viewer experience amid its growing partnership with WWE. By addressing fan concerns, the streaming giant aims to maintain engagement as it expands WWE content offerings. The developments in championship storylines and event scheduling highlight WWE’s ongoing efforts to balance entertainment value with strategic storytelling in the streaming era.
