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.