WWE talent have received a backstage alert that raises significant concerns for fans regarding the anticipated $5 billion transition to Netflix.

WWE is on the fast track to its exciting new partnership with streaming giant Netflix, but recent discussions suggest it may not be the unrestricted environment many fans anticipate.

Beginning in the New Year, WWE will officially transition its television programming and pay-per-view events to Netflix, marking a significant milestone for wrestling enthusiasts in the UK as they gain an exclusive new platform for viewing the brand.

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This transition marks the first time WWE will be absent from traditional television since Sky established a deal with the World Wrestling Federation many years ago. Fans in the US will also access the company’s Premium Live events, such as WrestleMania and SummerSlam, via the streaming service.

The potential for a more edgy and less restricted content offering has sparked widespread excitement among wrestling fans, who are eager for WWE to embrace a bolder presentation in its new streaming context.

Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque, WWE’s Head of Creative, hinted at this shift during a previous discussion, expressing concerns over current censorship limitations imposed by traditional networks. He lamented, “As an example of being on FOX, if the crowd shouts something inappropriate, they simply mute it. Sometimes, they even cut to a black screen. » He specifically pointed out that Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson would often push boundaries during his recent appearances.

“You can’t really tell The Rock what to do. What can we say to him?” he remarked. “He does his thing, but those constraints won’t exist with Netflix. This is a transformative opportunity for live global content.”

Fans were hopeful for a significant shift in the product come 2025, but a new report suggests WWE will still implement some measures to manage on-screen language—particularly prohibiting excessive swearing.

The US outlet Fightful reported on a backstage meeting during the latest episode of Monday Night Raw, where company officials reassured wrestlers of a reduction in censorship, while still urging them to be mindful of their language in front of cameras.

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The meeting included encouragement for wrestlers to limit their swearing on camera and be cautious of how they behave when they know they are being filmed. It was made clear that while there would be less censorship on Netflix, it wouldn’t be an unregulated environment.

Discussing the Netflix agreement, reportedly valued around $5 billion, Mark Shapiro, president of WWE’s parent company TKO, stated: “This deal is transformative. It combines WWE’s can’t-miss programming with Netflix’s extensive global reach and ensures stable, predictable revenue for years to come. Our partnership fundamentally alters and strengthens the media landscape, significantly broadening WWE’s audience and establishing live weekly viewing on Netflix.”