WWE will stream the first SmackDown of 2025 for free on YouTube internationally before transitioning to Netflix, Wrestling Noticias confirms. The official streaming link is now available.
This special broadcast marks the transition period between current television contracts and the new Netflix partnership. Wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer explained: “The television contracts end this year. Netflix starts on January 6, so the January 3 SmackDown falls in a gap.”
The January 3 episode represents the final broadcast before SmackDown moves to Netflix. The streaming platform begins carrying SmackDown internationally from January 6, coinciding with RAW’s Netflix debut and marking the official start of the WWE partnership.
RAW’s Netflix premiere is set to feature The Rock, John Cena, Roman Reigns, and other main roster stars, headlined by a Tribal Combat Match between Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa.