Photo Credit: Instagram of Solo Sikoa and Roman Reigns
WWE is gearing up for a new era, entering the new year with the debut on the world’s biggest streaming platform, Netflix. The longest-running weekly TV show in the United States, Monday Night RAW, debuted in 1993, remaining consistent for over three decades on television. However, it is about to change in the first week of 2025.
Moving from TV broadcasting, RAW will move to the world’s largest streaming platform, Netflix, making it the debut of the flagship show. The debut episode is set to take place on January 6, 2025. Intuit Dome of Inglewood, California is slated to be the host of WWE RAW Netflix’s debut venue.
It is expected to be a star-studded debut episode on the streaming service, featuring some big names. Ace rapper Travis Scott is expected to perform, while Logan Paul is advertised to make an appearance after being traded to the red brand.
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Three big matches are already confirmed for the event WWE RAW’s premiere episode on Netflix with the likes of CM Punk, Roman Reigns, Rhea Ripley, Seth Rollins, and many more on the card. Have a look at the three official fixtures happening On January 6, 2024, concurrently with another two possible matches that could feature in the event.
Official Matches:
3) CM Punk Vs Seth Rollins
CM Punk Vs Seth Rollins feud has been one of the most anticipated rivalries in the squared circle because of their real-life heat. The two Superstars despise each other behind the screen, making them genuine foes. A myriad of fans are comparing their feud with Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels in the New Generation Era due to their real-life animosity.
Even though fans expected their feud to culminate at a big event like WrestleMania 41, it came sooner than expected. Following CM Punk’s rivalry with Drew McIntyre, WWE already planted seeds for the feud after Punk had to participate in Roman Reigns’ team at Survivor Series 2024.
In the past two weeks, Punk and Rollins were embroiled in heated segments, finally getting physical on Monday Night RAW on December 16, 2024. Now, they will settle the score and hatred against each other in one of the WWE RAW’s Netflix matches in the first week of January. Given the intensity of the build-up, it could be a great opening match.
2) Liv Morgan Vs Rhea Ripley (Women’s World Championship Match)
The sole confirmed title match from the inaugural Netflix episode of WWE RAW is the match between Rhea Ripley and Liv Morgan. Their months-long prolonged rivalry might conclude with this one-on-one bout. Adam Pearce, the RAW General Manager, officially confirmed the match at the kick-off event that was taking place recently.
Their feud started with the Liv Morgan Revenge tour in the first half of the year, especially after Morgan injured Ripley in a backstage attack. Following it, Morgan took everything from Mami, from her title to her man.
Apart from solo matches, they also crossed paths in a War Games match, with Ripley’s team picking up the win. The odds are against Ripley this time, knowing Liv has Dominik and Raquel by her side. However, a confident and persistent Mami is adamant about coming out of the top and reclaiming the gold once again.
1) Roman Reigns Vs Solo Sikoa (Tribal Combat Match For Ula Fala)
The match between Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa does not involve a title, but they will fight for the prestigious Ula Fala of the Anoa’i family, which is equally as significant as a belt. The two self-proclaimed Tribal Chiefs of WWE will collide to prove who ultimately deserves the title.
After losing the WWE Championship, Roman lost his clan called Bloodline, prompting his former enforcer, Solo Sikoa, to create his Bloodline. Once the Head of the Table returned, he faced an uphill task against Solo and his group until recruiting the OG Bloodline. With one victory each at Crown Jewel and Survivor Series, their scores are even now.
Hence, their fight on WWE RAW’s Netflix kick-off episode would be their third encounter, possibly the concluding match of the feud. The winner will be handed the Ula Fala, officially receiving WWE’s Tribal Chief honor. It is likely to be the main event of the show.
Tentative Matches:
2) Chelsea Green Vs Michin (Women’s US Championship Rematch)
Chelsea Green recently made history, becoming the inaugural Women’s United States Champion in history. She won a tournament following the introduction of the title. Her impressive victories included beating the former Women’s Champions, Bianca Belair and Bayley.
The tournament’s other finalist was Michin, who came close to winning the gold, but Piper Niven’s presence at the ringside and Chelsea’s astute strategy put her in the runner-up position.
The stage is set for the big matches on WWE RAW’s Netflix first-ever episode, and adding the rematch would be a feasible option. Michin would prefer to face Green without Piper Niven’s presence in the ringside.
1) Cody Rhodes Vs Kevin Owens (WWE Championship Match)
Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens already battled at Saturday Night’s Main Event episode on December 14, 2024. Despite a successful title defense against The Prize Fighter, The American Nightmare ended the show in despair.
A frustrated Kevin Owens brutally assaulted the champion once the match was done and dusted. Followed by a vicious Piledriver, Rhodes was in agony and had to be taken out of the arena on a stretcher.
Seeking vengeance, a rematch, especially on the demand of the champion, is a reasonable possibility. A tenacious Cody Rhodes might look for revenge, asking for the WWE Championship encounter in WWE RAW’s Netflix match card.
Avik Das is an English Literature graduate with an experience of over six years as a professional writer. He has written for renowned publications such as The Sportster, Sportskeeda, Pinkvilla, and The Things
