RAW’s move to Netflix looks to help WWE expand to a global market.
Since NXT UK was officially shut down in September, Europe has been without an NXT brand, although an NXT Europe has long been speculated upon as something WWE are eventually planning.
On the latest TKO earnings call, a question was asked about WWE’s upcoming deal with Netflix and if that deal will impact brands like a potentially upcomingNXT Europe. Nick Khan responded, noting that Netflix helps them achieve their goal of having a global product.
“For us, a global localized product has always been a priority. We think Netflix helps us with that. If you look at the premium live event schedule for this calendar year; Perth, Australia this past weekend. Berlin, France, Riyadh, Canada, all over the world. Look for, down the road, more local stars from those markets as we expand our tryouts to international markets so we feel confident over time that will be covered and be part of the Netflix deal.”
-Nick Khan
TKO President and COO Mark Shapiro went on to state that WWE’s deal with Netflix won’t prevent the creation of new content.
“Our Netflix deal doesn’t preclude us from creating new content and events and programming on a global basis. We just have some first look rights that they would have a window to essentially evaluate. NXT, across the board, we have an opportunity to create all new material, sell it for an incremental rights fee, but they are going to be first in line to pay that rights fee.”
-Mark Shapiro
Elsewhere during the call, TKO’s CFO Andrew Schleimer revealed that the company are actively seeking a home for RAW for the fourth quarter of 2024, with the full report found here.
As always, we’ll aim to provide any further updates on WWE’s relationship with Netflix, as well as the possibility of an NXT Europe as soon as we hear more.
H/T to Fightful for the transcription.
