U.S. broadcasts. These additional segments ensure that the show adheres to its traditional three-hour format for international TV airings, where commercials also play a role in extending the runtime.
It’s clear that WWE is adjusting its approach to Raw in the Netflix era, with a focus on a more streamlined 2.5-hour runtime for the streaming version. Triple H’s preference for this duration could reflect a desire to keep the show concise and engaging, potentially aligning with evolving viewer habits in the streaming age, where audiences might prefer shorter, more digestible content. However, WWE is still navigating the balance between the flexibility of streaming and the structure of traditional TV broadcasts.
In this transition, it seems WWE is willing to make adjustments each week, depending on the content and flow of the show, and there could be some weeks where the runtime extends slightly beyond the target. The international market, with its commercial breaks, requires WWE to make sure there’s enough content to fill the full three-hour slot, but for U.S. audiences on Netflix, it appears the target will be closer to two and a half hours going forward.
It will be interesting to see if this new format sticks or if WWE decides to tweak it based on feedback from fans and partners like Netflix and international broadcasters. The flexibility of streaming could allow for a more fluid approach to the show’s structure in the future.