In an unexpected shift, WWE RAW will start an hour earlier than usual in the United States during September. Netflix’s updated schedule reveals that episodes on September 15, 22, and 29 will air at 7 p.m. ET, instead of the traditional 8 p.m. ET slot. This adjustment aims to alter the show‘s usual timing amid new challenges.
Additional Changes to WWE Broadcast Times in September and October
Besides RAW’s earlier start times, SmackDown will be broadcast at 2 p.m. ET this Friday from Lyon, France, and the WWE RAW event following Clash in Paris will also begin at 2 p.m. ET on the following Monday. Despite these changes, WWE RAW is expected to return to its regular evening schedule in October, with the exception of the October 13 episode that will air at 8 a.m. ET.
The West Coast audience will experience RAW at 5 a.m. PT. Additionally, the October 10th SmackDown episode will be aired in the U.S. on a 12-hour delay as it will originate from Perth, Australia, while WWE prepares for its premium live event, Crown Jewel.
Speculated Reasons Behind the WWE Scheduling Shift
Though neither WWE nor Netflix have publicly stated the motivation for these scheduling modifications, Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer suggests the change is connected to the NFL season starting soon. According to Meltzer, RAW’s viewer ratings normally decline during football season, and moving the start time earlier might help avoid direct competition with Monday Night Football broadcasts.
“RAW’s ratings usually drop during football season, so airing the show an hour earlier could help it avoid direct competition with Monday Night Football.” —Dave Meltzer, Wrestling Observer
What These Adjustments Mean for WWE Fans
These revised WWE RAW September start times reflect the complexities wrestling programs face when sharing prime-time slots with major sporting events like the NFL. Although the decisions may prevent audience losses in the short term, the shift to earlier airtimes could disrupt viewers’ routines. As the NFL season progresses, WWE may continue adjusting schedules to maintain a competitive edge in the crowded television landscape.
