Why CM Punk Wants To Temper Expectations On WWE’s Move To Netflix

CM Punk will be one of “WWE Raw’s” star attractions when WWE’s red brand moves to Netflix at the beginning of 2025, a streaming service that could offer a little more freedom for WWE’s creative team. The switch to Netflix has many fans believing that the company will incorporate stronger language, nudity, and more blood than the current product. 

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However, Punk has told the WWE fanbase to temper their expectations when “Raw” switches to Netflix, during a recent interview on 103.5 KISS FM.

“I just kind of want to temper people’s expectations because I don’t — I think there’s a section of the fanbase that’s like, ‘Oh, they’re going to Netflix, there’s going to be full frontal [nudity] and swearing,’ and it’s, like, that’s absolutely not the case. I think we’ve learned from the Attitude Era that like, you know, you can only do that for so long before it’s you trying to outdo yourself every week, and then it just becomes bad television,” said Punk.

He explained that what fans should expect is WWE playing around with the format of “Raw.” While the show is rumored to still have commercials, they might be able to work those ads around matches rather than having them play during them. He admitted that there will be times when WWE will push the envelope, but it won’t be anything as extreme as some fans might expect. 

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“Content-wise, I don’t think you’re going to see, as much as Rhea Ripley wants to come out there and talk like an Aussie and drop a C-word here and there, like, I don’t think you’re going to see that,” stated the WWE star.

Please credit the original source when using quotes from this article, and give a H/T to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.

Bully Ray Explains Why He’s Glad AEW Star Hook Retired The FTW Championship

The 2024 Grand Slam edition of “AEW Dynamite” at Arthur Ashe Stadium marked the end of an era in some ways as HOOK, following his victory over Roderick Strong, decided to retire the FTW Championship. HOOK won the belt back from Chris Jericho at All In London, and in the same city where the belt was born, Queens, New York, he chose to hand the title back to the man who created it, his father, Taz.

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During a recent edition of “Busted Open After Dark,” WWE Hall of Famer and ECW legend Bully Ray opened up about the history of the FTW Championship. He stated that he knew the moment of retiring the title in Queens would have meant a lot to Taz, whom he has known for over 30 years. The belt’s association with Taz is also part of the reason why Ray is happy that it has been put out to pasture.

“I like how that story of that championship came full circle,” Ray said. “I love it when you can connect the dots in pro wrestling, and everything made sense. If you’re going to retire that championship, Queens is the place to do it, and I’m happy that the FTW Championship has been retired. I don’t think the FTW Championship has a place in professional wrestling, unless it’s on Taz’s shoulder, that’s where it belongs. I understand why they brought it back, I understand what they attempted to do with it, I understand the significance of HOOK, I like the fact that HOOK retired it, but that’s Taz’s championship and it was created for a very rebellious reason.”

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Taz brought back the championship to pro wrestling in 2020, with the title being held by the likes of Chris Jericho, Jack Perry, and Ricky Starks in its four years in AEW.

Please credit “Busted Open After Dark” when using quotes from this article, and give a H/T to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.

CM Punk Discusses Expected Changes with WWE RAW Moving to Netflix

CM Punk Discusses Expected Changes with WWE RAW Moving to Netflix

CM Punk Discusses Expected Changes with WWE RAW Moving to Netflix – During an appearance on The Hot Tag with Brady on 103.5 KISS FM, CM Punk discussed what changes he expects to see when WWE moves Raw from USA Network to Netflix in January of 2025.

Punk tempered expectations, saying, “From the product? I don’t think you’re going to see much difference than what it is now. We’re pushing boundaries a little bit here and there. I just kind of want to temper people’s expectations because I think there is a section of the fanbase like, ‘Oh, they’re going to Netflix. There is going to be full frontal (nudity) and swearing.’ That is absolutely not the case. I think we’ve learned from the Attitude Era that you can only do that for so long before you try to outdo yourself every week and then it just becomes bad television.”

Punk continued, “Every one and again you can push the envelope. I think what you’re going to see in difference of what the product is now is, I think there are still going to be commercials on Netflix, I’m not 100% about that, but we might be able to fudge it to where it’s not during matches. You’re going to see maybe some play with the format of the show. I’m not 100% sure on all that. Content-wise, I don’t think you’re going to see, as much as Rhea Ripley wants to come out there and talk like an Aussie and drop a C-word here and there, I don’t think you’re going to see that.”

Stay tuned to WrestlingAttitude, WA.Com On Twitter and Google News for more.

CM Punk Discusses Expected Changes with WWE RAW Moving to Netflix

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Backstage News and Notes Following 9/24 WWE NXT

Backstage News and Notes Following 9/24 WWE NXT

Backstage News and Notes Following 9/24 WWE NXT – Here are some backstage news and updates following the September 24 episode of WWE NXT, which marked the final show on the USA Network before its big move to The CW next Tuesday:

– Internally, the show was referred to as “Goodbye USA,” highlighting its significance as the last episode on USA Network before transitioning to The CW.

– According to Fightful, the show ran longer than expected, nearly causing it to be cut off before its conclusion. It managed to wrap up just seconds before the network would have pulled it off the air.

– After the show ended, the set inside the WWE Performance Center was dismantled. A revamped set is expected to debut next week for WWE NXT’s premiere on The CW.

– Among the live crowd at the Performance Center, several potential tryout talents were reportedly in attendance.

– CM Punk, who appeared in backstage segments during the broadcast, was not physically present at the show. The segments were filmed the previous week when he made an appearance.

– Ring announcer Mike Rome returned to work after taking time off to welcome the birth of his child.

This episode marked a major transition for NXT as it prepares for its debut on The CW, promising a new era for the brand.

Stay tuned to WrestlingAttitude, WA.Com On Twitter and Google News for more.

Backstage News and Notes Following 9/24 WWE NXT

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JBL Says Recent Online Speculation is 100% Wrong

JBL Says Recent Online Speculation is 100% Wrong

JBL Says Recent Online Speculation is 100% Wrong – JBL’s recent string of appearances in promotions like AAA, GCW, and TNA has ignited rumors about a possible return to the ring. Fans and wrestling insiders alike have speculated that the WWE Hall of Famer could be preparing to come out of retirement, especially given his interactions with certain indie wrestlers, which many believe are building toward the creation of a faction or stable.

However, JBL has quickly shut down these rumors. During a Q&A with SportsKeeda, he addressed the online speculation about his WWE contract status, stating that much of what has been reported is inaccurate. While he didn’t outright confirm or deny whether his WWE contract allows for a return to active competition, he was clear that the rumors circulating are off-base.

“I’m going to answer this as politically correct, as correct as possible,” he said. “I’ve never answered a question about my contract. I can tell you 100% this. I’ve seen speculation about me on the internet. It’s all wrong. 100% wrong. I’m not going to answer whether I am or not because WWE has always had a confidentiality clause in it. I’ve never thought it was good business to discuss my contract or anybody else’s. Sorry that I’m refusing to answer. The speculation about me has been wrong.”

It’s worth noting that JBL is currently under a WWE Legends deal, which allows WWE to use him for appearances while giving him the flexibility to work outside of WWE, provided he doesn’t use the JBL character. This explains why he’s been referred to as John Layfield during his non-WWE appearances and why his presentation differs from his classic JBL persona. Though his appearances elsewhere have sparked intrigue, it appears that, for now, the “Wrestling God” is focused on making special appearances rather than a full-fledged return to competition.

JBL Says Recent Online Speculation is 100% Wrong

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