How to watch WWE, SmackDown and NXT on Netflix

A significant change is coming to the sports entertainment industry – WWE is heading to Netflix. This $5 billion deal is a big milestone for WWE. It will be the first time Raw is streamed exclusively on a streaming platform instead of cable TV.

In the US and some other countries, WWE content (NXT, Smackdown and PLEs) will stay on different platforms.. Fortunately, you can use a VPN to connect to countries where Netflix offers a broader range of WWE content, so you don’t miss out on any action.

What and when is the upcoming WWE event?

The next WWE event is NXT, scheduled for Tuesday, January 14, 2025. It will take place at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida, starting at 8 PM ET / 7 PM CT / 5 PM PT

Where to watch NXT?

• United States: The CW Network
• International viewers: Available on Netflix

How to watch WWE SmackDown and the rest WWE content on Netflix?

1. Choose a reliable and speedy VPN. I recommend NordVPN, which is now 72% OFF. It has 7000 servers in 118 countries and it's the fastest VPN we've ever tested. It also has dedicated apps for popular streaming devices like Apple TV and Amazon Fire Stick.
2. Download and install the VPN. Installing a VPN on your PC or mobile is simple. Some streaming devices, such as Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick, and Android-based devices, support VPN apps natively. For devices without native VPN support, you can share your VPN connection via your PC.
3. Connect to a server. I recommend choosing a server in the United Kingdom. This will give you access to RAW, Smackdown, NXT, and premium live events like the Royal Rumble.
4. Head over to Netflix and enjoy the show.

Why do you need a VPN to watch WWE on Netflix?

Netflix will only offer a small portion of the WWE content to viewers in the US. The situation is similar in countries like India and Japan, where other streaming providers still have exclusive rights to WWE streams.

By using a VPN, you can change your region to a country that has full access to the WWE library on Netflix, like the UK, Australia, and Brazil. This way, you won’t miss out on any content just because of where you live.

My recommended VPNs to watch WWE on Netflix

Since WWE events will attract millions of viewers on Netflix, a strong and reliable VPN is a must for an uninterrupted streaming experience. I’ve chosen the following VPNs for their strong performance and great features.

1. NordVPN – is the best VPN to watch WWE RAW, NXT and SmackDown on Netflix. It offers excellent value at $3.39/month for a 2-year + 3-month plan, providing top-tier security, speed, and streaming capabilities. Its 7100 servers in 118 countries ensure you can stream your favorite content without interruptions. NordVPN is my preferred option, as it comes with a strict no-logs policy, a Threat Protection feature, and an impressive 90%% speed retention. The performance won’t let you down, whether you need it for gaming, torrenting, or just browsing. The interface is simple and user-friendly, so it’s easy to use, no matter your experience level. Also, a 30-day money-back guarantee provides peace of mind.
2. Surfshark – a speedy and budget-friendly VPN. It's prices start at $2.19/month on a 2-year + 4-month plan, and you can try it risk-free with a 7-day free trial. It offers affordability and powerful features, including over 3200 servers across 100 countries, giving you plenty of options for secure connections to stream your favorite WWE shows and events. With the starter plan, you can use Surfshark on unlimited devices, enjoy ad-free browsing with CleanWeb, and protect your identity and email online with Alternative ID. Surfshark also delivers great speeds, with an 86% speed retention rate.
3. Proton VPN – an excellent option for users who prioritize privacy. With prices as low as $3.59/month, it is one of the more affordable choices. You can try it risk-free thanks to a 30-day money-back guarantee. With access to 9900 servers in 117 countries, it offers plenty of options for secure, unrestricted browsing and streaming. Its Secure Core design routes traffic through multiple servers in privacy-friendly countries, helping shield your online activities against surveillance. Proton VPN also has a confirmed no-logs policy, ensuring your online activity remains private. In tests performed by the Cybernews research team, Proton VPN achieved an 85% speed retention rate.

Where will WWE be streaming in 2025?

At the beginning of 2025, WWE events will be available to stream on different platforms, depending on your location. While Netflix is set to take over full rights in the upcoming years, several countries still remain on pre-existing contracts with local platforms. Here’s where you can watch the upcoming shows.

WWE Raw

International viewers. WWE Raw will be available on Netflix in numerous regions, including parts of Europe, South America, and Asia. However, key markets like India and Japan will continue to stream on platforms such as SonyLiv and ABEMA due to ongoing licensing deals.

US viewers. Raw will remain exclusive to Netflix starting January 20th, 2025, at 8 PM ET.

WWE SmackDown

International viewers. SmackDown will join Netflix in many global markets, though certain regions, including India and Japan, will need to wait for existing agreements to expire.

US viewers. SmackDown will continue airing on the USA Network. The next event will take place on January 17th, 2025, at 8 PM ET.

WWE NXT

International viewers. Netflix will host NXT in multiple countries, but regions with existing agreements may continue streaming on local platforms for the time being.

US viewers. NXT will air on The CW Network. The next event will take place on January 14, 2025, at 8 PM ET.

Will archived WWE content be on Netflix?

I’m excited to share that archived WWE content will be available on Netflix starting January 1st. However, it won’t include the full WWE library right away. On New Year's Day, around 40 pay-per-views (PPVs) will be available to stream on demand, including iconic events like WrestleMania and Royal Rumble. Additionally, a selection of older episodes from RAW, SmackDown, and NXT will be available, alongside the newest episodes streaming live.

Here's the Historical WWE Content Available on Netflix:

• WrestleMania: 40 seasons or 42 episodes (1985–2024)
• SummerSlam: 37 episodes (1988–2024)
• Fastlane: 7 episodes (2015–2023)
• Battleground: 5 episodes (2013–2017)
• Elimination Chamber: 5 episodes (2013–2017)
• WWE Extreme Rules: 14 episodes (2009–2022)
• WWE Judgment Day: 11 episodes (1998–2009)
• King and Queen of the Ring: 11 episodes (1993–2002, 2024)
• Hell in a Cell: 14 episodes (2009–2022)
• Backlash: 19 episodes (1999–2024)
• Money in the Bank: 15 episodes (2010–2024)
• Survivor Series: 24 episodes
• NXT Vault: Netflix offers the full last three seasons of NXT (2022–2024) for streaming. Additionally, you’ll find episodes from seasons 2012 to 2021. However, these earlier seasons are incomplete, meaning not all episodes are currently available.
• SmackDown Vault: For SmackDown fans, Netflix provides full access to the last three seasons (2022–2024). There’s also a selection of episodes from the earlier seasons, specifically from 1999 to 2008, but these are incomplete and do not include every episode. Unfortunately, SmackDown seasons from 2008 to 2022 are entirely missing from Netflix’s library.
• RAW Vault: The last three seasons of RAW (2022–2024) are available in full on Netflix. Additionally, you can watch selected episodes from the earlier years, covering seasons 1993 to 2001. However, these seasons are incomplete, with only 5 to 20 episodes per season available. Sadly, there are no episodes at all from the RAW seasons spanning 2001 to 2021.

Will WWE PPV events be on Netflix?

Starting in January 2025, WWE’s PPVs will be available on Netflix in many regions but not in the US just yet. American viewers will need to watch these events through Peacock or use a VPN to watch them on Netflix.

For fans outside the US, Netflix will stream major live events like WrestleMania and Royal Rumble in regions like the UK. This will make it easier for international viewers to stay up-to-date with all the action. And after they air, you can expect them to show up on Netflix for on-demand viewing.

WWE 2025 streaming schedule

Event	Date	Watch internationally	Watch in the US
WWE Raw Premiere on Netflix	January 6th, 8 PM ET	Netflix	Netflix
NXT New Year's Evil (2025)	January 7th, 8 PM ET	Netflix	CW Network
WWE Saturday Night's Main Event XXXVIII	January 25th, 8 PM ET	Netflix	NBC
WWE SmackDown	January 10th, 8 PM ET	Netflix	USA Network
WWE Royal Rumble	February 1st, 8 PM ET	Netflix	On-demand; Netflix
WWE Elimination Chamber: Toronto (2025)	March 1st, 8 PM ET	Netflix	On-demand; Netflix
WWE WrestleMania 41	April 19th, 8 PM ET	Netflix	On-demand; Netflix

Final thoughts

WWE's move to Netflix has created a lot of excitement among fans worldwide. Now, accessing iconic archived matches, shows, and events will be simpler than ever. However, it's worth noting that the available content will vary depending on your location.

The good news is that a reliable VPN like NordVPN can help you access a larger WWE library. By connecting to a server in a different country, you can unlock everything Netflix has to offer.

A VPN also keeps your connection private and secure. So, you can stream your favorite shows without worrying about your online safety, no matter where you are.

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