Show report (no TV ratings info): WWE Raw, January 6 premiere on Netflix – Wrestlenomics
WrestlenomicsThe business of pro wrestlingWWE Raw on NetflixMon, Jan. 6, 2025: 8:00 to 11:00 pmUpdate on Tuesday, Jan. 7:I asked Netflix on Tuesday if they would be announcing any viewership data and as of about 4:30 pm ET, Netflix said they had no information to announce. I would be surprised at this point if there is any kind of announcement revealing viewership data related to the premiere of Raw on Netflix. I’m still seeking data for this, as well as AEW on Max, and will report any information I can.Paul Levesque didn’t mention any viewership numbers during the post-show press conference but indicated he was being informed of viewership numbers throughout the night and said that Netflix executives were pleased.Update on Wednesday morning, Jan. 8:WWE Raw is listed as Netflix’s #1 show in the U.S. for part of today as well as yesterday, according to FlixPatrol.Netflix confirmed to me that WWE programs will be eligible for listing in Netflix’s official weekly top 10 rankings where they break out some global viewing data as well as rank the top 10 programs by region.Update on Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 8:SambaTV reported that 664,000 U.S. households watched Raw on Netflix “when it aired”. A report from Media Play News also referencing SambaTV data says 752,000 households watched Raw on the USA Network in the first week of January in 2024, which Media Play News notes is a decline of 12%.This household data is significantly lower than Nielsen’s measurements for Raw, so I don’t know what to make of it. In December 2024, Raw averaged about 1,131,000 viewers (average minute audience, live+same-day). While I don’t have household data for January 2024, it seems very unlikely that Nielsen’s measurement would be anywhere near 752,000 households for Raw during that time.In other words, the SambaTV data conflicts with the Nielsen data. If you assume the Nielsen data is more credible, the SambaTV data is too low. Ultimately, either source’s data is based on a sample of viewing. Nonetheless, if SambaTV’s measurement method is consistent over time and uses a substantial sample, it’s possible the 12% decline is a meaningful reflection of the difference in viewership for Raw in the first week of January this year (on Netflix) versus last year (on USA Network). But it would be surprising that the viewership for the Netflix debut would actually be lower than that of a year ago on USA, given the hype and Netflix’s comparable reach to top cable.I’ve contacted Netflix, WWE, and SambaTV for clarification and will provide updates if I receive more information.Yesterday and for part of today Netflix listed Raw was the #1 TV show on its platform in the U.S.I confirmed with Netflix earlier today that WWE programs will be eligible to be ranked in Netflix’s official weekly top 10 rankings. For its global rankings, which Raw may very well make the top 10 for, Netflix breaks out some viewing data for the full week.Data from WrestleTixMonday, January 6, 2025Inglewood, CA at Intuit DomeEstimated tickets distributed: 17,003WWE announced this set a new company gate record for arena events. The highest figure we know of is for WWE Monday in the Bank in London in 2023, which drew $3.3 million. That record has since been broken multiple times, by at least Backlash in France and Bash in Berlin last year.Market-to-market comparisons (Inglewood, CA):Year-over-year comparison for this event type:Current 2025-Q1 WWE Raw average: (17,003) vs. 2024-Q1 (11,418): +49%As of 7:03 pm, Jan 7Most-viewed YouTube videos on WWE’s official channel:1.) 961,258 – The Undertaker celebrates with Rhea Ripley2.) 901,544 – Roman Reigns vs. Solo Sikoa – Tribal Combat: Raw on Netflix highlights, Jan. 6, 20253.) 859,032 – AND NEW: Rhea Ripley destroys Liv Morgan and “Dirty” Dom in title win4.) 689,945 – John Cena makes massive Royal Rumble announcement5.) 621,977 – CM Punk vs. Seth “Freakin’” Rollins: Raw on Netflix highlights, Jan. 6, 20256.) 613,713 – The Rock acknowledges Cody Rhodes and sets stage for Tribal Combat7.) 587,097 – The Rock crowns Roman Reigns with the Ula Fala after Tribal CombatAs of 6:41 pm, Jan 7Event rating:Match ratings:This report was produced with the assistance of programming scripts created by me.brandon@wrestlenomics.comBrandon Thurston has written about wrestling business since 2015. He operates and owns Wrestlenomics.This article is available for everyone because of support from our subscribers.-or-Subscribe now on PatreonCopyright © 2024 | Wrestlenomics LLC
