WWE planning major shift for TV product

On Tuesday, WWE announced they had struck a $5 billion deal with Netflix. The rights deal will see "Monday Night Raw" move onto the platform from January 2025. 

Outside of the United States, the entire WWE offering will be housed under the Netflix brand, including Premium Live Events. Now, it would seem the company is gearing up for another major change.

According to Pro Wrestling Insider, WWE will begin working toward 'stronger realism' within their product. The company wants to begin incorporating more sports-centric aspects into its production.

"We are told that the talk at Raw yesterday and at WWE HQ today is that the company will be incorporating some sports-centric elements into the programming," PWInsider reported. "Cody Rhodes being interviewed on Raw "earlier today" complete with the clock listing the time was an example given of trying to root the product in stronger realism. We are told that interviews will reflect this as well."

The move to incorporate more sports-focused aspects into their production is likely a welcomed move from the wrestling community. New Japan Pro Wrestling and All Elite Wrestling both use sports-centric aspects and have enjoyed significant success in recent years. 

Currently, there's no telling whether WWE is going to move away from their PG rating when they move onto the Netflix platform. They have been incredibly successful with their current product since moving away from the 'Attitude' era. However, AEW has rapidly grown in popularity due to its more mature content.

Netflix will likely allow WWE to increase its adult themes. Should WWE begin producing slightly more edgy performances and promos, they could begin to carve into AEW's fanbase. 

This is why AEW is good for the wrestling industry. Each company is forcing the other to evolve. Fans are getting some of the best moments in history, and the production continues to skyrocket. 

For now, WWE fans will likely be excited to see how this production change alters the overall product. Any further adjustments to the programming are not currently being promoted. Maybe once the switch to Netflix happens, we will get a clearer picture.