On January 5, 2026, WWE celebrated the one-year anniversary of Raw on Netflix with a special, star-studded event at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The WWE Raw on Netflix Anniversary Show not only marked a significant milestone in the partnership between WWE and Netflix but also delivered a memorable night of wrestling action, drawing an enthusiastic crowd of over 14,000 fans. The event featured top stars from the Raw brand, offering a thrilling night of high-impact matches and surprises. The crossover theme with the popular Stranger Things franchise added an extra layer of excitement to the evening, with elements from the show blending seamlessly into the event’s atmosphere and storyline presentation. This unique crossover strategy brought a fresh flavor to WWE’s product, drawing in both wrestling fans and those attracted by the pop-culture reference, resulting in a highly successful anniversary show.
The night’s headline match saw CM Punk successfully defend his World Heavyweight Championship against Bron Breakker in a hard-fought, intense encounter. Breakker, who had earned his title shot through a series of dominant performances in the months leading up to the event, brought a fresh level of energy to the match. The two competitors clashed in a battle of strength and strategy, with Breakker using his raw power to put Punk on the defensive at several points during the match. However, Punk, with his experience and technical skill, countered Breakker’s attacks and regained control. In the final moments of the match, Punk managed to land his signature Go To Sleep finishing move after evading a spear from Breakker. This move ultimately secured Punk’s victory, retaining the World Heavyweight Championship. The crowd erupted in a mix of cheers and applause as Punk stood tall in victory, once again proving why he remains one of the most popular and enduring figures in WWE.
Another highlight of the evening came from the Women’s Tag Team Championship match, where Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky defeated the reigning champions Asuka and Kairi Sane. The match was a fast-paced, high-energy encounter that showcased the impressive teamwork and athleticism of Ripley and Sky. The duo dominated large portions of the match, using their synergy and quick tags to keep their opponents off balance. The turning point came when Sky executed a stunning moonsault from the top rope, which shifted the momentum in their favor. Ripley followed up with a devastating Riptide finisher to secure the pinfall, clinching the victory and the Women’s Tag Team Championships. The win was a significant milestone for both Ripley and Sky, as it marked the culmination of months of hard work and earned them a place as the new champions in the women’s division. Their victory sent the crowd into a frenzy, marking the beginning of a new era for the Women’s Tag Team Championship.
In a highly anticipated match, Becky Lynch captured the Women’s Intercontinental Championship, becoming the first two-time holder of the title. Lynch’s opponent, Maxxine Dupri, had been a formidable champion, but Lynch’s experience and resilience ultimately triumphed. Dupri had control for much of the match, but Lynch’s determination and adaptability shone through in the final moments. After a series of near-falls and high-impact moves, Lynch caught Dupri in a submission hold, forcing her to tap out. This victory not only secured Lynch her second Intercontinental Championship but also solidified her place as one of WWE’s most accomplished and popular female stars. The crowd cheered loudly for Lynch as she hoisted the title above her head, marking another chapter in her storied career.
In another thrilling moment, Liv Morgan made her long-awaited return to singles competition after being sidelined with an injury. Morgan faced Lyra Valkyria in a fast-paced, competitive match that kept the crowd on the edge of their seats. Both competitors showcased their athleticism and determination, but Morgan’s resolve proved to be the deciding factor. The crowd rallied behind Morgan as she executed her signature Oblivion finishing move, securing a hard-fought victory in her comeback match. Morgan’s return was met with a rousing ovation from the audience, and her victory marked a triumphant return to the top of the women’s division, giving fans hope that she could soon be in the title picture once again.
One of the key elements of the show that stood out was the integration of Stranger Things elements, which added a unique twist to the event. The Stranger Things crossover was used creatively, with the show’s iconic imagery and storyline references appearing throughout the event. The arena was decorated with Stranger Things themed visuals, and several in-ring segments and backstage vignettes included nods to the show’s characters and themes. The mix of professional wrestling with one of the most beloved Netflix shows of recent years was a brilliant move by WWE, offering a fun, engaging, and innovative experience for fans. It also brought new viewers to the event, who might not have been traditional wrestling fans but were drawn in by the pop-culture crossover.
The success of the anniversary show not only highlighted WWE’s ability to deliver thrilling in-ring action but also underscored the company’s knack for embracing innovative marketing strategies. The incorporation of the Stranger Things theme and its impact on viewership reflected WWE’s continued evolution in terms of audience engagement and storytelling. Fans were not just watching matches; they were immersed in a broader cultural event that combined the excitement of live wrestling with the allure of one of the most popular television shows in recent history.
The event also set the stage for several ongoing storylines, with unexpected twists and future feuds hinted at throughout the night. Backstage segments and in-ring promos teased potential rivalries, adding further intrigue to the future direction of WWE’s programming. As the show concluded, the audience was left buzzing with excitement for what would come next, whether it be new champions, returning stars, or evolving rivalries that would play out in the weeks leading to Royal Rumble and WrestleMania. WWE proved once again that it is not only a wrestling powerhouse but also a leader in blending entertainment, pop culture, and sports into one electrifying experience.
The WWE Raw on Netflix Anniversary Show was a resounding success, not only for its excellent wrestling action but also for its innovation in attracting new viewers. It showcased WWE’s ability to create a spectacle that appeals to a broad range of fans, reinforcing its position as a leading force in global sports entertainment. As WWE moves forward in 2026, events like these will continue to be key in expanding its fan base while delivering the thrilling action that longtime supporters have come to expect.
