The December 22nd episode of WWE RAW was held at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Although the episode was pre-recorded and included spoilers, some fans faced difficulties when trying to watch it at the scheduled time.
Several WWE viewers who attempted to stream the December 22nd episode of WWE RAW on Netflix reported issues shortly after it was released. While the episode was listed on the platform, some users found it unplayable. However, others had no trouble watching, hinting at a possible regional restriction.
This problem likely stems from how Netflix manages WWE RAW. In certain regions, the show is broadcast live on Netflix, but replays may not be accessible simultaneously everywhere. In some areas, episodes may be visible but remain locked.
Streaming services like Netflix often implement staggered regional rollouts based on broadcasting rights, time zones, and licensing agreements linked to WWE’s previous television deals. Consequently, live streaming and on-demand playback are treated differently. Even if the live episode is active, the replay might not yet be available, and episodes will remain inaccessible until Netflix updates availability in specific regions.
This issue is not related to any user error, app malfunction, or device/account problems. It is governed by Netflix’s system settings, and no response has been received from Netflix regarding the matter.
This situation poses a significant inconvenience, and it will be interesting to see if Netflix resolves the playback delays. For now, some fans may need to wait until 8 PM local time to catch up on the latest RAW episode.
Fan Take: This situation highlights the frustrations WWE fans face with streaming platforms and regional restrictions, which can disrupt the viewing experience. Addressing these issues is crucial for maintaining fan engagement and ensuring WWE’s global reach continues to grow smoothly.
