WWE Raw’s Netflix Debut: Top Highlights, Matches, and Star Appearances That Dominated SEO Trends

CM Punk faced Seth Rollins on WWE Raw

WWE Raw’s Netflix debut on January 6, 2025, was a landmark event, filled with star-studded appearances, thrilling matches, and electrifying moments. The show opened with Triple H introducing WWE’s Netflix Era, earning a massive pop from the live crowd. His iconic catchphrase, “Are You Ready?!”, set the tone for a night that would keep fans on the edge of their seats.

The Rock made a memorable return, giving the audience a dose of his electrifying charisma. He acknowledged Roman Reigns as the Tribal Chief and even threw praise Cody Rhodes’ way for carrying the company. His remarks about Reigns being the “Original Tribal Chief” hinted at possible future storylines, while his tribute to Rhodes earned a huge reaction. The Rock’s appearance was a highlight, cementing the Netflix debut as one for the history books.

In the night’s first major match, Roman Reigns defeated Solo Sikoa in a grueling Tribal Combat contest for the Sacred Ula Fala. The match was packed with high drama, featuring interference from various stars, including Sami Zayn, Jimmy Uso, and even Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens. Reigns eventually overcame Solo with a spear, sealing the win and further solidifying his reign as the Tribal Chief.

Rhea Ripley successfully defended her WWE Women’s World Championship against Liv Morgan in a hard-fought match. Morgan showed heart by kicking out of Ripley’s signature Riptide, but Ripley ultimately proved too strong, hitting two more Riptides for the win. After the match, Ripley received recognition from The Undertaker, further elevating her status as a top star in WWE.

Jey Uso pulled off a surprise victory against Drew McIntyre, stunning the crowd with a roll-up pin. The match was intense, with both men receiving cheers from the fans, but Uso’s calculated finish earned him the upset win. This victory marked another step in Uso’s rise, adding depth to his character.

John Cena’s appearance brought nostalgia and excitement as he reflected on his career and teased a final run at WrestleMania. Cena expressed his desire to win the Royal Rumble and pursue his 17th world title. The crowd reacted positively to his promo, fueling speculation about his future in WWE, especially with the upcoming Royal Rumble event.

In a surprising segment, Hulk Hogan returned to WWE, but the reception was far from warm. The Los Angeles crowd greeted Hogan with loud boos, especially after he attempted to promote his "Real American Beer" and wore a Netflix-branded shirt. This moment quickly became a misstep in an otherwise strong show, as fans rejected Hogan’s presence.

The night’s main event saw CM Punk defeat Seth Rollins in a fast-paced, hard-hitting match. The two stars went back and forth, delivering intense moments with Rollins hitting his signature moves and Punk responding with his GTS finishers. Punk sealed the victory with two GTSs, and as the show ended, fans were left wondering about his future, particularly in relation to Roman Reigns, who had made an earlier statement about wanting to be officially acknowledged as Tribal Chief at the Royal Rumble.

WWE Raw on Netflix set a high standard for future episodes, with packed arenas, star-studded appearances, and thrilling action. The show successfully combined nostalgia with modern-day stars, delivering moments that kept fans excited about the future of WWE. From Triple H’s powerful opening to CM Punk’s victory in the main event, Raw’s Netflix debut was a night to remember.