The WWE is pulling out all the stops to generate buzz ahead of Raw’s much-anticipated debut on Netflix. The Raw on Netflix: Kickoff, aired on December 18, 2024, across WWE’s digital platforms, delivered the high-caliber entertainment fans have come to expect.
CM Punk and Seth Rollins stole the spotlight, setting the stage for what promises to be a blockbuster main event when Raw premieres on January 6. Kevin Owens solidified his reputation as the top heel in wrestling, while Gunther once again captivated with his unmatched dominance and charisma. The kickoff event not only hyped fans for the premiere but also laid the foundation for compelling storylines to come. Here are the moments fans won’t want to miss.
The Stage is Set for a High-Stakes Women’s Title Match
During the Raw on Netflix: Kickoff, Adam Pearce confirmed a blockbuster announcement: Liv Morgan will defend her World Title against Rhea Ripley in Raw’s debut episode on Netflix. While this showdown isn’t unexpected, given their intense rivalry, Michael Cole’s over-the-top, meme-worthy reaction added an extra layer of excitement.
The outcome promises to be intriguing. Liv, who has undeniably been the breakout superstar of 2024, has shined brightly as Women’s Champion. Meanwhile, Rhea’s enduring popularity as a magnetic babyface makes her a strong contender for the title. This clash could mark the end of their feud—or perhaps set the stage for an epic showdown at WrestleMania. Speculation is already swirling about a potential intergender match at the grand stage, where Rhea might finally take down Dirty Dom.
The Bloodline Saga Continues with High Stakes
The Bloodline storyline has been a consistent highlight of WWE programming, and its latest chapter is set to unfold during Raw’s Netflix debut. Surprisingly, Roman Reigns vs. Solo Sikoa for the title of Tribal Chief isn’t the most anticipated match on the card—a testament to the overall strength of WWE’s recent storytelling. Perhaps the clash of Bloodlines at Survivor Series lessened the novelty, or maybe this feels more like a way to keep Roman in the spotlight.
Still, fans shouldn’t underestimate the significance of this encounter. If Solo wins, his Bloodline becomes the Bloodline, forcing Roman to find a new path to maintain his dominance—a potentially thrilling twist. On the other hand, a Roman victory raises questions about whether his Bloodline can reunite. With Jey Uso and Sami Zayn thriving as singles stars, a return to full-time faction work seems unlikely. Regardless of the outcome, one thing is clear: the Bloodline story is far from over, much to the delight of fans.
Logan Paul’s Polarizing Pursuit of the World Heavyweight Title
While Kevin Owens has earned accolades as the top heel in recent weeks, Logan Paul’s relentless consistency makes him a strong contender for that title as well. Despite being relatively new to professional wrestling, Paul continues to impress. His cold, cutting line, “You’ll keep watching because you are a spectator, and I am a star,” might be one of the most savage remarks ever directed at an audience.
Paul’s declaration that he’s targeting the World Heavyweight Title has sparked intense debate. Regardless of his undeniable skills in the ring and on the mic, many fans still see him as a celebrity outsider. Crowning him champion would undoubtedly ignite controversy, especially given that he’d need to dethrone one of the most credible and dominant wrestlers WWE has seen in recent years. The stakes couldn’t be higher as this rivalry unfolds.
Gunther’s Challenge to Lead Raw into the Netflix Era
Gunther finds himself in an unusual position as World Champion. While he continues to deliver in his role, the spotlight has largely shifted to CM Punk and Seth Rollins’ heated rivalry. If the Ring General truly aims to be, as Michael Cole put it, the leader of Raw in the Netflix era, he’ll need to elevate his game to recapture fan attention.
Logan Paul might be the perfect opponent to help Gunther achieve that goal. As a mainstream star with undeniable popularity, Paul could attract new eyes to the product while also providing a compelling in-ring challenge. Despite his limited appearances, Paul has steadily improved as a performer and could serve as a strong contrast to Gunther’s dominant style. However, the possibility of WWE positioning Logan Paul as the World Champion of the Netflix era looms—a move that would undoubtedly spark controversy among fans.
Kevin Owens Brings Back an Old Trick with a Fresh Twist
It’s been a while since someone outright stole a championship belt in WWE, but Kevin Owens has revived this classic move to perfection. The tactic remains effective because it’s used sparingly, and Owens’ choice to swipe the iconic Winged Eagle belt—symbolizing Cody Rhodes’ hard-fought legacy—makes it even more compelling.
As expected, Owens delivered gold in his exchange with Michael Cole, capped off by his bold proclamation that December 26 will mark his “first show as WWE Champion.” If Owens continues to play it straight, fully embracing the role of self-proclaimed champion, this storyline has the potential to become one of the most entertaining arcs in recent memory.
Kevin Owens Crosses Over to Make an Impact
Kevin Owens’ appearance on the Raw on Netflix: Kickoff felt a bit unexpected, given his status as a SmackDown roster member. However, with SmackDown also airing on Netflix outside the U.S., it made sense for WWE to advance this storyline during the event.
While Owens is immensely popular as a babyface, his heel work remains legendary—easily deserving a place on wrestling’s Mount Rushmore. If anyone is poised to bring an end to Cody Rhodes’ inaugural championship reign, KO stands out as an ideal contender, combining charisma, skill, and unpredictability.
Punk vs. Rollins: A Rivalry Rooted in Reality
While CM Punk’s feud with Drew McIntyre was a strong contender for 2024’s Feud of the Year, his ongoing storyline with Seth Rollins has the potential to eclipse it. The reason? Their real-life tensions add a raw, personal edge that blurs the line between fiction and reality—something that WWE, and pro wrestling as a whole, does best when done right.
In today’s era, creating that sense of authenticity is a rare feat, which is why storylines grounded in genuine animosity often resonate so deeply. When Punk and Rollins trade insults or blows, there’s an undeniable feeling that not all of it is scripted. The dynamic recalls the visceral energy of Edge vs. Matt Hardy in 2005—a comparison that’s as high a compliment as it gets.
Punk vs. Rollins: The Centerpiece of Raw’s Netflix Debut
All signs point to CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins headlining Raw’s Netflix debut—unless WWE finds a worthy challenger for Gunther and decides to give the World Title its rightful spotlight. Based on the success of Punk’s previous feud with Drew McIntyre, WWE has shown it knows how to maximize the drama in these deeply personal rivalries, making January 6 feel like just the beginning.
With the Royal Rumble fast approaching, this rivalry seems destined to spill over into the event and potentially carry on to WrestleMania. The big question remains: will this mean another WrestleMania without Punk in the main event, or could this match claim the marquee spot on Night 1? Only time will reveal the answer, but one thing is certain—there has never been a better time to be a WWE fan.
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