There are two weeks until “WWE Raw” drops on Netflix, and there’s no doubt that the red brand’s January 6 premiere is packed with stars and high-profile matches. And yet, questions remain about what “Raw” will look like on Netflix. Most surprising, though, is that WWE talent has just as many questions as fans.
Combative selection reports that several WWE talents remain in the dark regarding certain details of “Raw” on Netflix, including the length of the series. “Raw”‘s runtime had been set at two hours during its final months on the USA Network, after running at three hours for 12 years, but no concrete word has emerged as to whether “Raw ” would stay at two hours on Netflix, or go back to three.
Fightful said they have been inquiring about the runtime of “Raw” for months, but have yet to receive a firm answer. However, a WWE source noted that the execution situation would be a little smoother on Netflix, which would not have “rough releases” or broadcast obligations after “Raw” like USA Network would. This echoes previous reports, which suggested that “Raw” would not have a set runtime in the future and could alternate between a shorter or longer duration depending on the needs of the show.
Even if there remains a lot of confusion on the “Raw” side, there is none for “SmackDown”, which will remain broadcast on cable with USA Network. Reports emerged last week revealing that “SmackDown” would be expanded from two hours to three hours, starting with the January 3 episode. This will be the first time “SmackDown” has aired three hours per week in the show’s 25-year history.
