WWE Raw Early Start Time Next Week, John Cena Confirmed to Appear
WWE is shaking things up again. As we previously reported here at Wrestling.news, next week’s edition of Monday Night Raw (September 15, 2025) will begin one hour earlier than usual—airing at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT.
While no official explanation has been provided, both we and other major outlets have speculated that the move is part of a strategy to get a jump on Monday Night Football. Historically, the NFL’s return cuts into Raw’s audience, and this early-start experiment looks like another way for WWE to stay competitive in the primetime battle.
Adding more excitement to this unusual broadcast window: WWE officially confirmed on tonight’s Raw that John Cena will return next Monday.
Cena vs. Lesnar Confirmed for Wrestlepalooza
Last Friday on SmackDown, the blockbuster match was locked in — John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar on September 20 at Wrestlepalooza. Lesnar made his shocking return at SummerSlam, attacking Cena without explanation. The rivalry will now reach its boiling point on WWE’s first Premium Live Event airing on ESPN.
WWE also confirmed on social media that Brock Lesnar is confirmed for WWE SmackDown this Friday September 12, 2025—with Cena already making his last blue brand appearance last Friday—it is highly unlikely he will make an appearance but we will hear from Brock Lesnar leading up to an explosive Raw episode next week.
Cena, a 17-time World Champion, will step back onto Raw next Monday, and all eyes are on what he has to say before stepping into battle with The Beast. Expect heavy fireworks and maybe even one last brawl before the two collide on the grand stage.
🗣️ Wrestling.news | Backstage Take
This isn’t just about Cena—this is about data. WWE and Netflix are clearly running controlled experiments to see how Raw performs against the NFL juggernaut. Cena’s appearance ensures a ratings bump, giving the new time slot its best possible chance to succeed. Expect WWE to monitor minute-by-minute viewership very closely. If numbers hold strong, more “early Raw” broadcasts could follow.
How to Watch
📺 Date: Monday, September 15, 2025
🕖 Start Time: 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT
📍 Location: MassMutual Center in Springfield, Massachusetts
📡 Streaming: Netflix (U.S.)
