JBL supports WWE’s decision to remove any questionable content from its Netflix replay broadcasts, arguing that the potential benefits of keeping such material are minimal compared to the significant risks involved. Gabe Spitzer, Netflix’s VP of Sports, shared on Richard Deitsch’s Sports Media podcast that discussions around blood and language with WWE are infrequent, and though Netflix aims to be more lenient than traditional broadcast networks, fans have noted that some content from live shows doesn’t make it into the replays. For example, a backstage segment between Paige and Nikki Bella had a line that excited live audiences but was cut from the Netflix version.
On the podcast Something to Wrestle With, Conrad Thompson asked JBL whether WWE’s reasons for cutting content are driven by sponsors, to encourage live viewing, or to protect future rights deals. JBL agreed all three factors play a role, ranking them in that order of importance with sponsorships and TV rights deals taking precedence over pushing live viewership. He explained this with a straightforward risk assessment: the upside of including such content appeals only to a small portion of fans who appreciate authenticity, while the vast majority either don’t mind its absence or are simply there for the overall entertainment. Conversely, the downside risk is enormous, as even one sponsor might decide the brand is too edgy if it features offensive language, visible blood, or injuries, possibly jeopardizing future partnerships.
JBL’s advice is to always play it safe from a business perspective. Removing questionable content may not gain new deals, but it certainly prevents losing them over something trivial like a few seconds of blood on screen. Interestingly, WWE’s first Raw on Netflix in January 2025 featured an unbleeped curse from The Rock, which many fans saw as an indication the streaming platform would allow for more mature content.
Separately, there is still some secrecy surrounding WrestleMania 43 in Riyadh. While WWE has finalized the creative plans and announced two nights of watch parties at Madison Square Garden, they have not revealed the exact date. Nick Khan mentioned this during The Varsity podcast, and despite efforts by Thompson on Something to Wrestle With to get more details from JBL—who will be attending one of the watch parties at MSG—the date remains undisclosed. JBL, who is involved with the AAA broadcast team, confirmed that WWE’s talent schedules are now managed through an internal app he doesn’t use and prefers to receive information via email or direct contact instead. When pressed about the event’s timing, he gave a vague estimate, saying it would happen sometime between March and July of the next year.
Thompson emphasized the importance of announcing the date soon, as WrestleMania 43 will be the first held outside the U.S. and Canada, and fans considering travel to Saudi Arabia need to plan ahead. Although the venue, creative work, and watch parties have been confirmed, the lack of an official date is unusual. Speculation about WWE’s hesitation includes concerns over providing rivals too much time to plan counter-programming. WrestleMania 43 was officially announced in September 2025 by Triple H and Turki Alalshikh and is expected to take place in April 2027.
Fan Take: This insight into WWE’s careful approach with Netflix replays highlights how business considerations heavily influence what fans get to see, balancing authenticity with sponsorship and distribution goals. Meanwhile, the ongoing mystery around WrestleMania 43’s date signals that WWE is managing its international expansion cautiously, an important move that could shape the future global reach of professional wrestling.
Source: wrestlingnews.co
