THE REAL REASON THE CROWD BOOED YOU, BROTHER

THE REAL REASON THE CROWD BOOED YOU, BROTHER

6:21 PM   Ariel Helwani, Hulk Hogan, Mimi, WWE,

Words by: Mimi aka #TheWrestlingChic

Let's not play dumb, the boos Hulk Hogan catches at WWE events ain't about heel heat, and I’m sure most of you already know that. They're not nostalgic jeers like the ones John Cena eats for breakfast. These are real emotions that come from a place of disgust, betrayal, and solid memory. When Hogan sat down in his recent interview today with Ariel Helwani, he once again shrugged off those “boos” he gets like it's all just part of the show. Nah.That's not it, and he knows it:

"There's still nipping at my heals you know I can go out there and get booed in LA or The Rock can get booed in LA or John Cena gets booed in LA, but when I get booed there's a whole different reaction media wise. For some reason, I believe I laid some type of groundwork that people are still interested in what I'm doing."

He also said: 

"For those that are the haters and still have a problem with me, you know, there's nothing I can do to fix that except, you know, just keep proving by my actions that, you know, I'm still in the game, I'm still pushing hard."

Huh? Yeah, no.

Let's rewind the tape. The racist rant from 2015 that leaked courtesy of a sex tape and court proceedings wasn't just a bad moment; it was a window into something ugly. In that recording, Hogan dropped the line that's followed him like a shadow in the Black community:

"I mean, I'd rather if she was going to f*** some n*****, I'd rather have her marry an 8-foot-tall n***** worth a hundred million dollars!"
"I guess we're all a little racist." 

He said it. No lyrical gymnastics or "cancel culture" excuses can scrub that away from our minds. It wasn't taken out of context; it was the context.

To their credit, at first, WWE swiftly removed Hogan's name from their Hall of Fame, scrubbed him off the site like a ghost, and terminated his contract, aka corporate distancing 101. But by 2018, after what were reportedly a series of private apologies to the locker room (many of which rubbed Black wrestlers the wrong way), he was back—not just back but spotlighted, like we were supposed to be Men in Black'd…. Yeah, no. We still remember.

WWE trots Hogan out like a scandal that never happened. Nostalgia is the marketing ploy. They booked him in legends spots, gave him WrestleMania hosting gigs, and even rolled him out for the Raw on Netflix debut earlier this year. They BOOED him. That boo wasn't just for what he said, it was for WWE acting like he never said it.

 

Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff are launching a new project. Bischoff is teaming up again with a man who became a symbol of wrestling's racial blind spots. For Bischoff, who's as savvy as they come, this feels like a tone-deaf choice. Maybe it's a calculated bet that controversy still sells. Whatever it is, most Black fans won't be interested. But then again, this new endeavor isn't booked for us. The truth is, most Black wrestling fans see through this. Hogan's "apologies" and interview statements never feel like ownership or accountability. They feel like PR moves with a splash of tone deaf. 

He's never directly addressed the weight of his words in a way that truly reckons with the damage. There's been no community engagement, allyship, or visible work done. Just a lot of "I'm sorry I got caught."

So no, this latest project doesn't get a pop, not even a cheap one. It's not heat; maybe it's apathy. While Hogan's legacy is set in stone, both triumph and stain, the one thing we do know is that it's not written for us, and we're cool with that. We've got our own legends.

Hey Hulk… we ain't booin' for fun. We're booin' because silence doesn't mean forgetfulness, and true forgiveness comes after accountability, not instead of it.

Writer's Note: Ya'll even if he did do the work.. I'm not going back *Nene shrugs*.

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Catch Mimi, also known as #TheWrestlingChic, co-hosting #TheBuckle: #TurnbuckleTalk, every Tuesday at 6:35PM ET on X Spaces and Thursday at 8:35PM ET w/the rest of the crew on The Black Rasslin' Podcast on YouTube.

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FROM THE RING TO THE RED CARPET: IS WWE EVOLVING INTO THE LIFESTYLE SPACE?

FROM THE RING TO THE RED CARPET: IS WWE EVOLVING INTO THE LIFESTYLE SPACE?

5:30 PM   Mimi, RAW, WWE,

Words by: Mimi JL

Wrestling meets the culture, and the culture meets wrestling. WWE has always been about larger-than-life moments. This week's Monday Night Raw at Madison Square Garden in NYC felt like it. Lately, more than ever, WWE has been giving us an extra flex with its crossover appeal. What used to be a wrestling ring has turned into a full-blown entertainment runway. Where celebrities from actors, music artists, fashion, and sports tap-in, not just to spectate but to participate. It feels like a two-way street where WWE gets mainstream visibility while artists and brands get access to one of the most diehard, engaged fanbases in the world. However, this isn't new for them. WWE's been in the celebrity game for decades. But lately, it's been leveled up.

The Blueprint: WWE's Celebrity Playbook
Before Bad Bunny hit Canadian destroyers and The Weeknd was soundtracking consecutive PLEs, Vince McMahon had already laid the groundwork.

The Rock 'n' Wrestling Connection (1980s)
The partnership with MTV made wrestling a must-watch pop culture, with Cyndi Lauper being a huge proponent of the Rock’n’Wrestling Connection, or  Run-DMC brought the vibes at Wrestlemania V. WrestleManias weren't just wrestling events. They were the beginning of cultural moments. As the WWF in 1987, they thought of trying their hand and tapped into the video game world, dropping their first game for the NES, WWF WrestleMania.

The 90s & Early 2000s
WWE doubled down on crossovers when Aretha Franklin sang America the Beautiful at WrestleMania III, and at WrestleMania XXII, Lil' Kim laced Trish Stratus' theme music. At the same time, acts like Salt-n-Pepa and Jagged Edge have also made their presence felt.

The Modern Era (2010s-Present)
WWE began incorporating celebrities to perform and help set the tone for entire events. Flo Rida and The Weeknd became the sound of WrestleMania and SummerSlam. At present, they have leaned into the culture, bringing out Lil Wayne and Travis Scott, or having Megan Thee Stallion with BTS creating music for WWE show intros. Long before Bad Bunny gave us epic in-ring moments, Mr. T, Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, Lawrence Taylor, and even Shaq stepped into the squared circle for entertainment and smart business.

Is Wrestling a Lifestyle Now?
What was once just a wrestling company is now woven into lifestyle brands. WWE is not just on sports pages and platforms; don't be surprised to see shoutouts on Hypebeast, Complex, Billboard, and Rolling Stone. The game is changing, and TKO Group Holdings (WWE's parent company under Endeavor) knows what they are doing. They're becoming a part of pop culture while shaping it in the process. We're only getting started if the latest celebrity link-ups are any sign.

Mutual Visibility = Mutual Wins
It's easy to see what WWE gets from this: crossover appeal, mainstream buzz, and an expanded audience. When Travis Scott shows up at the first Raw on Netflix with Jey Uso, hip-hop, lifestyle publications and sports media take notice. When The Final Boss shows up to give someone a talking to, his Teremana and Papatui brands get a bit of a boost.

But celebrities aren't just doing WWE a favor; they are tapping into a loyal fanbase that shows up and spends money. Wrestling fans ride hard for anything woven into the wrestling space, and that's why these collabs make sense. WWE isn't just borrowing mainstream heat; it’s also lending a platform with millions of eyes, making it an ideal launchpad for album drops, Fabulous' most recent release, upcoming Netflix shows (lead-ins due to their multimillion-dollar partnership), or even unintentional recent sneaker drops like Roman Reigns in the upcoming Nigel Sylvester Air Jordan 4's. 

Translation?
Since January 6's star-studded premiere, Monday Night Raw ratings have steadily declined; 2.6 million viewers on the February 24 episode. After Netflix's seven-day rollout, March 3 hit 3.1 million viewers. Is that the celeb cosign effect or is WWE's global brand evolution pulling in new subscribers who don't want to miss out on the road to WrestleMania? (which one would say is designed for the casuals). Is WWE the new must-watch Entertainment Weekly in the mainstream? If they lock in this momentum, could this be one of the greatest brand evolution case studies fans have witnessed?

Time is continuing to tell.

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Be sure to explore more of BRP's content by visiting our website and joining our Black Rasslin' Podcast Patreon for exclusive material.

Catch Mimi, also known as #TheWrestlingChic, co-hosting #TheBuckle: #TurnbuckleTalk, every Tuesday at 6:35PM ET on X Spaces and Thursday at 8:35PM ET w/the rest of the crew on The Black Rasslin' Podcast on YouTube.

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WWE’S MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND TAKEOVER: A BLUEPRINT FOR THE NEW ERA OF WRESTLING BUSINESS

WWE’S MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND TAKEOVER: A BLUEPRINT FOR THE NEW ERA OF WRESTLING BUSINESS

3:00 PM   Battleground, Business, John Cena, Mimi, NXT, RAW, SNME, WWE,

 
Words by: Mimi JL

The traditional WWE live event chore, the old-school loop of Raw, SmackDown, and multiple house shows, is quickly becoming a relic of the past. Under TKO Group Holdings, WWE’s not just a media entertainment company; it's running a content driven, multi-platform entertainment empire where every event is purposefully packaged and monetized. The latest announcement is WWE's Memorial Day Weekend Takeover, partnering with the Tampa Bay Sports Commission and Vinik Sports Group. It’ll be a four-day wrestling festival at the Yuengling Center in Tampa, FL, May 24 to May 27. This move isn't just about putting on great matches and delivering storylines; it's about maximizing revenue while streamlining operations.

From the Old-School Work to a New-School Hustle
Back in the day, WWE Superstars endured a brutal weekly schedule, at times juggling Monday Night Raw, Friday Night SmackDown, plus two to three house shows, all spread across multiple cities. That meant constant travel, back-to-back production breakdowns, setups, and an exhausting heavy lift for talent and crew. With this announcement, WWE could be shifting to a more efficient and fiscally savvy model. Instead of running small house shows, the company is consolidating events into single city takeovers, turning them into destination weekends for fans while cutting operational costs. But will it work?

Here's how the weekend lineup will stack up:

• Saturday Night's Main Event (May 24); Featuring a stop on John Cena's farewell tour
• NXT Battleground (May 25)
• Monday Night Raw (May 26)
• NXT (May 27)

It feels like a mini-WrestleMania weekend, where WWE can sell combo ticket packages and pack the same arena four nights in a row, all while keeping production centralized. Less logistical stress, more content output and higher revenue without the hassle. The move from the old model of tour heavy revenue stream to a premium experience based business could be a game changer while making focus now on:

• Bundled event weekends that drive higher attendance over multiple nights;
• TV and streaming revenue, integrating every show into a broader context and audience strategy;
• Corporate partnerships, like this event's NBC, Peacock and match sponsorship deals;
• Premium ticket experiences, including VIP ringside packages, meet-and-greets, etc.

This Memorial Day Weekend Takeover isn't just a one off experiment; it's a scalable model. Tampa is a WWE stronghold with a proven track record of hosting significant events, and we could expect this blueprint to be rolled out nationwide or even internationally. If WrestleMania weekend has shown anything, it's that fans will travel for wrestling events stacked with experiences. If WWE can consistently sell out arenas multiple nights in a row while reducing travel demands on talent and production crews, this festival style approach could be their new future. Major long weekends become tentpole events stacked with TV programming, streaming content and high priced experiences; all designed to extract maximum value.
 
Is this the next significant shift in WWE's business strategy? It certainly feels like the new money play. Whether you love it or not, one thing is clear, WWE is all about maximizing every moment and getting paid in the process.

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Catch Mimi, also known as #TheWrestlingChic, co-hosting #TheBuckle: #TurnbuckleTalk, every Tuesday at 6:35PM ET on X Spaces and Thursday at 8:35PM ET w/the rest of the crew on The Black Rasslin' Podcast on YouTube.

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WWE RAW’S HITS SLUMP: GROWING PAINS OR A BIGGER ISSUE?

WWE RAW’S HITS SLUMP: GROWING PAINS OR A BIGGER ISSUE?

5:00 PM   Mimi, RAW, WWE,

Words by: Mimi JL

Is the WWE on Netflix honeymoon phase over? As I’ve said before, the move to Netflix had me concerned, given its history on a linear platform. We recall, January 6 kicked off big. That hype train is slowing down fast though. The latest numbers show Raw’s global viewership has dropped to 2.6 million for the February 24 episode; it’s the lowest since hitting Netflix. That’s a 56% drop from the 5.9 million who tuned in on January 6 when legends like The Rock, Travis Scott, and Penta’s debut brought in a big audience.

We already know Netflix’s Tudum analysis isn’t your traditional Nielsen. It only counts global viewership over a seven-day period, while Nielsen strictly measures live and same-day views in the U.S. This technically means it’s hard to compare Raw’s current status to its sister brand, SmackDown, on the USA Network. What’s clear is that the initial hype hasn’t turned into consistent growth.

After starting off at a hot 5.9M, to date, Raw settles in at 2.8-3M viewers. Netflix only reports shows that crack the Top 10. If Raw drops out, the numbers will disappear from the conversation. This past Raw, which was a post-PLE episode, should tell us much about whether Raw is finding its new norm or if the slide continues.

Here are a few points to think about:

• Casual Fans (or their pockets) might not be hooked yet; they were banking on grabbing a new audience through Netflix, but are those fans sticking around?;
• Does the live experience still matter? Netflix lets fans watch whenever, unlike cable, where people tune in live to avoid spoilers. This could mean folks are more casual with their viewing habits like they have been for the past decade (side-eye);
• Growing Pains, or a Bigger Problem. WWE’s Netflix deal runs up to 10 years, but there’s a 5-year opt-out. If the numbers keep falling, will Netflix start sweating?

Again, the move to Netflix was a big and bold one that continues to concern me. Although these are valid points, there’s still time to course correct. Whether it be marketing tactics or maybe a linear show lead-in to streaming, though an additional network deal or production costs could be a factor. Maybe more exclusive digital content could spark interest?

One thing’s for sure: all eyes will be on this week’s ratings.

Is time telling?

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Be sure to explore more of BRP's content by visiting our website and joining our Black Rasslin' Podcast Patreon for exclusive material.

Catch Mimi, also known as #TheWrestlingChic, co-hosting #TheBuckle: #TurnbuckleTalk, every Tuesday at 6:35PM ET on X Spaces and Thursday at 8:35PM ET w/the rest of the crew on The Black Rasslin' Podcast on YouTube.

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WWE & NISSIN’S HOT & SPICY FIRE WOK BRINGING HEAT

WWE & NISSIN’S HOT & SPICY FIRE WOK BRINGING HEAT

11:52 AM   Mimi, Nissin, WWE,

Words: Mimi aka #TheWrestlingChic 

For the past few weeks, I’ve noticed a new logo popping up in WWE programming, subtly woven into the ring and around the Elimination Chamber hype. But it wasn’t until I saw the actual packaging that the nostalgia hit me like a vintage KO Packaged Pile Driver (I know… I’m extra), one of my all-time favorite snacks, now partnering with WWE. Yes! Oodles’a noodles as the streets call it, Nissin Foods’ Hot & Spicy FIRE WOK became an official presenting partner of WWE’s Elimination Chamber. After all, if you’re stepping into a structure as brutal as the Chamber, you better be ready to handle some kind of heat.

Seeing WWE Superstars on the limited-edition FIRE WOK packaging took me right back to the days when my favorite athletes were on cereal boxes, most notably the Wheaties box with Michael Jordan and the HoneyCombs Patrick Ewing box. I remember eating a bowl of Wheaties and seeing the biggest sports hero at the time staring back at me. Pretty cool as a kid. While the same magic may not be at play here, it’s still something cool to see. Seth and Liv stare back at you down the supermarket aisle, while daring you to keep up with the spice level is fitting. Both bring the heat weekly to WWE TV, and not to mention, those little packets can sure pack a punch of heat!

This kind of crossover reminds me of how much market share brands can gain when sports and entertainment brands used to have more personality in their partnerships. The product is booming currently, why not tap into conventional collabs. Food. Everyone needs food. It’s not just about slapping a logo on a banner, it’s about creating real connections between the product and the fans through commercials and press runs and now, in the physical ring. Nissin is a classic quick and on the go, especially for college students. It also serves those looking for an economical way to satisfy their hunger. This partnership feels intentional, even if not done with intent.

The partnership doesn’t stop at Elimination Chamber. FIRE WOK will also be making waves at WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas, taking the spice to The BIG Show (no pun intended). Fans will even have the chance to win an all-expenses-paid trip to WrestleMania through their Can You Handle The Heat Sweepstakes. Between this and their upcoming integration into WWE’s YouTube gaming channel UpUpDownDown, starring the New Day’s Xavier Woods and other WWE Superstars, it’s clear that FIRE WOK isn’t just dipping a toe into WWE; they’re going full throttle.

 

Whether you’re craving real heel heat, which is always my favorite side of the ring, or a snack that kicks off the stomach’s steel drums (as Fam would say), this partnership, while different, makes a lot of sense. I can dig it as someone who loves a good classic brand partnership with great packaging.

 

Would you stock a piece of WWE history in your pantry?

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Catch Mimi, also known as #TheWrestlingChic, co-hosting #TheBuckle: #TurnbuckleTalk, every Tuesday at 6:35PM ET on X Spaces and Thursday at 8:35PM ET w/the rest of the crew on The Black Rasslin' Podcast on YouTube.

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'Queen of the Ring': A Solid Wrestling Biopic That Falls Just Short of a Perfect Pin

'Queen of the Ring': A Solid Wrestling Biopic That Falls Just Short of a Perfect Pin

11:00 AM   Mimi, Movies, Naomi,

Words: Mimi aka #TheWrestlingChic 

Stepping into the ring with confidence, Queen of the Ring brings the compelling story of wrestling pioneer Mildred Burke to the big screen. Directed by Ash Avildsen, the biographical sports drama makes its entrance into theaters this Friday, March 7, 2025, starring Emily Bett Rickards as Burke; a single mother who defied the odds to become the first million-dollar female athlete in a male-dominated sport.

At the heart of the film is Burke’s complicated and toxic relationship with her husband, promoter Billy Wolfe, played by Josh Lucas. Wolfe’s domineering grip on Burke’s career serves as one of the movie’s primary conflicts, painting him as the ultimate philandering pariah both in and out of the ring. However, Burke is never truly alone in her struggle. The film shines in moments where she leans on her team and fellow female wrestlers, whose support and solidarity prove instrumental in helping her rise above adversity.

The ensemble cast delivers standout performances, bringing wrestling’s golden era to life. Francesca Eastwood plays Mae Young, Kamille reprises June Byers, Walton Goggins (a personal favorite of mine) embodies the infamous promoter Jack Pfefer, and Toni Storm steps into the role of Clara Mortensen. Most notably, WWE’s own Trinity Fatu (aka Naomi) portrays Ethel Johnson, and Damaris Lewis takes on the role of Babs Wingo; both groundbreaking Black women in professional wrestling. These two figures played a crucial role in the sport’s evolution, breaking racial and gender barriers in an era when opportunities for women of color were scarce. While Queen of the Ring packs a punch with its depiction of Burke’s journey, it unfortunately fumbles when it comes to fully exploring Johnson and Wingo’s contributions to the wrestling world, missing an opportunity to provide a deeper look into their professional journeys and their relationship with Burke. A more layered exploration of their roles would have added much-needed depth to the narrative, giving the audience a broader perspective on the history of women’s wrestling. Despite this shortfall, the performances remain strong. Rickards delivers a powerhouse portrayal of Burke, perfectly capturing her grit and vulnerability. Lucas is convincingly detestable as Wolfe, making Burke’s eventual triumph all the more satisfying. Fatu and Lewis command attention in their limited screen time, leaving viewers wanting more of their stories. (For those interested, Chris Bournea’s 2020 documentary Lady Wrestler sheds more light on the groundwork Johnson, Wingo, and Marva Scott laid for women in wrestling.)

In the end, Queen of the Ring is a solid biopic that successfully highlights Mildred Burke’s groundbreaking achievements but doesn’t quite go the distance in telling the full story of women’s wrestling, which would have been an added bonus for wrestling fans. Wrestling fans and lovers of inspirational sports dramas will find plenty to enjoy, but for those hoping for a deeper dive into wrestling’s forgotten pioneers, especially Black founding contributors, the film falls just short of the expectation.

That said, this is still a film worth seeing. Wrestling fans, history buffs and those who appreciate a good underdog story should absolutely head to theaters—again this Friday, March 7, 2025—for a slice of wrestling history on the big screen. Even with its missed opportunities, Queen of the Ring delivers an inspiring and entertaining look at a woman who changed the game forever.

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Be sure to explore more of BRP's content by visiting our website and joining our Black Rasslin' Podcast Patreon for exclusive material.

Catch Mimi, also known as #TheWrestlingChic, co-hosting #TheBuckle: #TurnbuckleTalk, every Tuesday at 6:35PM ET on X Spaces and Thursday at 8:35PM ET w/the rest of the crew on The Black Rasslin' Podcast on YouTube.

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WRESTLING’S FRESHEST FITS: SXSW PANEL EXPLORES FASHION, STYLE & STORYTELLING

WRESTLING’S FRESHEST FITS: SXSW PANEL EXPLORES FASHION, STYLE & STORYTELLING

9:00 AM   King Troi, lifestyle, Mimi, Sarath Ton, SXSW, Yolanda The Designer,

Words: Mimi aka #TheWrestlingChic 

Wrestling and fashion have always walked the same runway, just with a little more body along the way. This year at SXSW in Austin, TX, the crossover between style and suplexes takes center stage with a "Fashion & Wardrobe Design/Styling in Professional Wrestling" panel. The panel, hosted by Pro Wrestling Illustrated’s resident columnist and industry expert Candace Cordelia Smith, will be a must-see discussion that pops off on March 9 at 4:00 PM CST at the Austin Convention Center.

Style is the Gimmick, Drip is the Legacy

In pro wrestling, one would say, you’re only as memorable as your gimmick. Think about it: when you hear names like "Macho Man" Randy Savage, Bianca Belair, Charlotte Flair, and Darius Carter, you don’t just remember the elbow drop or 360 Splash; you picture the fringed robes, diamonds and gems and regal threads. Ric Flair? Dripped out in designer robes with gold trims and a Rolex in tow. The Rock? Hard bottoms and Versace silk shirts became as iconic as the raised eyebrow. Fashion isn't just a side act in wrestling; it’s part of the main event.

This SXSW panel will break down why and how style matters. From indie wrestlers carving out their visual identity to major superstars setting trends inside and outside the ring, it’s all about aesthetic power moves.

Meet the Architects of Wrestling’s Flyest Looks

This lineup is stacked with fashion undisputed Champs who have put their stamp on fashion in the pro wrestling industry:

• King Troi – A stylist whose work touches not just wrestling, but the entertainment space at large. When stars like, Woody the Greatest McClain and WWE Superstar couple duo Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins need next-level presentation, he's the go-to;
• Sarath “Mikaze” Ton – As a costume designer and seamstress, he’s been behind some of the most legendary wrestling gear of the modern era;
• Yolanda The Designer – A powerhouse in wrestling fashion, she's designed for WWE, AEW and TNA, shaping the visual legacies of some of the game’s biggest names.

Together, they’ll unpack the process of crafting iconic wrestling looks, the future of fashion in sports entertainment and how styling and costume inspirations influence storytelling.

"Wrestling has always been about making a statement, and that extends far beyond the moves in the ring” says Cordelia, “The way these athletes present themselves visually is just as crucial to their storytelling. With King Troi, Sarath Ton, and Yolanda the Designer on deck, this SXSW panel will spotlight the creative minds shaping the industry's most unforgettable looks."

Whether you’re a die-hard wrestling fan, a fashion junkie, or just someone who loves seeing worlds collide in cool ways, this panel is for you! SXSW has always been about pushing culture forward and this year, wrestling is making a power move into the fashion conversation.

Expect an engaging discussion that goes beyond the ring. Don’t miss this unique SXSW experience, where fashion meets the squared circle!

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Be sure to explore more of BRP's content by visiting our website and joining our Black Rasslin' Podcast Patreon for exclusive material.

Catch Mimi, also known as #TheWrestlingChic, co-hosting #TheBuckle: #TurnbuckleTalk, every Tuesday at 6:35PM ET on X Spaces and Thursday at 8:35PM ET w/the rest of the crew on The Black Rasslin' Podcast on YouTube.

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CAP?... RAW NUMBERS ON NETFLIX: BREAKING DOWN THE STREAMING STATS

CAP?... RAW NUMBERS ON NETFLIX: BREAKING DOWN THE STREAMING STATS

6:06 PM   Mimi, Netflix, RAW, WWE,

Words: Mimi aka #TheWrestlingChic 

Ask Khal, I’ve been chomping at the bit! Clarity has been given; number crunchers, gather ‘round ‘cause we got some data… FINALLY. Netflix hit us this week with a clarification on how they’re calculating the streaming viewership for WWE's Raw, and while it ain’t a full-on conspiracy, the math’s been looking a little… sus. Let’s get into it.

The Raw Data—Literally
Since Raw made its Netflix debut in January, it’s been popping up in those Tudum Top 10 rankings like a certified hit. But some sharp-eyed analysts noticed that when you apply Netflix’s standard calculation (hours viewed ÷ runtime), Raw wasn’t lining up like your typical binge-worthy drama. Low key, of course it wouldn’t. A weekly live show can’t measure up to original Netflix reality dramas like Young, Famous and African.

Netflix heard the whispers and executives came through with an explanation:

1. Live Raw vs. On-Demand Raw – Live broadcasts roll differently than replays, so runtime isn’t consistent across both formats.
2. Blended Views – Netflix doesn’t just use a single formula to calculate Raw’s numbers. Instead, they mix calculations from different versions of each episode, factoring in both live and on-demand runtimes. Since Netflix is available worldwide, views are measured globally and typically follow a simple formula: Views = Hours Viewed × Runtime (in hours). But with Raw, that equation isn’t always so straightforward.
3. Ads Affect Runtime – The show runs longer live due to commercials, while on-demand viewers get the streamlined version.

Now, does that mean the numbers were rigged like a small package? Not really. But it does mean that comparing Raw to, say Sweet Magnolias or Season 8 of Love Is Blind isn’t as straightforward as it looks.

Breaking Down the Discrepancies
So here’s where it gets boom-bastic side-eyed, when you check the stats for past Raw episodes, the gaps in calculation you can say has varied. Sometimes the Netflix reported views were lower than the raw (pun intended) math and sometimes, like the post-Royal Rumble episode, they were higher. The Rumble itself had no discrepancy. Why? Because it was a two-day sample window, while Monday Night Raw gets a full seven days of data. That supports Netflix’s claim that live and on-demand runtimes are affecting how views are counted.

What’s the Verdict?
Is this a smoking gun? Nah. However, wrestling viewership on Netflix requires a different lens than your typical streaming hit. How would that lens look? That's still up for debate. WWE Raw is a different kind of beast: part live attraction, part binge-worthy and a three hour endurance test for both fans and WWE superstars. It’s still too early to draw a solid conclusion of its performance. To get a true and accurate read, a full year of data, week by week would be needed even with this formula in play. Some might even argue this method isn't the best way to measure this programing at all. 

At the end of the day, WWE and Netflix are still in their honeymoon phase and this little numbers game is just a growing pain. The real test? How these stats hold up as Raw continues to evolve on the platform. Until then, let’s keep watching, let’s keep questioning and remember; just like a great wrestling storyline, the truth is always a little more complicated than it seems.

Look at AEW: when it entered the scene during the peak of the pandemic, numbers skyrocketed against NXT, thus creating the Rating Wars. After three years, the dust settled, the bottom fell out, and the real story emerged. Viewership is at a decline, even with some big name signings. Meanwhile, NXT had held steady despite shifting networks (two-times, by the way), receiving big viewership spikes for their special episodes.

In the long run, time always tells the real story.

*Writer's note: That reminds me! For a premium Netflix sub of $24.99, you're getting commercials throughout RAW? My weekly complaint is: WTF!

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Be sure to explore more of BRP's content by visiting our website and joining our Black Rasslin' Podcast Patreon for exclusive material.

Catch Mimi, also known as #TheWrestlingChic, co-hosting #TheBuckle: #TurnbuckleTalk, every Tuesday at 6:35PM ET on X Spaces and Thursday at 8:35PM ET w/the rest of the crew on The Black Rasslin' Podcast on YouTube.

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WWE & TNA FORGE GROUNDBREAKING TALENT CROSSOVER PARTNERSHIP

WWE & TNA FORGE GROUNDBREAKING TALENT CROSSOVER PARTNERSHIP

5:09 PM   AJ Francis, Chris Bey, Impact, Mimi, TNA, WWE,

Words: Mimi aka #TheWrestlingChic  

WWE and TNA Wrestling’s partnership (which was announced today) and the WWE ID initiative (revealed late last year) are more than just business moves. They are the ultimate shake-up of the wrestling world, with opportunities for WWE Superstars past, present, and future. With WWE and TNA’s new partnership allowing NXT Superstars and TNA talent to step into each other’s territory, we’re officially entering a new era of collaboration that could redefine careers and meet fan expectations.

For stars who’ve left WWE, this partnership could be the ultimate comeback story or at least a chance to shine again. Picture this: a second shot for wrestlers who felt their journeys were cut short or for those who’ve been grinding in other promotions, waiting to prove they still belong in the spotlight. And let’s be real, TNA just became the perfect proving ground for ex-WWE talent like AJ Francis, Kushida, Mustafa Ali, Nic Nemeth, and even Ying Lee, who might be itching for reinvention. The door is wide open for bigger storylines, banger matches, and potential comebacks that fans didn’t even know they needed.

But this partnership isn’t just about the veterans. It’s a golden ticket for rising stars, especially Black talent, who now have a pipeline to thrive in two major wrestling markets at once. Between WWE’s NIL Program and WWE ID, the spotlight is getting bigger for underrepresented voices. Aspiring stars like Tasha Steelz, Savannah Evans, Chris Bey, Jonathan Gresham, and Jack Price can now realistically dream of standing on wrestling’s grandest stage. This next-level opportunity.

Also too, let’s give credit where it’s due, TNA just leveled up. Sure WWE is still the king of the mountain, but TNA’s roster and brand now has more eyes on them than ever. This partnership makes TNA a promising option for free agents or even overlooked WWE talent. Could WWE have a hand in influencing who TNA signs? Maybe. Could this lead to smoother transitions, co-branded storylines or even a few strategic snubs?(Cue side-eye.) Either way, the options for potential stars in the space looking to make waves just doubled.

The real winners though? Us, the fans (shoutout to Slick!). This partnership is opening the floodgates for fantasy bookings to come true, wild crossover drama, and career renaissances we once thought were impossible. It’s an exciting time to be a wrestling fan. WWE and TNA are betting big, and we love to see it. 

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Catch Mimi, also known as #TheWrestlingChic, co-hosting #TheBuckle: #TurnbuckleTalk, every Tuesday at 6:35PM ET on X Spaces and Thursday at 8:35PM ET w/the rest of the crew on The Black Rasslin' Podcast on YouTube.

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