4 WWE stars who missed RAW on Netflix premiere

WWE RAW's debut episode on Netflix was no less than a cinematic masterpiece. The three-hour show on the streaming giant saw several storylines taking twists and turns. The Rock shockingly turned babyface in his first promo of 2025, John Cena appeared and said that he was going to win the Royal Rumble 2025, Dominik Mysterio betrayed Liv Morgan, and Kevin Owens showed up to interfere in the Bloodline saga.

The show also saw the return of The Undertaker with his biker character and Hulk Hogan appeared in his usual Hulkamania style along with Jimmy Hart. However, there were still a few superstars who missed the bus. This listicle will discuss four stars who didn't appear on RAW's debut episode on Netflix.

#4. Former WWE Champion Randy Orton

Multi-time WWE Champion Randy Orton is among the few stars who missed RAW's debut episode on Netflix. The Viper has been out of action since taking a piledriver from Kevin Owens on the November 8 edition of SmackDown last year. In a statement, WWE had said that the former champion would be out for an indefinite period.

Moreover, there also wasn't an expectation of Orton's return. Sportskeeda's Dr. Chris Featherstone reported on X that there wasn't any talk of Orton's return on RAW's debut episode on Netflix. The Legend Killer, however, is rumored to return by Royal Rumble 2025 to confront Kevin Owens. According to an exclusive report from Wrestlevotes on Backstage Pass, The Viper should be back by the first premium live event of 2025.

"By the Royal Rumble, you know, if not on February 1st, it'll be beforehand. So yeah, very soon," Wrestlevotes said.

It remains to be seen how Orton confronts Kevin Owens for his revenge.

#3. Becky Lynch

The Man was expected to show up on RAW's debut episode on Netflix, but the show ended without any glimpse of her. In fact, Becky Lynch was even in town for an appearance and was set to get involved in the Rhea Ripley and Liv Morgan storyline, but the company reportedly nixed the plans.

Cory Hays reported on the Bodyslam RAW Post Show that Becky Lynch was originally planned to appear on RAW but was replaced by The Undertaker. He said that the former Women's World Champion is expected to return soon and will also reveal her opponent for WrestleMania 41.

#2. Charlotte Flair

The Queen was another WWE Superstar who missed RAW's premiere episode on Netflix. She has been out of action for over a year now after suffering a torn ACL, MCL, and meniscus during a match with Asuka in December 2023.

She was expected to make an appearance on RAW's debut episode on Netflix, but she appeared nowhere. Further, Tommy Carlucci has predicted on the Behind The Turnbuckle podcast that the promotion has plans to push her return for Royal Rumble 2025.

#1. Stone Cold Steve Austin

The biggest miss of the night was the absence of Stone Cold Steve Austin. The Texas Rattlesnake's return to RAW was anticipated with bated breath by fans. However, reports had emerged earlier that Austin's talks with the company had fallen through at some point.

The Hall of Famer has been absent from the company since April 2022, when he returned to face Kevin Owens at WrestleMania 38 in a No Holds Barred match. He was expected to show up at WrestleMania 40, but once again Austin couldn't reach a deal with the Stamford-based promotion. Fans shall now be waiting for his comeback this year at WWE WrestleMania 41.