Cena and The Rock Reunite to Boost WWE on Netflix—No Ego, Just Business

In a groundbreaking moment for WWE, two of its most iconic figures, John Cena and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, have come together to support the organization’s strategic transition to streaming, particularly with the debut of Monday Night Raw on Netflix. This collaboration, part of a $5 billion deal between WWE and Netflix, has shown that these wrestling legends have “put their egos aside” in a bid to elevate WWE’s global presence and enhance viewership numbers. Here’s an in-depth look at their roles, the significance of WWE’s Netflix deal, and the potential impact on the company’s future.

WWE’s $5 Billion Netflix Deal: A Game Changer

WWE’s transition from traditional broadcast television to streaming marked a pivotal moment in the company’s history. Announced in early 2024 and effective from January 2025, the deal with Netflix includes streaming Monday Night Raw, SmackDown, NXT, and major pay-per-view events like WrestleMania, SummerSlam, and the Royal Rumble. This deal, valued at over $5 billion, also covers WWE’s extensive archive, allowing Netflix to tap into WWE’s massive global following. With 17.5 million weekly viewers for Raw and over 1 billion social media followers, WWE’s partnership with Netflix has the potential to significantly boost its reach.

John Cena’s Farewell Tour and Global Exposure

John Cena, a cornerstone of WWE’s success, is set to retire from in-ring competition in 2025 after an illustrious career that includes 16 world championships. Cena launched his “farewell tour” during the first Monday Night Raw on Netflix on January 6, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. His appearance marked a momentous occasion for fans, as he shared his gratitude for the fans and expressed his intentions to leave a lasting legacy by winning the Royal Rumble.

Cena, who has been vocal about the significance of WWE’s Netflix deal, praised the move as “good for everybody,” emphasizing its potential to give WWE global exposure. His involvement, particularly during his final year, serves as a significant draw for longtime fans and helps maintain WWE’s mainstream appeal as it navigates its streaming transition.

Dwayne Johnson’s Strategic Role with TKO and WWE’s Future

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, one of WWE’s most celebrated stars, has been integral to the company’s growth beyond wrestling. After a stellar wrestling career, Johnson transitioned to Hollywood, becoming a global movie star. However, his influence on WWE didn’t stop there—he now serves as a director for TKO, WWE’s parent company, which was confirmed in January 2024.

Johnson made a surprise appearance during the Netflix debut of Monday Night Raw, where he embraced his former rival, Cody Rhodes, signaling a shift from his previous villainous role to one of unity. His role on the TKO board and his public support for the Netflix deal further highlight his strategic importance in WWE’s future direction. Johnson’s involvement both in front of the camera and behind the scenes reinforces WWE’s push to modernize and reach a broader, more diverse audience.

Putting Egos Aside for WWE’s Success

The phrase “put their egos aside” encapsulates the harmony between Cena and Johnson, especially considering their long-standing rivalry in WWE during the 2010s. In a touching moment, Cena expressed admiration for Johnson’s role in TKO, stating, “That warms my heart,” which reflects the positive sentiment shared between the two. Johnson’s actions during the Netflix debut, like embracing former foes, further demonstrate his commitment to supporting WWE’s success without personal rivalry getting in the way.

This collaborative spirit between Cena and Johnson is a strategic and symbolic gesture aimed at ensuring WWE’s success on Netflix. While there is no explicit quote stating the exact phrase “putting egos aside,” their joint appearances and mutual support during this transitional period show a united front, especially as they both help WWE make an impact in the streaming world.

Boosting WWE Numbers: The Potential Impact

The combined star power of Cena and Johnson is expected to significantly boost WWE’s viewership numbers, particularly as the company shifts to streaming. Cena’s farewell tour will likely attract major attention, with several high-profile appearances scheduled throughout 2025. As one of the most beloved and decorated wrestlers in history, Cena’s final year promises to draw substantial interest.

Meanwhile, Johnson’s strategic role as TKO director adds credibility to the move, ensuring that WWE’s transition to Netflix is well-executed. Experts, such as Brandon Thurston of Wrestlenomics, believe that WWE’s focus on engaging younger viewers, particularly in the 18-49 demographic, will help fuel growth during this era of streaming.

Conclusion

With Monday Night Raw now streaming on Netflix, the collaboration between John Cena and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is a significant chapter in WWE’s evolution. The iconic duo’s willingness to set aside past rivalries and work together for the company’s future underscores their dedication to WWE’s success. As the streaming era unfolds, WWE’s ability to leverage the star power of Cena and Johnson, along with the global reach of Netflix, could very well set the stage for a new era of wrestling entertainment. Fans and industry experts alike are eagerly watching as WWE embraces this new frontier, with Cena and Johnson leading the charge.