WWE Raw Start Times to Remain Flexible During NFL Season
Stamford, CT – September 29, 2025 – WWE Raw will continue to adjust its start time throughout the NFL season, a strategy implemented to avoid direct competition with professional football broadcasts. The company confirmed today that Raw will shift to an 8:00 PM ET start time on nights when NFL games are scheduled, reverting to its usual 7:00 PM ET beginning when the football schedule allows.
This ongoing adjustment impacts millions of WWE fans across North America and internationally, influencing viewership numbers and live event attendance. The practice,initially adopted in recent years,aims to maximize Raw’s audience by minimizing overlap with the highly-rated NFL games. WWE anticipates these fluctuating start times will continue provided that the NFL maintains its current broadcast schedule.
The shifting start times began as a response to declining Raw viewership figures when directly competing with NFL games. By strategically adjusting the broadcast schedule, WWE hopes to retain and attract viewers who might or else tune into football. The company has experimented with various start times, ultimately settling on the 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM ET windows as the most effective.
WWE’s strategy isn’t limited to just the start time. The company also utilizes promotional efforts and social media campaigns to remind fans of the adjusted schedule each week. Fans can find the most up-to-date Raw start time details on WWE’s official website, social media channels, and thru television listings.
