John Cena and The Rock Put Their Egos Aside to Boost WWE’s Streaming Move – Here’s How It Will Change Everything!

In a strategic move that has set the wrestling world abuzz, WWE legends John Cena and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson have joined forces to help elevate the company’s presence on Netflix, aiming to expand its global audience and drive up viewership numbers. With WWE’s landmark $5 billion streaming deal with Netflix now in full swing, Cena and Johnson are embracing a new era for the company, and their collaborative efforts are seen as crucial to the platform’s success. Their willingness to “put their egos aside”—despite their storied past—has garnered attention and praise, further solidifying their impact on the future of WWE.

WWE’s Major Streaming Shift: The Netflix Deal

WWE’s decision to move its flagship shows to streaming marks a monumental shift for the company. Announced in early 2024 and effective from January 2025, the deal with Netflix includes the streaming rights for Monday Night Raw, SmackDown, NXT, and WWE’s major pay-per-view events like WrestleMania and the Royal Rumble. With an initial rollout in the U.S., Canada, the UK, and Latin America, the partnership aims to leverage Netflix’s global platform to attract a wider audience and expand WWE’s reach. The deal includes WWE’s extensive archive content, along with live events, creating a new way for fans to engage with the brand. With an established global following of over 1 billion social media followers and 17.5 million weekly viewers of Raw, WWE is setting high expectations for a significant surge in viewership.

John Cena’s Farewell Tour and Impact on WWE’s Reach

One of the most significant moments of 2025 for WWE fans has been the announcement of John Cena’s farewell tour. The 16-time world champion, who has become synonymous with WWE, began his final year in the company with a high-profile appearance at the first Monday Night Raw on Netflix, held at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles on January 6, 2025. In a heartfelt address to fans, Cena expressed his excitement to kick off his goodbye in front of such a dedicated crowd, signaling his intention to make his last year count, culminating in a bid for the Royal Rumble title.

In interviews, such as one with Variety, Cena has shown his full support for WWE’s partnership with Netflix, calling the deal “good for everybody” and a tremendous opportunity to reach global audiences. His star power and established connection with long-time fans make his involvement invaluable in attracting attention to WWE’s new digital platform. As Cena’s farewell tour continues through 2025, with multiple planned appearances, his presence will undoubtedly drive significant interest, further elevating WWE’s profile on Netflix.

Dwayne Johnson’s Role and Strategic Involvement

Dwayne Johnson, another WWE legend and global movie star, has also played a pivotal role in WWE’s transition to streaming. Having joined the board of TKO, WWE’s parent company, in early 2024, Johnson brings a wealth of experience and star power to the company’s business and creative direction. In addition to his board position, Johnson made a highly anticipated appearance at the first Netflix Raw, surprising fans by embracing his former rival Cody Rhodes and speaking about the “history” of the night. His appearance marked a shift from his previous on-screen persona as a villainous figure, showcasing a more collaborative and supportive approach.

Johnson’s involvement is not limited to appearances; his directorship at TKO suggests a deep, strategic role in WWE’s long-term success, particularly as the company embraces streaming. His connection with Netflix, coupled with his role as a producer and entrepreneur, has the potential to attract a diverse audience beyond traditional wrestling fans, further boosting WWE’s profile on the platform.

The Power of Collaboration: Egos Set Aside for WWE’s Future

The phrase “putting egos aside” has become synonymous with Cena and Johnson’s approach to WWE’s new era. Despite their legendary feud during the 2010s, both men have shown a united front, working together to help WWE transition into the digital age. Cena’s comments about his support for Johnson’s role on the TKO board—“That warms my heart”—underscore the positive and collaborative nature of their relationship, even after their past on-screen rivalry.

The mutual respect between Cena and Johnson has been evident in their shared appearances and actions during WWE’s Netflix debut. This collaborative spirit is vital in making WWE’s transition to streaming a success. Both men are aware of the significant opportunity the Netflix deal presents, and their willingness to set aside past conflicts for the greater good of the company speaks volumes about their professionalism and commitment to WWE’s future.

Potential Impact on WWE’s Viewership Numbers

With Cena’s farewell tour and Johnson’s involvement in TKO, WWE is positioning itself for substantial growth in its streaming numbers. Experts, such as Brandon Thurston from Wrestlenomics, have suggested that the inclusion of high-profile stars like Cena and Johnson could lead to significant increases in viewership, particularly among the 18-49 demographic. As WWE aims to attract new subscribers and expand its reach globally, the duo’s presence on Netflix is expected to drive traffic and boost subscriber engagement.

The early success of WWE’s content on Netflix, combined with the star power of Cena and Johnson, sets the stage for future growth. As both men continue to play integral roles in WWE’s transition, their efforts will likely contribute to an even greater global presence for the company, both on and off the screen.

Conclusion: A New Era for WWE and Streaming

As WWE embarks on its groundbreaking partnership with Netflix, the involvement of John Cena and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has proven to be a key factor in the company’s transition from traditional broadcast television to the streaming world. Their collaborative approach, built on mutual respect and shared goals, has already started to pay off in terms of media coverage, fan engagement, and viewership numbers. With both stars heavily involved in WWE’s ongoing transformation, it’s clear that the future of WWE on Netflix is in capable hands, and the company’s streaming success is just beginning.