Netflix's foray into live sports streaming hit a snag on Monday night as the February 3rd episode of WWE Raw encountered technical issues, disrupting the viewing experience for some fans. The glitches, which caused the feed to intermittently cut out to a black screen, were particularly noticeable during the main event of the evening, featuring CM Punk against Sami Zayn.

The problems, which also resulted in audio drops, did not cause the live feed to drop entirely, but were still a source of frustration for fans eager to see the fallout from Saturday's Royal Rumble event. This marks the first major technical issue for WWE Raw on Netflix, which debuted on the streaming platform in early January after spending decades as a staple of linear cable TV.

Netflix has committed $5 billion over 10 years to secure WWE's flagship weekly show, and the streaming giant is now home to an even bigger WWE content portfolio outside the US, including SmackDown, NXT, and the company's monthly premium live events. The stakes are high for Netflix to ensure that these streams go smoothly, and Monday's technical glitches will likely raise concerns about the platform's ability to handle live events.

The Verge has reached out to WWE for comment on what caused the brief interruptions, but no explanation has been provided yet. The incident comes on the heels of Netflix's recent price hike, which saw its ad-supported tier increase to $7.99 per month, the standard ad-free plan to $17.99, and the premium tier to $24.99 per month. While the streaming giant has not directly attributed the price increase to its WWE content, the deal is likely a significant factor in the company's decision to raise its prices.

The WWE Raw streaming issues on Netflix serve as a reminder of the challenges that come with live sports streaming. Technical glitches can be frustrating for viewers and damaging to a platform's reputation. As Netflix continues to invest in live sports content, it will be crucial for the company to ensure that its infrastructure can handle the demands of real-time streaming.

In the broader context, the incident highlights the ongoing shift in the way we consume sports and entertainment content. As traditional linear TV continues to decline, streaming platforms are stepping in to fill the void. The success of WWE Raw on Netflix will be closely watched, not just by wrestling fans, but by the entire entertainment industry, which is eagerly awaiting signs of whether streaming can truly replace traditional TV.

For now, Netflix will need to address the technical issues that plagued Monday's WWE Raw broadcast and work to prevent similar problems in the future. The company's ability to do so will have significant implications for its WWE content, as well as its broader ambitions in the live sports streaming space.