Netflix and WWE began their collaboration with much anticipation, and many expected potential hiccups. Why? Because similar chaos was witnessed during the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight.
However, despite the drama and tension on-screen, Netflix managed to avoid creating any off-screen issues.
But things took a different turn when SmackDown debuted for the international audience.
Unlike Raw, which Netflix streams globally, including in the USA, with full control over production, SmackDown had a different setup. The USA Network still retained broadcasting rights, and Netflix was not in charge of the camera and broadcasting work. This led to a mixed viewing experience for fans.
While some users noticed a dip in video quality, others didn’t find it problematic. However, the biggest issue revolved around ads. International viewers of Raw enjoy an ad-free experience, but SmackDown viewers faced interruptions due to frequent ad breaks. This frustrated many, as the ads disrupted the flow of the show.
To address the “ad-free” promise, Netflix didn’t air traditional ads. Instead, they played music during the breaks, which annoyed most users even further.
The first impression of Raw was fantastic, but SmackDown has flipped the table. The ad breaks feel excessive for a three-hour show, and Netflix needs to rethink their strategy for SmackDown. If they don’t resolve these issues soon, it could spell trouble in the coming days.
The music during the commercial breaks for SmackDown on Netflix in Canada is unbearable please change it lol @netflix @Netflix_CA #smackdown
— New Scott – Maritime Wrestling + Everything Else! (@newscottTNS) January 11, 2025
The @netflix @WWE #Smackdown break music… is proper fall asleep music. It’s 3am. Do something asap to fix this crap.
— Harding (@SRG_Harding) January 11, 2025
@netflix give us commercials but not that brainrot music for 3 min plz #smackdown
— KK (@ReignsKK_) January 11, 2025
I was pleased when the news broke about @WWE moving to @netflix but my god Smackdown is unwatchable in the UK with these ridiculous inserts whilst the ad breaks are happening (& my god there's a lot of them!) I would literally rather watch the adverts! #Smackdown pic.twitter.com/D0sQ4AmsgC
— Steve Harris (@Bomberharris77) January 11, 2025
OMFG ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! #Smackdown has just made my brain snap. Fix this shit @netflix and @WWE. You will lose viewership over this. pic.twitter.com/E0BHqOAlj1
— Billy Campbell (@ItsTheBillster) January 11, 2025
So unlike @wwe #raw live on @NetflixUK @netflix #smackdown is coming up wirh D7377 not impressed @wweuk
Anyone else having issues accessing #wwesmackdown #wwe #smackdownonNetflix ?#WrestlingCommunity #wweuk #WrestlingTwitter #wrestling #RoyalRumble pic.twitter.com/B9oYm5fqjx
— King Of Ink Land ® ✖️ (@king_body_art) January 11, 2025
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