WWE programming on Netflix will expand to Japan later this year, Netflix VP of Sports Gabe Spitzer confirmed, the next step in an international rollout that recently added Italy and Germany.
Spitzer detailed the plans on The Main Event with Andrew Marchand, noting the platform now holds every major WWE property outside the United States. “We have all WWE content outside of the U.S. so that’s WrestleMania, it’s RAW, it’s SmackDown, and we’ve just launched in Italy, in Germany,” he said. “We’re launching in Japan later this year.”
Spitzer said the WWE relationship has outperformed Netflix’s projections since RAW moved to the service. “It’s been above our expectations,” he said. “We know that audience is there in the U.S. and I think the win for both us and WWE would be continuing to grow that around the world.”
The same international push shaped WWE’s decision to run its first-ever Premium Live Event in Italy. WWE presents Clash in Italy on Sunday, May 31, from the Inalpi Arena in Turin, streaming on Netflix internationally and on ESPN in the United States.
Spitzer said Netflix and WWE executives mapped out the event early in 2026, timing it to the platform’s April launch in the country. “We knew, in Italy, we were launching in April and later this month in May, they’re gonna do one of their big PLEs, Premium Live Events in Turin,” he said. “It’s a way to push people to watch on Netflix but it’s a way to grow their business as well.”
Spitzer pointed to WWE President Nick Khan and Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque as the executives Netflix coordinates with on its global wrestling strategy.
Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano returned to the cage tonight at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.
Ronda Rousey was on the offense right off the bat and immediately took down Gina Carano. ‘Rowdy’ then transitioned into an armbar for the quick win in under 20 seconds.
— MVP – Most Valuable Promotions (@MostVpromotions) May 17, 2026
It had been almost 17 years since Carano last competed in Strikeforce, and almost a decade for Rousey. However, both fighters were in great shape and came in well under the featherweight limit for their final battle.
Rousey had entered the fight with a 12-2 professional record, while Carano carried a 7-1 mark into her first fight since losing to Cris Cyborg in 2009.
Ronda Rousey ends her nearly decade-long MMA exile tonight, headlining the first-ever mixed martial arts event broadcast on Netflix against fellow women’s MMA pioneer Gina Carano. The card emanates from the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, with the main card kicking off at 9 p.m. ET.
The featherweight bout is the centerpiece of MVP MMA 1, the inaugural fight card from Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian’s Most Valuable Promotions. Both women hit their marks at Friday’s weigh-ins, with Rousey scaling 142 pounds and Carano coming in at 141.4 pounds for the 145-pound contracted weight.
Live Coverage At MMA News
Our partner site MMA News is providing full coverage of MVP MMA 1 throughout Saturday night, including round-by-round results, post-fight reaction, and full analysis from the Intuit Dome. The main card streams live globally on Netflix at 9 p.m. ET, with prelims starting at 5 p.m. ET on the Tudum website.
A Direct Shot At TKO
The fight carries unmistakable subtext for wrestling and MMA fans alike. Rousey has spent her media tour torching TKO Group Holdings, the parent company that now houses both WWE and UFC, while making a clear point to separate her criticism from Dana White personally.
“I would want to make something abundantly clear and that’s that I owe Dana and the Fertittas immensely and I’d be caught dead before you ever heard me say a bad thing about any of them,” Rousey said at Friday’s pre-fight press conference, per MMAWeekly. “But my loyalty is to them and not the company they sold. And I do not owe TKO’s UFC a damn thing.”
Rousey said in March that UFC is “one of the worst places to go” for fighters, pointing to the promotion’s recent $7.7 billion Paramount+ media rights deal alongside what she described as poverty-level pay for many on the roster.
She has specifically targeted UFC chief business officer Hunter Campbell rather than White, telling ESPN she believes White was overruled internally on the original plan to stage the Carano bout under the UFC banner.
The AEW Revolution Cameo
The most pointed shot came on March 15, when Rousey shocked fans by appearing at AEW Revolution to confront Toni Storm and align with her best friend Marina Shafir. In a follow-up vlog on her YouTube channel, Rousey openly called the appearance a “little bit of a f*ck you to the TKO group.”
“I figured it’d be easier to ask for forgiveness instead of permission on this one,” Rousey said. “Like, I’m promoting your show. It’s fine. We didn’t advertise it. It’s not like we boosted the ratings of it, so it should be fine.”
What’s At Stake Beyond The Main Event
MVP’s MMA debut represents the most credible direct challenge to UFC’s promotional model since Bellator’s peak years. Bidarian told Yahoo Sports the company is paying every fighter on Saturday’s card a minimum of $40,000, more than triple UFC’s typical introductory salary of $12,000 to show and $12,000 to win.
The triple main event is stacked beyond the headliner. Nate Diaz meets Mike Perry in a five-round welterweight bout, while former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou returns to MMA against 2018 PFL Heavyweight Tournament winner Philipe Lins. Bidarian has indicated MVP is targeting four to six MMA events per year starting in 2027 if Saturday’s debut delivers.
Rousey enters with a 12-2 professional record, while Carano carries a 7-1 mark into her first fight since losing to Cris Cyborg in 2009. The two pioneers of women’s MMA have been linked in fan debate for nearly two decades.
WWE Raw on Netflix continues its post-WrestleMania 42 decline.
As per Netflix, the May 4 episode of WWE Raw drew 2.7 million global views and 4.6 million global hours viewed. The numbers mark the second straight week of declining viewership.
The go-home edition before WWE Backlash, which featured Roman Reigns and Jacob Fatu in the main event storyline, dropped 100,000 views from the previous week.
The 2.7 million global views represent the lowest figure since the February 16 episode, while the 4.6 million hours viewed are the lowest since January 19.
The episode finished seventh globally on Netflix’s top ten chart, trailing sixth place by 400,000 views and ahead of eighth by 200,000. WWE Raw appeared in the top ten across 21 countries and ranked eighth in the United States specifically.
Viewership Trends Since WrestleMania
The April 20 post-WrestleMania 42 episode peaked at 3.3 million global views and 6.6 million hours viewed. Since then, viewership has declined each week, dropping from 2.9 million views on April 27 to the current 2.7 million.
The May 4 episode ran 1 hour and 36 minutes, shorter than recent broadcasts. Netflix’s leader for the week was Man on Fire with 12.6 million global views and 70.2 million global hours viewed.
The Hulk Hogan: Real American docuseries dropped out of Netflix’s global top ten after two weeks on the chart. Over the last ten weeks, Raw has averaged 2.93 million global views and 5.48 million global hours viewed.
Last reported 10 weeks of WWE Raw on Netflix viewership:
Ronda Rousey is gearing up for her return to MMA competition and believes the event will have a transformative effect on the sport.
The former WWE star will face former Strikeforce fighter Gina Carano at an event backed by Most Valuable Promotions live on Netflix on May 16 from the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California.
Speaking on Face 2 Face, Rousey compared the upcoming show to some of combat sports’ most iconic moments. She drew parallels to legendary figures and events that shaped the industry.
“I would have killed to see Mike Tyson live, I would have killed to see Muhammad Ali live. Would have killed to see UFC 1 live. I believe that this event is historic on that level,” Rousey said.
“It’s going to change the landscape of the entire sport forever. It’s going to be the best fight of me and Gina’s lives. I can’t speak for the other guys on the card, but this is the most stacked card I’ve ever seen. And this is the most I’ve seen anyone invest in one card.”
Rousey highlighted that the fight carries significance beyond personal competition. She positioned the event as a pivotal moment for the future of MMA.
“We’re not fighting just for ourselves, but for the future of the sport. What we does only matters because you watch, so we need you. We need you to be able to make the changes that we’re hoping to see happen. Hopefully you’re there. Hopefully you’re part of this because it’s incredible for us to be a part of and we want you to join us,” she stated.
Fans can watch the show live on Netflix when it airs on May 16.
CM Punk and Liv Morgan could bag movie roles for Netflix.
Reports suggest that they are being eyed by Netflix for movie roles, according to a report from Bodyslam.net. The streaming giant is interested in working with both WWE superstars, who have already built acting resumes outside the ring.
Netflix reportedly sees potential in both performers given their existing film experience. The move would expand both wrestlers’ entertainment careers beyond WWE programming.
Morgan’s Acting Background
Morgan has already appeared in The Kill Room and has a role in the upcoming Bad Lieutenant: Tokyo, which is set to release later this year. The WWE Women’s World Champion has been balancing her in-ring career with her growing film work.
She regained the WWE Women’s World Championship at WrestleMania 42 last month in Las Vegas, defeating Stephanie Vaquer. Morgan continues to hold the title as one of WWE’s top champions.
Punk’s Film Experience
Punk has appeared in Girl on the Third Floor and Night Patrol during his time away from wrestling. He also provided voice work for one of the Zebros in Disney’s Zootopia 2 alongside Roman Reigns.
The former World Heavyweight Champion has not appeared for WWE since WrestleMania 42, where he lost the title to Reigns. His status for future WWE programming remains unclear as Netflix reportedly pursues him for film projects.
Brock Lesnar might have left his boots and gloves in the ring at WrestleMania 42, but former UFC fighter Chael Sonnen believes the right offer could bring him back to MMA.
Sonnen suggested on his YouTube channel that a lucrative Netflix deal could tempt Lesnar out of retirement.
Lesnar suffered a defeat at the hands of Oba Femi at WWE WrestleMania 42 in what appeared to be a retirement angle. While WWE has heavily implied Lesnar’s in-ring career is over, the former Universal Champion has not verbally confirmed his retirement.
Sonnen Pitches Lesnar vs. Ngannou
In his recent video, Sonnen drew a specific scenario that could bring ‘The Beast Incarnate’ back to combat sports. He believes a fight against Francis Ngannou on Netflix could be the draw.
“I’m here to tell you right now, there is a dollar amount. I don’t know that sum. $25 million would be very close. There is a dollar amount where Brock Lesnar will fight on Netflix against Francis Ngannou,” Sonnen said.
“He just has to be given the opportunity. When somebody says they’re retired, it just means, ‘I don’t have opportunities in front of me right now.’”
Sonnen further questioned whether Lesnar would want his legacy defined solely by professional wrestling.
“Does he want to be known as the guy that used to be a pro wrestler? Maybe. I’m curious, I’m asking the question,” Sonnen stated.
Brock Lesnar’s Combat Sports History
Brock Lesnar had a run with UFC in the past, following his departure from WWE in 2004. He quickly became one of the promotion’s biggest stars and captured the UFC Heavyweight Championship.
He retired from UFC in 2011 and returned to WWE the following year. Lesnar made a one-off UFC return in 2016 before focusing exclusively on his WWE career.
Former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon had delivered remarks at WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan’s funeral service, with footage now appearing in the Netflix docuseries Hulk Hogan: Real American.
The moment marks a rare public appearance by McMahon following his departure from WWE in January 2024.
Hogan passed away on July 24 last year, prompting tributes across the wrestling industry. While McMahon did not appear during WWE’s televised memorial, he attended the private funeral service where several wrestling legends gathered to honor “The Immortal One.”
McMahon Leads Final Standing Ovation
The fourth and final episode of the Netflix series includes footage from the funeral service. McMahon recalled how Hogan consistently received standing ovations after his matches throughout his career.
“At the end of every match, they give him a standing ovation. So what I’m suggesting to all of you is that we give Hulk Hogan his very last standing ovation right now,” McMahon said from the podium.
McMahon then applauded as attendees joined in for a final tribute to the wrestling icon. The clip was shared on social media as the docuseries premiered.
Vince McMahon is featured in the documentary for the Hulk Hogan Real American pic.twitter.com/FrBGbmfB0Q
McMahon’s appearance in the documentary is significant given WWE’s public distancing from him after his departure. The series features multiple wrestling figures reflecting on Hogan’s legacy and impact on the industry.
The Hulk Hogan: Real American docuseries is currently streaming on Netflix.
Netflix recently released the trailer for ‘Hulk Hogan: Real American,’ a four-part docuseries set to premiere on April 22. The series will provided an in-depth look at the late WWE legend’s life and career.
The docuseries covers Hogan’s childhood, his rise in professional wrestling, and his transition into a pop culture icon. The series also features what turned out to be Hogan’s final recorded interview before his passing.
‘The Hulkster’ passed away on July 24, 2025, due to cardiac arrest at the age of 71. He rose to stardom in WWE during the 1980s, with the launch of Hulkamania becoming a defining moment in both wrestling history and his career.
Hogan’s Legacy and Hall of Fame Recognition
Hulk Hogan was among the first wrestlers to successfully crossover into Hollywood and achieve mainstream recognition beyond the wrestling industry.
Last month, WWE also announced that Hogan’s match against Andre The Giant at WrestleMania III will be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Hogan was previously inducted into the Hall of Fame as a singles competitor in 2005 by Sylvester Stallone, and again in 2020 as part of the nWo alongside Scott Hall and Kevin Nash.
Netflix will exclusively broadcast WWE Premium Live Events in Germany beginning April 1, 2026, with all events available live and on demand — including German-language commentary from Calvin Knie and Tim Haber.
All WWE PLEs will be accessible to Netflix members in Germany in every language available on the service as part of its standard subscription offering. The partnership will also extend to Austria starting in April 2026.
WrestleMania 42 will kick off WWE’s Netflix PLE run in Germany, broadcasting live from Las Vegas on April 18 and 19.
Seth Rollins opened up about one of the most nerve-wracking experiences of his career — and it had nothing to do with wrestling. Speaking with 25 Whistles with Bobby Bones at Super Bowl 60 Radio Row in San Francisco, Rollins detailed his role commentating Netflix\’s live skyscraper climb special.
Rollins didn\’t sugarcoat the stakes of calling the event in real-time.
\”The dude, if he slips, he\’s dead. It\’s over. He\’s done. And that\’s a man dying on live television.\”
Why WWE Tapped Rollins for the Job
The decision to place a WWE Superstar behind the commentary desk for an extreme sports broadcast wasn\’t random. Rollins explained that his years of live, unscripted television gave him the exact skill set the production needed.
\”My forte is live conversation, live promos, live storytelling, and anything can happen on a WWE broadcast.\”
Rollins said meeting Alex Donald and his family before the event gave him a deep appreciation for what was at stake, describing the experience as \”being in that space with greatness.\”
No Rehearsal, No Playbook
Unlike a WWE broadcast where talent can prepare for at least some planned spots, this event offered zero predictability. Rain prevented full practice runs, and Donald only climbed sections of the building while strapped into safety equipment during preparation. There was no way to simulate the actual climb.
\”You just don\’t know how long it\’s going to take. You don\’t know where he\’s going to be when.\”
The Emergency Plan If Tragedy Struck
Perhaps the most chilling detail Rollins revealed was the contingency plan. The broadcast operated on a 15-second delay — the only safety net between the audience and potential disaster. There was no emergency parachute or rescue equipment. Host L. Duncan had a prepared statement ready to read if the worst happened.
\”If something went wrong, they would be able to cut the feed, or they were just going to go off air and we wouldn\’t talk about it.\”
Despite the lack of a backup plan, Rollins said the team had high confidence in Donald\’s ability to complete the climb successfully.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Broadcast
Rollins — who has remained in the headlines amid speculation about his WWE return — said the skyscraper climb reminded him why he loves live television.
\”When you put somebody\’s life at stake in that scenario, it adds a different element to it.\”
Tony Maglio reported on Tuesday that AEW\’s rights would shift to Discovery Networks, which will be the home of TNT and TBS, which broadcast AEW shows Dynamite and Collision. He cited a 519-page filing by Netflix with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
THR said AEW, if it were to stay with Discovery after its current contract, would move to a new Discovery app that has been planned since a split between Warner Bros. streaming and movie studios and its cable channels was announced. This was reported first by Dave Meltzer and The Wrestling Observer several weeks ago.
WBD announced Discovery would build a TNT Sports streaming app once the spin-off is completed later this year.
AEW signed a three-year deal with a fourth-year option in 2024. AEW would remain on HBO Max through the end of 2027 or 2028, depending on whether Netflix/WBD picks up its option.
\”There’s even the possibility of a nonexclusive arrangement in which both HBO Max and Turner Sports stream AEW events — perhaps the former gets the PLEs and latter the episodic TV shows,\” the article said.
Netflix announced it would keep HBO Max as a standalone service if it completes its merger with WBD. Industry sources have told SEScoops keeping the apps separate would help in potential regulatory fights and could be seen as beneficial for Netflix as it goes head-to-head with YouTube.
The THR article confirmed WBD owns a small position in AEW at less than 10 percent.
THR said it\’s likely WWE and TKO have a non-compete clause with Netflix regarding other professional wrestling companies on the streamer. If HBO Max were absorbed by Netflix, that would likely force AEW and its PLEs to a Discovery streaming app.
\”(Should) Netflix integrate HBO Max into its own service, it may not even be able to carry AEW programming,\” the article said. \”Though unconfirmed, it is believed WWE’s parent company TKO incorporated a noncompete clause in its deal with Netflix, a relic of the old days. Because everything in professional wrestling is some sort of relic of the old days.\”
Paramount, which competed with Netflix to buy WBD, has filed at least one lawsuit in the wake of the merger. President Donald Trump has also weighed in on the deal, stating he would cast the deciding vote on who would own the company.
Any merger or purchase of WBD will be met with heavy opposition by states and unions as well as Washington DC regulators. Democrats in the Senate have voiced opposition to Paramount due to the tight relationship between Trump, owner David Ellison and comments made by both about the merger. Larry Ellison, David Ellison\’s father, is a staunch ally of Trump and helped fund the 2020 stolen election claim.
Without any legal challenges, a merger of WBD with Netflix is expected to take 12 to 18 months. Various companies have voiced antitrust concerns and the public has expressed concerns about media mergers. Trump has said he\’s concerned with media mergers at some locals, stating he opposed a proposed merger of local broadcast companies Nexstar and Tegna, which would require the Federal Communications Commission to lift the 38 percent cap on U.S. market ownership.
Netflix has announced that more episodes of WWE: Unreal are coming later this summer 2026. The teaser appeared at the end of the final episode of Season 2, which is now streaming on the platform.
WWE: Unreal provides an unprecedented behind-the-scenes look at WWE operations, from writers\’ room discussions to superstars planning matches. Watch WWE Unreal on Netflix
Season 1 covered events like John Cena\’s heel turn and decisions on Royal Rumble winners by Chief Content Officer Paul \”Triple H\” Levesque.
WWE Unreal: Season 2 builds on this with wild plot twists, larger-than-life personas, and backstage drama leading to SummerSlam 2025.
Season 3 will heavily focus on John Cena\’s retirement run, including moments like Brock Lesnar\’s attack on Cena and post-match scenes with CM Punk and Cody Rhodes.
The series, produced by WWE, Omaha Productions, NFL Films, and Skydance Sports, features five episodes per season, each around 50-60 minutes.
This renewal ensures WWE: Unreal remains a key documentary series on Netflix, offering deeper access to the industry\’s inner workings throughout 2026. The \”look behind the curtain\” nature of the show has drawn mixed reviews from some people in WWE, but this news assures fans they can expect plenty more backstage insights this summer.
WWE: Unreal Season 2 is now streaming on Netflix, bringing fans back behind the curtain of WWE\’s creative process just days before the Royal Rumble. The five-episode docuseries picks up after WrestleMania 41 and follows the company\’s journey to the first-ever two-night SummerSlam at MetLife Stadium in August 2025.
Key Highlights
Season 2 Premiere: All five episodes (approximately 50 minutes each) are now available exclusively on Netflix worldwide.
Main Focus: The season documents WWE\’s road to SummerSlam 2025, featuring Seth Rollins\’ \”Ruse of the Century,\” R-Truth\’s controversial release, and Naomi\’s reflections on her 2022 walkout.
Featured Talent: Seth Rollins, Becky Lynch, Cody Rhodes, Rhea Ripley, Pat McAfee, Jelly Roll, R-Truth, IYO SKY, Naomi, Chelsea Green, Penta, and Lyra Valkyria.
Seth Rollins\’ \”Ruse of the Century\”
The centerpiece of Season 2 is the elaborate deception surrounding Seth Rollins\’ faked knee injury. After an awkward landing against LA Knight at Saturday Night\’s Main Event in July, Rollins sold the injury publicly for weeks, appearing on crutches and speaking cautiously in interviews. The docuseries reveals how tightly coordinated the angle was, with showrunner Erik Powers comparing the behind-the-scenes footage to \”seeing the Constitution being written.\”
The storyline culminated at SummerSlam 2025 when Rollins dramatically revealed the ruse before cashing in his Money in the Bank contract on CM Punk, who had just won the World Heavyweight Championship from Gunther. Despite his prominent role in Season 2, Rollins has been candid about his discomfort with the series, telling ESPN New York that he\’s \”super uncomfortable\” with how it exposes the business.
R-Truth\’s Emotional Contract Saga
One of the most compelling storylines this season chronicles R-Truth\’s turbulent contract dispute with WWE. On June 1, 2025—just days after wrestling his childhood hero John Cena at Saturday Night\’s Main Event—Truth announced on social media that he had been released from the company.
Rhea Ripley: “It was just like a wave of sadness kind of took over everyone here in the WWE.” Cody Rhodes: “Can’t touch him. We need R-Truth.”
R-Truth was taking his daughter to dance when he found out he was getting released ?@WWE: Unreal Season 2 is now playing. pic.twitter.com/EMSRIFYaTL
The announcement sparked an overwhelming fan response that included arena-wide chants and public support from fellow performers. Triple H addresses the situation in the documentary, explaining that Truth was never officially fired but that contract negotiations had simply gone sideways. Truth returned at Money in the Bank less than a week later, briefly rebranding as Ron Killings before reverting to his R-Truth persona.
In the series, Truth opens up about the emotional toll: \”I was hurt…I\’m human just like everybody else. I bleed. I hurt. I cry.\” The episode also features a touching moment where Truth\’s son told him, \”Dad, it wasn\’t a waste. Look at those people that love you.\”
Naomi Addresses 2022 Walkout
Naomi\’s episode revisits her controversial 2022 departure from WWE alongside Sasha Banks (now Mercedes Moné in AEW). The two walked out during a Raw broadcast amid frustrations over creative direction and the treatment of the Women\’s Tag Team Championship. \”There was a lot that happened that led us to literally walk out,\” Naomi says in the trailer.
The docuseries tracks Naomi\’s decision to reset her career, her time wrestling elsewhere, and the circumstances that led to her eventual WWE return in 2024. While Banks is not mentioned by name in the footage, her parallel move to AEW provides context for how unresolved creative disputes can fracture even top-tier partnerships.
Jelly Roll\’s In-Ring Debut
Country music star Jelly Roll, who made his in-ring debut at SummerSlam 2025 teaming with Randy Orton against Logan Paul and Drew McIntyre, is featured discussing his journey from performer to wrestler. The Grammy-nominated artist spent significant time training at the WWE Performance Center in preparation for the match.
\”I haven\’t felt fear like that in a long time,\” Jelly Roll admits in the trailer, reflecting on the pressure of performing in front of a stadium crowd.
Pat McAfee\’s Return to the Ring
Pat McAfee, who faced Gunther at WWE Backlash in his first singles match since WrestleMania 39, is also featured throughout Season 2. The former NFL punter turned broadcaster provides his unique perspective on balancing his commentary duties with in-ring competition.
Season 2 also provides insight into Brock Lesnar\’s surprise return at SummerSlam 2025—his first WWE appearance since 2023. WWE Vice President of Creative Writing Michael Hayes explains in the documentary that the decision played into John Cena\’s storied history with The Beast Incarnate.
\”Brock versus Cena is a big, huge marquee matchup. It\’s Army-Navy. It\’s Georgia-Alabama,\” Hayes says. \”Coupled with the fact that I think Brock was gone from the ring two years. When you don\’t see something coming, it\’s really good.\”
Paul Heyman Sets the Tone
The trailer opens with WWE manager Paul Heyman delivering a blunt disclaimer about the show\’s premise. \”Sorry to disappoint everyone, but I am not a fan of this show,\” Heyman says. \”I grew up in an era where you defended the secrecy of this business. That\’s how we earn our living.\”
Despite his reservations, Heyman features prominently throughout the season, particularly in segments involving Rollins\’ injury storyline.
Production Details
WWE: Unreal returns with the same creative team that made Season 1 a breakout hit. Chris Weaver directs while Erik Powers serves as showrunner. The series is produced by Omaha Productions, NFL Films, Skydance Sports, and WWE, with executive producers including Peyton Manning, Jamie Horowitz, Ross Ketover, and Lee Fitting.
The first season premiered in July 2025 and earned strong reception, including an 82% user rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an 8.0 rating on IMDb. That season documented WWE\’s road to WrestleMania 41, including John Cena\’s heel turn and his 17th world championship victory.
CM Punk Declined to Participate
While CM Punk appears throughout the season due to omnipresent cameras, he refused formal interview requests for Season 2. On Notsam Wrestling, Punk explained: \”I know they\’re asking me to do an interview for it…and I kept saying, \’no, no, I\’m not gonna be [there].\’\”
Despite opting out of sit-down interviews, Punk acknowledged enjoying the first season: \”I thought it kind of brought a human element to like Charlotte [Flair] or Rhea [Ripley], or even me.\”
How to Watch WWE Unreal Season 2
All five episodes of WWE: Unreal Season 2 are now streaming exclusively on Netflix. Each episode runs approximately 50 minutes. The release comes strategically timed just days before the 2026 Royal Rumble premium live event.
WWE: Unreal has already been renewed for additional seasons on Netflix, though specific details about Season 3 have not been announced.
When WWE announced the first Raw of 2026 would connect with sibling Netflix brand, Stranger Things, the news drew mixed reactions. An optimistic outlook had fans of both shows excited to see how the parts might interact, seeing each a bit out of its usual element. On the pessimistic side, there were those fans who have never watched Stranger Things, or else who have been conditioned not to expect much when WWE reaches beyond its own universe after a cavalcade of nonsensical celebrity and programming crossovers.
In the end, the Stranger Things-themed Raw did defy expectations in not falling into the traps fans necessarily would have expected. It’s hard to say, however, that the concept really delivered on its potential either.
Fans Are Used To Celebrity Over-Involvement
Jelly Roll and Logan Paul. Photo: WWE.com
Pro wrestling has a long history of celebrity involvement as promoters cash in on the mainstream appeal of famous parties drawing in new viewers and creating media buzz. WWE in particular has celebrities engrained in key moments like Mr. T being a part of the first WrestleMania or the stretch of celebrity guest hosts getting featured on every Raw, often as not leading to them actually wrestling or else serving as pseudo-authority figures.
There’s a version of the Stranger Things-themed Raw that would’ve seen a rotating selection of cast members from the Duffer brothers’ series cut promos, interact with WWE talent, or even get in the ring. All of this likely would’ve felt grating, especially if the actors and actresses weren’t actually invested in wrestling enough to play their roles effectively.
This Raw went to the opposite extreme, though, in not featuring any cast members. The absence of even a single performer associated with Stranger Things really made the theme feel tacked on without a clear indication that anyone involved with the show had any connection to what WWE was doing Monday night. That’s especially discouraging given the size of the show’s cast, with the possibility of having even relatively minor characters represented if the bigger stars weren’t available or interested. Heck, even a random WWE performer choke slamming somebody while dress in a demogorgon costume would\’ve been something.
This outcome may relate to WWE\’s more recent approach to celebrity involvement, with performers like Bad Bunny, Logan Paul, and Jelly Roll showing a more overt, far more than casual commitment to taking wrestling seriously in ways not just any visiting celebrity is likely to.
Fans Are Used To Contrived Connections To A Theme
WWE
Beyond actors and actresses, fans may have anticipated other kinds of connections to show content, be it gimmick matches or a spotlight for supernatural style characters like Finn Balor’s Demon persona or the Wyatt Sicks who’d fit with the Stranger Things aesthetic.
While set pieces and props, not to mention the chapter titles between segments were a fun nod to the Duffer brothers’ show, the connections were subtle enough that it was easy to overlook them.
Whereas SmackDown recently featured a Miracle on 34th Street Fight between Joe Hendry and The Miz that helped drive home—beyond decorations—it was a Christmas edition of the show, that’s the kind of content Monday was missing to make Raw feel like it was meaningfully connected to its theme.
Raw Felt Too Disconnected From Stranger Things
Photo: Netflix
In the end, there were a lot of ways in which WWE might have set forth a Stranger Things crossover. Beyond celebrity appearances or leaning into gimmick matches, atmospherics like recurring lightning strikes or an appearance by the Mind Flayer on the big entryway screens could have offered a lot by way of presentation, suggesting this was more than a Raw with some Stranger Things decorations.
Ultimately, this episode felt like an overcorrection—in not going too far, WWE hardly went anywhere at all. The Raw itself was newsworthy with two titles changing hands and a strong showing in defeat for young Bron Breakker as he chased his first world title.
Maybe it was outside WWE\’s leadership\’s hands and Netflix itself called for this crossover or even this execution. Indeed, it remains to be seen if this is how WWE will approach this kind of cross-promotion with its partners at Netflix moving forward. Perhaps what happened here was above all, a reflection that Stranger Things needed no promotion as the last episode has already aired, with the final season wildly successful in driving streaming traffic. WWE got a bit of a rub from the show’s branding and, in the end, maybe that’s all anyone was after.
Netflix and WWE have announced an expansion to their long-term partnership that makes the streaming giant the official home of WWE\’s content library in the United States, effective immediately.
Beginning immediately, Netflix is the new U.S. home for WWE’s library of Premium Live Events (prior to September 2025) including WrestleMania, SummerSlam and Royal Rumble, as well as award-winning documentaries and original programming. pic.twitter.com/jR59KkcOHi
The deal brings WWE\’s Premium Live Events catalog (prior to September 2025) to Netflix, including classic WrestleMania, SummerSlam, and Royal Rumble events. Award-winning documentaries and original programming are also part of the expanded library. Past episodes of Monday Night Raw are now available as well.
The announcement builds on WWE\’s move to Netflix in January 2025, when Monday Night Raw began streaming weekly on the platform. Since the transition, Raw has become a consistent presence in Netflix\’s global English Top 10.
The library expansion arrives ahead of Season 2 of WWE: Unreal, the behind-the-scenes documentary series, which premieres on Netflix on January 20.
Netflix has released the official trailer for WWE Unreal Season 2, dropping ahead of tonight\’s WWE Raw on Netflix—marking the one-year anniversary of Raw\’s move to the streaming platform.
The five-episode docuseries goes behind the scenes on the road to SummerSlam, featuring Seth Rollins, Becky Lynch, Cody Rhodes, Rhea Ripley, Pat McAfee, Jelly Roll, R-Truth, Iyo Sky, Naomi, Chelsea Green, Penta, and Lyra Valkyria. Each episode runs 50 minutes, offering an inside look at WWE\’s creative process including rare access to the writer\’s room.
\”Wild plot twists. Larger-than-life personas. And a whole lot of drama,\” reads the official description. \”Go behind the scenes with the biggest Superstars and back into the writer\’s room on the road to SummerSlam for Season 2 of WWE: Unreal.\”
The series is directed by Chris Weaver with Erik Powers serving as showrunner. NFL legend Peyton Manning leads the executive producer team alongside Jamie Horowitz, Ross Ketover, and others. Production companies include Omaha Productions, NFL Films, Skydance Sports, and WWE.
Fans can add WWE Unreal Season 2 to their Netflix list here.
Tonight\’s Raw features Stranger Things Night as part of the anniversary celebration.
Monday Night Raw is getting.. strange. WWE and Netflix have officially announced a crossover event between Monday Night Raw and the hit series Stranger Things, set for January 5, 2026.
The collaboration will take place on Raw\’s one-year anniversary of moving to Netflix. \”THE WWE GETS STRANGER,\” Netflix announced on social media. \”January 5 LIVE only on Netflix at 8 PM ET | 5 PM PT #WWERaw\”
Details about the crossover remain limited, though last week reports indicated a promotional partnership was in development. The January 5 episode from Brooklyn, New York features three championship matches.
CM Punk defends the World Heavyweight Championship against Bron Breakker in the main event. Maxxine Dupri puts her Women\’s Intercontinental Championship on the line against Becky Lynch, while Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY challenge Asuka and Kairi Sane for the WWE Women\’s Tag Team titles.
The timing aligns with Stranger Things\’ final season rollout on Netflix. New episodes drop on Christmas Day, with the series finale scheduled for New Year\’s Eve. The show, which follows a group of friends in 1980s Indiana encountering supernatural forces and government conspiracies, remains one of Netflix\’s most popular original series.
Netflix has officially confirmed a Hulk Hogan documentary is in development, built around extensive interviews filmed shortly before the wrestling legend\’s death in July 2025.
Gabe Spitzer, Netflix\’s VP of Sports, revealed the project during an appearance on John Ourand\’s The Varsity podcast, discussing the streaming platform\’s upcoming sports documentary slate. \”Hulk Hogan, we had been filming with Hogan for 20 hours around the time of when he passed. We think that can be a good one,\” Spitzer said, naming the project alongside documentaries on Mike Tyson and Deion Sanders.
The documentary is being directed by Bryan Storkel and produced by Words + Pictures in collaboration with WWE. The project centers on more than twenty hours of new interviews with Hogan recorded before his passing, offering what may be the wrestling icon\’s final extensive on-camera reflections on his legendary career.
No release date has been announced for the Hulk Hogan documentary, but Netflix is positioning it as one of its key upcoming sports titles as the platform continues expanding its wrestling and combat sports content library.
Netflix has officially announced that WWE: Unreal Season 2 will premiere on January 20, 2026, offering fans another behind-the-scenes look at World Wrestling Entertainment’s creative process and superstar personalities.
The documentary series returns with five 50-minute episodes that will follow WWE’s journey on the road to SummerSlam 2025. Season 2 promises to deliver the same insider access that made the first season a hit when it debuted in September 2024, taking viewers inside the writer’s room while showcasing the drama and larger-than-life personas of WWE’s biggest stars.
According to the official logline: “Wild plot twists. Larger-than-life personas. And a whole lot of drama. Go behind the scenes with the biggest Superstars and back into the writer’s room on the road to SummerSlam for Season 2 of WWE: Unreal.”
WWE Unreal Season 2 Cast
The season will feature an impressive roster of WWE Superstars including current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, Seth Rollins, Becky Lynch, Rhea Ripley, Pat McAfee, Jelly Roll, R-Truth, Iyo Sky, Naomi, Chelsea Green, Penta, and Lyra Valkyria.
Chris Weaver returns as director with Erik Powers serving as showrunner. The production brings together powerhouse companies including Omaha Productions, NFL Films, Skydance Sports, and WWE, with former NFL quarterback Peyton Manning among the executive producers alongside Jamie Horowitz, Ross Ketover, Keith Cossrow, Ken Rodgers, Jessica Boddy, Lee Fitting, Ben Houser, and Marc Pomarico.
Fanatics has pitched WWE studio programming to Netflix, according to a new report from Front Office Sports.
The news comes as Netflix continues an aggressive push into podcast and video content acquisition. Sources told Front Office Sports journalist Ryan Glasspiegel that Fanatics approached the streaming giant about WWE programming, though it remains unclear whether the pitch involves existing shows, new content, or both.
All three parties—Fanatics, WWE, and Netflix—declined to comment.
WWE\’s Podcast Network
Fanatics and WWE launched a podcast partnership in March 2025, with Fanatics now producing and distributing all WWE digital content. The current lineup includes:
\”What\’s Your Story?\” hosted by Stephanie McMahon
\”Six Feet Under with The Undertaker\” co-hosted with Michelle McCool
\”What Do You Wanna Talk About?\” hosted by Cody Rhodes
\”Impaulsive\” hosted by Logan Paul (nearly 1 billion YouTube views)
\”The Raw Recap Show\” hosted by Megan Morant and Sam Roberts
Sources indicate that Fanatics and WWE plan to expand their content partnership and have recently vetted talent for new programming.
Netflix already has a significant investment in WWE. The streamer began airing Monday Night Raw on January 6, 2025, as part of a 10-year deal worth $5 billion. Fanatics also handles WWE\’s merchandising and collectibles businesses.
The potential addition of WWE studio content would further Netflix\’s strategy of acquiring popular podcasts and video programming. The streamer recently announced a multiyear deal with Barstool Sports worth eight figures annually for exclusive video rights to Pardon My Take, the Ryen Russillo Show, and Spittin\’ Chiclets.
Netflix announced on Wednesday that WWE: Unreal Season 2 will premiere on January 20, 2026, bringing fans another behind-the-scenes look at the world of professional wrestling.
The upcoming five-episode season follows WWE Superstars on the Road to SummerSlam 2025 and features Seth Rollins, Becky Lynch, Cody Rhodes, Rhea Ripley, Pat McAfee, R-Truth, IYO SKY, Naomi, Chelsea Green, Penta, and Lyra Valkyria. Country music star Jelly Roll also appears as a guest participant.
Jelly Roll\’s journey training at the WWE Performance Center ahead of his SummerSlam tag team match alongside Randy Orton against Logan Paul and Drew McIntyre will likely be showcased as well.
The first season of WWE: Unreal, produced by Peyton Manning\’s Omaha Productions, NFL Films, and Skydance Sports, debuted on July 29, 2025. It covered WWE\’s Road to WrestleMania 41 and gave viewers insight into John Cena\’s heel turn en route to becoming a 17-time world champion.
Rollins is expected to promote the new season during Netflix\’s Christmas Day NFL coverage later this month.
In a landmark announcement that will reshape the entertainment industry, Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery announced today that Netflix will acquire Warner Bros. for a total enterprise value of $82.7 billion.
The deal, announced December 5, 2025, immediately raised questions about the future of AEW’s television home on TNT and TBS. However, a closer look at the transaction details reveals that AEW’s current broadcast partners will not be part of the Netflix acquisition.
What Netflix Is Acquiring
The deal includes Warner Bros.’ film and television studios, HBO, and HBO Max. This means Netflix will gain access to iconic franchises and libraries including Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, The Sopranos, Friends, and the DC Universe.
What’s NOT Included: TNT Sports Stays Separate
Crucially for wrestling fans, TNT Sports and the cable networks that carry AEW programming are not part of the Netflix acquisition.
Prior to the deal closing (expected Q3 2026), Warner Bros. Discovery will complete a previously announced separation of its Global Networks division into a new publicly traded company called Discovery Global. This separate company will retain:
TNT Sports in the U.S. (including TNT and TBS)
CNN
Discovery channels
Bleacher Report
Discovery+
Free-to-air channels across Europe
This means AEW Dynamite, AEW Collision, and other AEW programming will continue to air on networks owned by Discovery Global, not Netflix.
What This Means for AEW
AEW signed a new media rights deal with Warner Bros. Discovery in 2024, keeping the promotion on TNT and TBS through 2028. Since those networks will remain with Discovery Global, AEW’s current television arrangement appears unaffected by the Netflix acquisition.
However, the separation does create some uncertainty about the long-term future. Discovery Global will be a smaller, standalone company focused on cable networks and sports at a time when the industry continues shifting toward streaming. How that company prioritizes live sports and wrestling content remains to be seen.
WWE and Netflix Context
This acquisition comes as Netflix has already made significant inroads into professional wrestling. WWE Raw moved to Netflix in January 2025 as part of a 10-year deal reportedly worth $5 billion. The streaming giant has also produced wrestling-adjacent content including documentaries and the Wrestlers docuseries about OVW.
With Warner Bros.’ production capabilities now under its umbrella, Netflix could theoretically expand its wrestling ambitions, though no such plans were announced as part of today’s deal.
The Bigger Picture
The transaction values Warner Bros. Discovery at $27.75 per share and is expected to close within 12-18 months, subject to regulatory approval, WBD shareholder approval, and completion of the Discovery Global separation.
Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos framed the acquisition as expanding the company’s mission to “entertain the world,” combining Warner Bros.’ century of storytelling legacy with Netflix’s global distribution reach.
For wrestling fans, the immediate impact appears minimal since AEW’s broadcast homes will remain with Discovery Global. The longer-term implications will depend on how both the new Discovery Global company and the Netflix-Warner Bros. combination approach live sports and entertainment programming in the years ahead.
Netflix emerged as the winner over Paramount and Comcast in the bidding contest for Warner Bros. Discovery. The streamer is now in an exclusive negotiation period with the storied studio.
After a two-week bidding war, Netflix emerged as the winner on Thursday over Paramount and Comcast for Warner Bros. Discovery, the home of the HBO Max streaming service and All-Elite Wrestling, while concerns grow over media consolidation and monopolization.
According to several reports, Netflix’s final offer hit the $30 per share target WBD CEO David Zaslav was wanting in a buyer.
Winning the bid, Netflix will enter an exclusive negotiating period with WBD to iron out details of a sale, but that process is far from over.
Paramount sent two letters over the past two days to Trump administration officials and WBD board members with anti-trust concerns over a Netflix purchase of WBD, saying it would be a step toward a monopoly among streamers. Paramount also had concerns with Comcast buying WBD because of its MS Now (formerly MSNBC) cable news channel and WBD having CNN, even though both NBC Universal and Warner Bros. Discovery were planning to spin-off their cable channels to separate cable network companies.
David Ellison, Paramount’s owner, has repeatedly pushed a so-called regulatory advantage the company would have over any other potential buyer due to the Ellisons close relationship with the Trump administration. Ellison’s father Larry is an ally of Trump and a major campaign donor. Paramount’s sale to Ellison’s Skydance company was completed after Ellison encouraged Paramount to pay a $16 million “settlement” to Trump over a CBS News interview with Kamala Harris that Trump has falsely claimed was edited in a deceptive manner.
Netflix’s offer was mostly cash but included some loans, according to Bloomberg and Lightshed Management Partners.
Sources told SEScoops the sale is far from over. There would likely be dozens of court challenges, not just at the federal level, but by other states who have concerns over the sale as well as unions and others in the media industry.
Netflix, which said it wasn’t interested in the “merger game” just a couple months ago, became an interested buyer due to new strategic changes at YouTube, one source told SEScoops. While Netflix, Amazon Prime and other streamers command billions of minutes in viewing, YouTube remains by far the dominant streamer in the world, eating up the vast majority of viewing by streaming app watchers.
According to Lightshed Partners, Paramount saw WBD as an opportunity to step up against Netflix and Prime, adding the power of two major studios together, two massive film and TV histories and collections. Comcast saw a WBD deal as a step to get into a better competitive posture against Disney.
Paramount’s own bid became more of a regulatory hassle after partnering with the Apollo Group private equity firm and several Mid Eastern dictatorship sovereign investment funds like the Saudi PIF.
While international companies have bought larger and larger chunks of major American businesses, it’s unclear how regulators and and business leaders would react to Middle Eastern governments being major owners of a massive American media company during a time of mergers and buyouts.
Paramount’s other possible concern is Apollo Group, which is already a local broadcast owner and bought Cox Media Group in 2019, The company owns several large local CBS affiliates, including WSB-TV in Atlanta, one of the largest local TV stations and ABC affiliates in the country. Apollo was also had interest in purchasing CNN from WBD late last year before the company announced its streaming and network split.
Comcast was said to have made a mostly stock offer to WBD and would have been closer to a merger than an overall purchase.
Comcast was interested in purchasing WBD’s streaming and movie studio assets. Netflix was interested in WBD’s massive library dating back a century. Paramount wanted to purchase both WBD’s streaming and network assets.
Bloomberg reporter Lucas Shaw said a caveat in the Netflix deal would allow WBD to continue driving films to movie theaters, a model Netflix execs recently called out-dated, despite WBD raking in billions in 2025 with one of the most successful film slates in years.
How a Netflix-owned WBD would affect AEW remains up in the air. Netflix isn’t interested in the cable networks TNT and TBS, which air AEW television. It’s most likely Netflix would absorb HBO Max into the Netflix streaming app, but how that would affect AEW TV also remains unclear as AEW has been a part of HBO Max for the last year and recently allowing pay-per-view purchased for AEW, something the company developed specifically for AEW.
Comcast announced on Thursday it would complete its spin-off of Versant in January. WBD was expected to complete its spin-off of Warner Bros. Streaming and Studios from Discovery Networks by spring next year.
Discovery Networks is expected to continue building its own TNT Sports app. While Zaslav has said sports has continued to be a down performer for HBO Max, the company has plans to put a sports DTC app available after WBD finished its split in spring 2026.
The earliest any merger would be completed, would be late 2026, according to the trade publication Puck.
The WWE World Heavyweight Champion was most recently featured in Disney\’s Zootopia 2, where he voiced the character of Zebros along with Roman Reigns.
Now Deadline is reporting that the wrestling veteran has landed another movie role, joining the cast of the upcoming Netflix movie titled The Bodyguard.
Based on the 2022 Novel of the same name by Katherine Center, the story sees a no-nonsense bodyguard being assigned to protect a charming action star over the Christmas holiday. Things get interesting when secrets start unravelling, and sparks start flying between the two leads.
Punk, real name Phillip Jack Brooks is reported to be playing the role of Doghouse, a member of the security detail known for his loyalty and humor.
Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum is set to direct the movie with names such as Andie MacDowell, Walker Hayes, Noah LaLonde, and Toby Sandeman having been officially announced for the project.
This is not the only upcoming CM Punk movie project, as he also stars in the indie horror thriller Night Patrol, set to be released next year on January 16.
The World Champion most recently competed in the WarGames match at Survivor Series, where he was pinned by Bron Breakker thanks to a mystery man. Punk will now defend his title against Breakker at the January 5 Raw.
![https://media.sescoops.com/uploads/2025/07/\"Jelly](https://media.sescoops.com/uploads/2025/07/\"https://media.sescoops.com/uploads/2025/07/jelly-roll-logan-paul-smackdown.jpghttps://media.sescoops.com/uploads/2025/07/\")
![https://media.sescoops.com/uploads/2025/04/\"https://media.sescoops.com/uploads/2025/04/\"](https://media.sescoops.com/uploads/2025/04/\"https://media.sescoops.com/uploads/2025/04/Finn-Balor-1200x675.jpghttps://media.sescoops.com/uploads/2025/04/\")
![https://media.sescoops.com/uploads/2026/01/\"https://media.sescoops.com/uploads/2026/01/\"](https://media.sescoops.com/uploads/2026/01/\"https://media.sescoops.com/uploads/2026/01/Raw-Stranger-Things.jpghttps://media.sescoops.com/uploads/2026/01/\")
![](https://media.sescoops.com/uploads/2025/12/\"https://media.sescoops.com/uploads/2025/12/img_2374.jpeghttps://media.sescoops.com/uploads/2025/12/\")
![https://media.sescoops.com/uploads/2025/12/\"https://media.sescoops.com/uploads/2025/12/\"](https://media.sescoops.com/uploads/2025/12/\"https://media.sescoops.com/uploads/2025/12/4ED091FB-8932-4CCF-BA6D-B42680DAC4DC-1200x800.jpeghttps://media.sescoops.com/uploads/2025/12/\")
![https://media.sescoops.com/uploads/2025/12/\"https://media.sescoops.com/uploads/2025/12/\"](https://media.sescoops.com/uploads/2025/12/\"https://media.sescoops.com/uploads/2025/12/ED1EE6C3-0948-44D4-B6B5-D06461082968-1200x675.pnghttps://media.sescoops.com/uploads/2025/12/\")