SmackDown’s Transition from FOX to USA Network Set for September Amidst Broadcast Adjustments
Summary
– WWE SmackDown will transition to the USA Network starting September 13, earlier than the planned October switch.
– The move is prompted by FOX’s need to accommodate college football broadcasts, potentially shifting SmackDown to FS1.
– NBCUniversal plans to celebrate the move with “WWE Week,” featuring themed programming and a heavily promoted return episode in Seattle.
WWE SmackDown is set to move to the USA Network sooner than expected, with the new start date confirmed for Friday, September 13. This shift is part of a broader realignment of WWE programming across television networks, including Raw’s upcoming transition to Netflix and NXT’s move to the CW Network in October.
The decision to transition SmackDown early was influenced by FOX’s scheduling conflicts with college football in September. This would have relegated several SmackDown episodes to FS1, a channel with less reach than FOX. Recognizing an opportunity, the USA Network opted to start airing SmackDown earlier to maintain the show’s visibility and audience engagement.
Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter outlined the strategic reasoning behind the move, noting that it reflects both networks’ efforts to optimize their fall schedules and accommodate the valuable WWE content without disruptions. NBCUniversal, seizing the chance to make a splash with the return of SmackDown to its network, is planning a special “WWE Week.” This week will feature various programming synergies, including Fast & Furious movies starring WWE icons John Cena and The Rock, other Cena-related films, and a Bray Wyatt documentary.
The premiere episode in Seattle is expected to be a major event, with WWE aiming to showcase a “stacked card” to capture fans’ attention and set a high standard for the show’s future on the USA Network. With SmackDown continuing on its regular Friday night slot, the move is anticipated to offer stable viewership dynamics and potentially enhance the show’s ratings given the USA’s wide accessibility.
As WWE navigates these network changes, the early transition of SmackDown to the USA Network illustrates the complexities and strategic maneuvers involved in broadcasting major sports entertainment content. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how these changes affect the landscape of televised wrestling.
