WWE Raw Slammed for Stranger Things-Themed Netflix Anniversary Episode

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The January 5, 2026, episode of WWE Raw, which celebrated one year since the show moved to Netflix, received significant criticism for its theme based on the show Stranger Things.

A concert billed as a significant event actually left many fans feeling frustrated, disappointed, and expressing their anger online.

The show broadcast live from Brooklyn’s Barclays Center and featured a lot of references to the recent finale of Netflix’s Stranger Things Season 5.

The event included several championship matches and memorable highlights, but how it was presented received a lot of criticism.

Why Fans Are Blasting WWE Raw

Honestly, the biggest issue people had with Raw lately was just how much they were pushing the promotion of Stranger Things. It really felt like the whole show had become a two-and-a-half-hour ad for it, and fans and critics were definitely calling them out on it. As a wrestling fan, it just pulled me out of the experience, you know?

Excessive graphics, recurring themes, and constant branding overshadowed the actual wrestling matches. According to a review by Wrestling Inc., these elements actually made a good series of matches less enjoyable.

The show’s timing was off, which detracted from the experience. Too many commercials interrupted the flow, and many of the results were predictable long before they occurred.

While the match between CM Punk and Bron Breakker had some exciting parts, many viewers found it to be slow-paced and easily anticipated, ultimately resulting in CM Punk successfully defending his World Heavyweight Championship.

Viewers were frustrated that moments like Je’Von Evans signing a Raw contract were shown during commercial breaks, which made those segments feel like afterthoughts.

The show was billed as a loaded anniversary episode, but many felt it failed to deliver.

Rumors hinted at exciting surprises and possible guest appearances, with some people suggesting Chris Jericho might show up, but ultimately, none of it happened.

The crowd seemed unusually quiet for much of the show, and there wasn’t a lot of excitement despite Raw reaching a milestone with its Netflix deal.

Fan Reaction Turns Brutal

Reaction on X was harsh almost immediately.

Fans labeled the episode “the worst Raw ever,” “boring,” and a “sh-t show.”

Others complained about too much talking, weak match pacing, and poor booking decisions.

Many people criticized WWE for heavily promoting its collaboration with Stranger Things without actually including any of the show’s actors, which made the partnership seem insincere.

What Actually Happened on the Show

Even though some fans reacted negatively, the show still featured important matches and outcomes. CM Punk remained the World Heavyweight Champion after defeating Bron Breakker. Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky became the new Women’s Tag Team Champions, and a new Women’s Intercontinental Champion was also crowned. Plus, Liv Morgan returned to wrestling in the ring.

Despite a few good moments, the overall experience was dominated by annoyance with the presentation and a feeling that everyone wasn’t working well together.

A Missed Opportunity

Although some aspects of the Punk versus Breakker match were well-received, most viewers felt WWE prioritized promoting their brand over celebrating the event’s anniversary.

There was a lot of anticipation for Raw’s special Netflix episode, but many fans found it disappointing. It felt overly polished and didn’t leave a lasting impression.

This was intended to be a significant moment for WWE as it expands its presence on Netflix, offering a glimpse into the future of the company’s streaming strategy.

Instead, people now see it as a cautionary tale, showing how much corporate influence a product can take before losing its fanbase.

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2026-01-06 12:32