Current AEW star Mercedes Mone recently opened up about WWE RAW moving to streaming giant Netflix. Mone, formerly known as Sasha Banks, had an incredible career in WWE. However, she decided to leave the promotion in 2022 after creative disagreements with the management.
After leaving WWE, Mercedes Mone made a name for herself in NJPW, eventually leading to her AEW debut earlier this year. She is currently experiencing significant success in Tony Khan’s promotion. Moreover, she is the reigning TBS Champion, a title she won in her first match at AEW Double or Nothing against Willow Nightingale.
With Mone currently enjoying major success in AEW, she recently spoke about WWE RAW heading to Netflix starting January 2025. This marks a significant shift, as RAW will leave cable television for the first time in its 31-year run.
In addition, WWE recently announced RAW will return to a two-hour format in October for the first time in 12 years. The two-hour runtime will last until RAW’s final broadcast on USA in December 2024. Now, it appears that Mercedes Mone is skeptical about the show reverting to the two-hour format.
Mercedes Mone on WWE RAW return to two-hour format
AEW TBS Champion Mercedes Mone recently discussed WWE RAW’s highly anticipated move to Netflix. In her latest Mone Mag, she expressed having “mixed feelings” about the show reducing from three hours to two. While she appreciated the extra hour for giving “more performers a chance to shine,” she expressed concern that the shorter runtime “could mean fewer opportunities for the roster.”
She continued, “It’s hard enough for talent, especially women, to get TV time. The silver lining could be Netflix. With Netflix, I’m assuming [and hoping] there will be many new ways to showcase talent.” Mone then concluded that she is in support of “more opportunities for talent, which leads to more entertainment for fans and more money for the business.” Thus, for her, this is the “best way for all to win – especially the roster and fans.”
RAW is reportedly returning to a two-hour format, though it’s still unclear if this change will continue once the show moves to Netflix. However, recent reports suggest that while RAW has been shortened to two hours, WWE SmackDown may be extended by an additional hour, potentially becoming a three-hour show. While RAW is set to trim its runtime, SmackDown could be heading in the opposite direction with a longer format.
