WWE RAW on Netflix debut: Top five things that need to happen on January 6
(Courtesy : WWE)
Four matches have been announced for the historic show
The Stamford-based promotion is gearing up for the highly anticipated debut of Monday Night Raw on Netflix which is set for January 6. This historic episode will air live from the Intuit Dome in Inglewood.
Several top stars are set to appear on the historic show, including Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, Bianca Belair, John Cena, and WWE World Heavyweight Champion Gunther.
Additionally, hip-hop legend Travis Scott will make a special appearance. The debut show will feature four high-stakes matches, including a title bout, two grudge matches, and a Tribal Combat match with the Ula Fala on the line.
Here we take a look at five things that need to happen on the debut episode in order to make the show even more historic for the fans.
5. Damain Priest vs Finn Balor
The feud between Damian Priest and Finn Balor was reignited at the final PLE of 2024 when Balor attacked Priest during his title match against Gunther. The interference and subsequent attack at Survivor Series 2024 PLE caused Priest the title.
Priest remembers the betrayal he suffered at the hands of Balor which was followed by Balor kicking out Priest from the Judgment Day. Priest somewhat exacted his revenge by costing Balor and JD McDonagh the WWE Tag Team title against War Raiders.
The addition of War Raiders to the equation has suddenly neutralized the numbers game in Priest’s favor. The promotion should book a grudge match between the two stars for the debut episode, as it would not only be a great addition to the card but also help push Balor’s singles career following the loss of the tag titles.
Also Read: WWE RAW’s Netflix Debut: Match card, news, timings, telecast details
4. Rhea Ripley needs the win
Rhea Ripley will lock horns with her fierce rival Liv Morgan in the debut episode of RAW where the Women’s World Championship is on the line. Morgan currently holds the title and wants to defeat Ripley continuing her reign.
On the other hand, Ripley wants to reclaim the title which she never lost and had to vacate due to an injury caused by Morgan. The feud between the two stars has been going on since last April and Rhea needs to put a stop to the feud by reclaiming the title.
Ripley has to win the match in order to further her career and storylines, wining the title would create multiple new opportunities considering the eminent return of two biggest stars, Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair.
3. The Rock returns
As the debut episode of Monday Night Raw approaches, anticipation among fans for the return of Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson continues to build. With no official update on his status, speculation has surged across social media.
Johnson was last seen on WWE television during the final moments of Bad Blood 2024 PLE. He can make his return on the historic show and continue his run as ‘The Final Boss’ targeting Cody Rhodes or Roman Reigns.
The segment could become earth-shattering if The Rock makes his return and confronts Rhodes, reigniting their feud from last year. Johnson can also confront Reigns after he wins the tribal combat match setting up their feud ahead of WrestleMania 41.
2. John Cena
The ‘G.O.A.T’, John Cena is set to kick off his retirement tour on the debut episode of the Red brand. Cena will wrestle full-time in 2025 and will hang up his wrestling boots at the end of this year. Many fans are excited to witness Cena perform for the last time inside the squared ring.
Cena will most likely address the fans hype up his farewell tour and lay out his plans for the year. Ahead of his return, there has been a lot of buzz among fans for Cena to break the tie with Ric Flair and become the 17-time WWE Champion.
If Cena has any desire to do so he should announce his entry in the 2025 men’s Royal Rumble on the debut episode of RAW. Rhodes is also defending his title in a ladder match against Kevin Owens at the PLE. Cena winning the men’s rumble match could set up a face-off after the title defense.
1. Roman Reigns & CM Punk need to win
‘The OTC’ Roman Reigns will lock horns with Solo Sikoa in a tribal combat match with the sacred Ula Fala on the line for the clash. On the other hand, CM Punk will battle Seth Rollins in a grudge match in the main event of the show.
Reigns along with the OG Bloodline recently defeated Solo Sikoa and his Bloodline in the men’s WarGames match at Survivor Series. If Reigns wants to continue the momentum and start his journey back toward the title he needs to win the clash against Sikoa.
Besides title aspiration Reigns’ legacy and the seat at the High table are also on the line for the match and if Roman loses it means the end of OG Bloodline and Solo has already made it clear that ‘The Wiseman’ Paul Heyman would also have to acknowledge him and join the Bloodline as Sikoa’s Wiseman.
Somewhat similarly Punk needs to win the match not just to prove that he is still the ‘Best in the World’ but to also use the win in forwarding his goal towards challenging Gunther for the title.
Punk has stated on multiple occasions that he wants to win the title and headline WrestleMania and a win against Rollins on such a huge stage could help him gain momentum in challenging the World Heavyweight Champion Gunther.
Do you agree with our list for the debut episode of WWE RAW on Netflix, or is there anything you’d add? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments section.
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