
WWE’s ROYAL RUMBLE Sets All-Time Viewership Record
By Movieguide® Contributor
WWE’s ROYAL RUMBLE just set an all-time viewership record after making its streaming debut.
According to Deadline, ROYAL RUMBLE’s viewer numbers were up “nearly 16% domestically” on Peacock and “even higher” globally on Netflix, compared to last year. The outlet added that WWE did not release exact numbers.
This is the first year ROYAL RUMBLE aired on Netflix. WWE and the streamer just inked a 10-year deal that also includes the rights to MONDAY NIGHT RAW.
READ MORE: NETFLIX PREMIERE OF WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW EARNS HIGH VIEWER NUMBERS
Among the ROYAL RUMBLE competitors was John Cena, who recently revealed that this will be his last season before retiring.
Cena didn’t win his ROYAL RUMBLE bout but was a good sport, rival Jey Uso revealed post-match.
“He hugged me and he goes ‘Hey, I remember your first tour. I always told you and your brother you guys would be fine, be yourself. Look at these people now,’” Uso said of the pair’s conversation in the ring. “That’s when he turned me to the crowd…So yeah man, love for John Cena, he’s a GOAT, man.”
Speaking at the post-RUMBLE press conference, Cena said, “Tonight, standing in that ring I wanted this experience to be a tour of good will. I’ve openly admitted I don’t know how much I have left in the tank and I just wanted to do something that would be nice for all of us to get together and have a good time.”
Cena still plans to go to WrestleMania 41, scoring a spot by competing in the Elimination Chamber.
“What is best for business is I main event WrestleMania,” Cena said. “And what is best for business is for the first time I confidently say that I am going to win a 17th championship. So I am announcing tonight that I will compete in the Elimination Chamber. And I’m saying that because after 23 years of loyal service to this company, I feel that opportunity is earned.”
READ MORE: JOHN CENA ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT FROM PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING