Earlier this week, the internet noticed that the advertised start times of three September Raw tapings had been moved up an hour.
Doors typically open for WWE events 30-60 minutes before broadcast time. WWE hasn’t responded to requests for comment on the changes, so there’s no word on if the episodes will also begin streaming on Netflix earlier than their usual 8 p.m. Eastern time.
But that hasn’t stopped speculation that the move could be to limit the time Raw is head-to-head against Monday Night
Football. The NFL’s weekly Monday game usually begins its broadcast at 8 p.m. Eastern with kickoff 10-15 minutes later.
Avoiding MNF was more obviously desirable when Raw was on traditional television, but would seem to be less of a concern on a fully on-demand platform like Netflix. WWE did just partner up with ESPN for distribution of premium live events on a strategically important and extremely lucrative deal, though. Perhaps the move is being tried in consideration for that new contract?
These start time changes wouldn’t even avoid conflicting with the NFL on Sept. 15, anyway. ESPN has a doubleheader that night (as they often do early in the season) and the first game starts at 7 p.m. ET.
We should get some clarity on the change soon.
