The ratings for the premiere episode of WWE’s Monday Night Raw on Netflix have just been released. This event has ignited considerable buzz across the internet, prompting discussions about the implications of WWE’s first foray into the streaming realm. For years, wrestling ratings have been a focal point of analysis among commentators, podcasters, and writers, serving as vital indicators of success in the industry.
Traditionally, Nielsen ratings have been a crucial measure of viewership for wrestling promotions with linear broadcast agreements. However, this system has faced increasing scrutiny as criticisms surrounding household undercounting and the emergence of new media platforms render its methodologies antiquated. With WWE now able to access viewer data from Netflix directly, initial reports suggest that the ratings for Monday Night Raw indicate a promising start for their new venture, revealing a strong interest in professional wrestling among Netflix subscribers.
Understanding the Ratings System
TV Ratings Explained
Nielsen Media Research has been the industry standard for tracking television viewership since the 1950s, providing data on how many households tune into specific shows, when they watch, and for how long. This information is invaluable for networks to assess programming success.
As the media consumption landscape evolves, Nielsen has faced mounting criticism regarding its data collection methods, particularly due to the perceived narrow sample sizes and underrepresentation of minority groups. To address these concerns, the company began integrating measurement for subscription-based video-on-demand platforms in 2017, including Netflix’s innovative “Live+1″metric aimed at paralleling minute-by-minute audience tracking typical for traditional broadcast models. The ratings data made public on January 9th was derived from this approach.
While linear broadcasts and streaming platforms utilize different methodologies for ratings capture, attempting to make direct comparisons between the ratings of Monday Night Raw on Netflix and its previous airings on USA Network can be challenging and ultimately misleading. The data released indicated not only a solid performance for WWE’s inaugural episode on Netflix but also a healthy appetite among subscribers for wrestling content.
WWE Captured Robust Viewership
Ratings Growth from Linear Broadcast
The premiere episode of Raw on Netflix achieved an impressive viewership, attracting 4.9 million global viewers, which included approximately 2.6 million from the United States alone. This marks a significant milestone, as it’s the first time WWE has surpassed 4 million viewers in over a decade. This transition to a streaming platform appears to provide WWE with a competitive edge over rivals like AEW, which recently began broadcasting on Max under a new deal with Warner Bros. Discovery.
However, when compared to Netflix’s other live events, WWE’s numbers are modest. For example, the boxing match featuring Mike Tyson and Jake Paul drew an impressive 108 million global viewers, while an NFL game between the Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans attracted 24.3 million viewers. Despite the comparative lower viewership, the 4.9 million figure illustrates that there is substantial interest in professional wrestling.
The all-time high for Monday Night Raw was recorded on May 10, 1999, during the captivating Attitude Era, achieving an 8.1 rating on the USA Network.
WWE’s Challenge: Retaining Viewer Engagement
Creative Direction and New Storylines
For WWE to capitalize on their inaugural success on Netflix, sustaining audience interest is crucial. This challenge is heightened as two significant storylines reached their conclusions on the premiere episode, leaving uncertainty for key participants. Roman Reigns regained his status as the “Only Tribal Chief”after a victory over Solo Sikoa, while Rhea Ripley ended Liv Morgan’s title reign, which likely concludes their prolonged rivalry.
Conversely, ongoing feuds such as John Cena’s farewell tour and the budding rivalry between CM Punk and Seth Rollins present opportunities for WWE to build on established narratives. Additionally, the returning story arc featuring the Rock and Reigns, alongside anticipated comebacks from popular wrestlers like Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair, could further enrich the programming landscape. These elements provide fertile ground for WWE to craft captivating new stories that keep audiences engaged.
WWE’s strategic move into streaming was seen as a natural progression, and the audience’s enthusiastic response to the Monday Night Raw premiere on Netflix confirms this trajectory. The next steps in maintaining and building upon this success remain in WWE’s hands.
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