WWE’s latest international announcement could mark a historic first for fans in Europe. With the “Road to WrestleMania” tour scheduled for March 2025, WWE plans to bring Monday Night Raw and Friday Night SmackDown to cities across Europe, including London, Barcelona, and Glasgow. For the first time, WWE is exploring the idea of airing Raw live on Netflix from Europe, a move that would bring the action to global audiences during the afternoon for fans in the U.S.
WWE’s European Tour Details and Schedule
WWE’s “Road to WrestleMania” tour is taking talent to eleven European cities, setting up a three-week block of action-packed episodes of Raw and SmackDown. This tour includes marquee stops in cities like Dortmund, Brussels, Vienna, and London, where WWE will broadcast consecutive episodes of Raw and SmackDown right in the middle of WrestleMania season. Historically, WWE events held in Europe have aired on delay in the U.S., but that could soon change with Netflix’s potential live broadcasts.
Netflix’s Historic Move to Air Raw Live from Europe
In a recent episode of WrestleVotes Radio on SportsKeeda’s Backstage Pass, insider Joey Votes confirmed Netflix’s interest in airing live episodes of Raw from Europe. Joey Votes shared that sources at Netflix are “absolutely open” to broadcasting these episodes live. This change would mean Monday afternoon viewing for U.S. fans, giving the international WWE fanbase a rare opportunity to experience live television on a more convenient schedule.
JoeyVotes stated, “WWE did make some big news internationally this week, as they announced a three-week tour of the United Kingdom, directly in the middle of WrestleMania season, with six of those shows being TV episodes of both Raw and SmackDown. We are told that, after speaking with Netflix sources, that Netflix is absolutely open to the idea of broadcasting those Rawaw shows live as they happen. Basically, TC, we could be looking at some Monday afternoon Raw right in the middle of WrestleMania season. We’re told that WWE is considering the idea, no decision, one way or the other, but Netflix is on board for doing those shows live as they happen. Of course, Smackdown will be on tape delay from USA Network. Nothing changing there, but to be determined, if Netflix wants to host these shows live as it’s on the table.”
(h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription)
What This Means for WWE and Netflix Viewership
The potential for Netflix to air WWE live from Europe during WrestleMania season could be a game-changer. By aligning with Netflix’s streaming model, WWE would provide real-time access to European fans and reach more U.S. viewers during the afternoon. WWE’s focus on international markets, already underscored by recent Premium Live Events (PLEs), reflects the company’s expanding global strategy. As SmackDown remains on tape delay for USA Network, Raw could lead the charge in providing live international wrestling entertainment on Netflix.
While WWE and Netflix haven’t finalized plans, this historic shift could lead to the first live Raw broadcast from Europe. As WrestleMania approaches, WWE’s European tour has already generated significant buzz, making the “Road to WrestleMania” an exciting journey for fans worldwide.
