It is finally Monday. You’ve had a long day, the coffee has worn off, and all you want is to see CM Punk drop a pipe bomb or Rhea Ripley flatten someone. But things aren’t as simple as they used to be back when you just flipped to the USA Network and called it a night. Ever since the massive Netflix jump, people are constantly asking: what time does Raw come on today? The answer depends entirely on where you’re sitting.
If you are in the United States, WWE Raw goes live at 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT. Honestly, the transition to streaming has messed with everyone’s internal clock. For decades, Raw was synonymous with cable. Now, it’s an app icon on your smart TV. Today, January 19, 2026, the red brand is emanating from the SSE Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Because it's an international show, there’s always that slight panic that it might be taped or airing at a weird time. Don't worry. Even when they are across the pond, Netflix generally keeps that 8:00 PM ET start time for the domestic audience to keep things consistent.
Why the Start Time Matters More in 2026
We aren't in the "three-hour slog" era anymore. Remember when the third hour of Raw felt like a marathon you didn't sign up for? Since the move to Netflix, the runtime has become... fluid. Triple H and the TKO executives realized that without the rigid requirements of linear television commercials, they can let the show breathe.
Sometimes the show runs two hours. Sometimes it’s two and a half. On big nights, like the "Stranger Things" crossover we saw earlier this month at the Barclays Center, it can push toward three.
📖 Related: South Park: Why Stan, Kyle, Cartman, and Kenny Still Matter After 30 Years
If you’re tuning in today, you’re looking at a heavy focus on the "Road to Royal Rumble." We are less than two weeks away from the big event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. That means the 8:00 PM start time isn't just a suggestion; if you’re five minutes late, you probably missed a massive brawl or a surprise entrant announcement.
Global Start Times for the International Crowd
Since today’s show is actually happening in Belfast, the local fans are seeing it much earlier than we are in the States. For the rest of the world trying to catch the stream, here is the breakdown:
- United Kingdom (Local): 1:00 AM GMT (Tuesday morning)
- Canada (Toronto/Montreal): 8:00 PM ET
- India: 6:30 AM IST (Tuesday morning)
- Australia: 11:00 AM AEST (Tuesday morning)
It’s kinda wild to think about Irish fans sitting in the SSE Arena at 7:30 PM local time while we wait until our evening to see the "broadcast" version. But that’s the magic of the current deal.
What Time Does Raw Come On Today on Different Devices?
One of the biggest hurdles fans still face in 2026 is the "where" along with the "when." If you open Netflix at 8:00 PM and don't see the live link, don't break your remote.
Usually, the "Live" rail on the Netflix home screen updates about 15 minutes before the bell rings. I’ve found that if I don’t see it, a quick search for "WWE" or "Raw" in the search bar forces the app to realize the stream is active.
You’ve also got to consider your internet speed. Streaming a live sporting event is way more demanding than watching a recorded episode of Stranger Things. If your connection is wonky, you might experience a 30-second delay. This is a nightmare if you’re also on X (formerly Twitter) or Discord, because the "spoilers" will hit your feed before the move actually happens on your screen.
The Ad-Tier Situation
If you’re on the Netflix "Standard with Ads" plan, your start time is the same, but your experience is... different.
You’ll still see the show at 8:00 PM ET, but WWE has mastered the art of "picture-in-picture" or well-timed breaks. They don't want you missing the action, but Netflix still has to pay the bills. If you’re a purist, the ad-free tier is basically mandatory at this point to get the seamless flow that Triple H keeps promising in interviews.
What to Expect Tonight (January 19)
The rumor mill is spinning fast today. With the show taking place in Belfast, everyone is looking at Finn Bálor and Becky Lynch. Becky is currently slated to face Maxxine Dupri for the Women's Intercontinental Championship. Yeah, that’s a real title now, and it’s honestly been one of the best additions to the mid-card in years.
Then there’s the main event: CM Punk vs. Finn Bálor.
This isn't just a random match. It’s a World Heavyweight Championship clash. Usually, international shows feel like "house shows" that happen to be televised. Not this one. This is a pivotal stop before the Royal Rumble on January 31. If you aren't in front of your screen exactly when Raw comes on today, you’re going to miss the atmosphere of a rowdy Belfast crowd that hasn't had a Raw this big in a long time.
Common Misconceptions About the 2026 Schedule
I still see people asking if Raw is on USA Network. No. That ship sailed a long time ago.
There was a brief period at the end of 2024 where things were in limbo, but as of right now, Netflix is the exclusive home. You won't find it on Hulu the next day either. The "Next Day" rights were a huge point of contention during the TKO negotiations, and eventually, Netflix won out. If you miss the live window, the replay is usually available almost immediately after the show ends.
✨ Don't miss: End of the earth ty myers lyrics: The Soulful Story Behind the Viral Hit
Another thing: The Pre-Show.
WWE has been experimenting with a "Kickoff" style show that starts at 7:30 PM ET on YouTube and TikTok. It’s mostly just talking heads and recap packages, but if you’re a die-hard, that’s actually when your "Raw night" starts.
Is the Runtime Fixed?
Nope. And that’s the best part.
Last week, the show ended at 10:12 PM. The week before, it went until 10:28 PM.
When you're planning your night, don't assume you'll be done by 11:00 PM sharp. The flexibility allows for those long, emotional promos that used to get cut off by the local news. Basically, just clear your schedule from 8:00 PM until at least 10:30 PM.
How to Prepare Your Setup
Look, nobody wants to spend the first ten minutes of the show troubleshooting their login.
- Check your Netflix Updates: If you’re using a Roku or an older Smart TV, make sure the app is updated. The live-streaming architecture is still relatively new and buggy on older hardware.
- Hardwire if possible: If your router is in another room, try to get an ethernet cable to your console or TV. Buffer circles during a Roman Reigns return are the absolute worst.
- Sync your social media: If you like the community aspect, the #WWERaw hashtag is still the place to be, but remember the delay. You might want to stay off the "Live" tab of the hashtag and stick to your "Following" feed to avoid trolls who are 20 seconds ahead of you.
WWE is in a weird, exciting place. Moving to Netflix was a gamble, but seeing Raw come on today with the production value of a high-budget movie makes it feel like it paid off.
Actionable Next Steps
To make sure you don't miss a second of the action tonight:
- Log into your Netflix account at 7:55 PM ET to ensure your session hasn't timed out.
- Search "WWE Raw" directly if the live banner isn't prominently displayed on the "Home" or "New & Popular" tabs.
- If you're watching from the UK or Europe, remember that this is a "live" broadcast of the Belfast event, meaning you're watching it in the middle of the night—stock up on caffeine now.
- Check the WWE official app for the latest "Tale of the Tape" for the Punk/Bálor match to get the backstory on their recent history.