WWE’s Global Expansion Continues as WrestleMania Heads to Netflix in Germany and Austria
The professional wrestling landscape is undergoing a significant shift as World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) further solidifies its international partnership with Netflix. Beginning April 1st, and culminating with WrestleMania 42 on April 18th, Netflix will become the novel home for WWE’s premium live events (PLEs) in Germany and Austria, marking the final phase-out of the WWE Network in international markets. This expansion builds upon an existing agreement that saw Netflix begin broadcasting WWE’s weekly programming, including Monday Night Raw, to a growing number of territories worldwide in January 2024. The move underscores Netflix’s increasing investment in live sports content and provides WWE with a broader reach to its European fanbase.
WrestleMania 42, set to take place at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, will be the flagship event launching this new era for WWE fans in Germany and Austria. The event promises to feature some of the biggest names in professional wrestling, including CM Punk, Roman Reigns, Rhea Ripley, Jade Cargill, and Brock Lesnar, competing for championships and wrestling immortality. Beyond WrestleMania, other major PLEs like SummerSlam, Money in the Bank, and the May 31st event in Italy – a strategically timed show for European audiences – will also be available on the streaming platform. These events will be accessible on demand with German-language commentary, catering specifically to local viewers.
The Conclude of an Era: WWE Network Sunset
For years, the WWE Network served as the direct-to-consumer hub for wrestling fans, offering a vast library of content and live event access. However, with the growing partnership with Netflix, the WWE Network is now being fully retired. WWE has already begun notifying subscribers of the impending closure and directing them to migrate their subscriptions to Netflix to continue accessing WWE content. This transition represents a significant shift in how WWE distributes its premium content internationally, moving away from a proprietary platform to leveraging the reach and infrastructure of a global streaming giant.
Netflix’s Growing Sports Portfolio
This expanded partnership with WWE is part of a larger strategy by Netflix to bolster its presence in the sports entertainment market. The streaming service has been actively acquiring rights to various sporting events, recognizing the potential to attract and retain subscribers through live and on-demand sports programming. Notably, Netflix experienced record viewership with its coverage of an NFL game on Christmas Day, December 25, 2024, with the Detroit Lions versus Minnesota Vikings game drawing an average of 27.5 million viewers in the United States. This success demonstrates Netflix’s ability to capture a significant audience for live sports and reinforces its commitment to expanding its sports offerings.
What Remains with Traditional Broadcast Partners
Although Netflix gains exclusive rights to WWE’s premium live events in Germany and Austria, WWE’s core weekly programming – Raw, SmackDown, and NXT – will continue to be broadcast on traditional linear television channels. In Germany, these programs will remain with BILD and ProSieben MAXX. This hybrid approach allows WWE to maintain a presence on both traditional and streaming platforms, maximizing its reach to different segments of the audience. The focus for Netflix is specifically on the higher-tier, pay-per-view style events that previously resided on the WWE Network.
WrestleMania 42: A Global Spectacle
WrestleMania, often referred to as “The Grandest Stage of Them All,” is WWE’s premier annual event. The 42nd edition, scheduled for April 18th and 19th, is expected to draw a massive global audience. The event’s move to Netflix in Germany and Austria will provide fans in those regions with convenient access to the action, alongside high-quality streaming and on-demand viewing options. The confirmed participation of major stars like CM Punk, Roman Reigns, Rhea Ripley, Jade Cargill, and Brock Lesnar adds to the anticipation surrounding the event.
Subscription Options on Netflix
For fans in Germany and Austria looking to access WWE’s premium live events on Netflix, several subscription tiers are available. As of March 2026, Netflix offers a Standard with ads plan for $7.99 per month, a Standard plan without ads for $17.99 per month, and a Premium plan with 4K + HDR quality and immersive sound for $24.99 per month. These options provide flexibility for viewers based on their preferences and budget.
Looking Ahead: The Future of WWE and Netflix
The expansion of the WWE-Netflix partnership represents a significant development in the sports entertainment industry. It signals a growing trend of streaming services acquiring rights to live sports content and a shift in how fans consume wrestling programming. As Netflix continues to invest in sports, and WWE continues to expand its global reach, the collaboration is poised to deliver even more exciting content to fans around the world. The success of this partnership will likely influence future deals and further reshape the landscape of sports broadcasting.
The next major event following WrestleMania 42 will be SummerSlam, traditionally held in August. Details regarding the location and match card for SummerSlam are expected to be announced in the coming months. Fans can stay updated on the latest news and announcements by visiting the official WWE website and Netflix’s sports coverage page.
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