Highlights
- WWE SmackDown is making a big move back to USA Network in September 2024, earlier than expected.
- Raw is heading to Netflix while NXT goes to the CW Network, causing a major shakeup in WWE.
- Despite losing FOX, SmackDown remains strong with top talent like Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns returning.
For the past five years, WWE’s Friday Night SmackDown has aired on FOX. Being on network TV has seen their ratings grow, with them taking over Raw and beating them in viewership every week. Last fall, however, saw WWE’s TV rights deals coming to an end, and a major shakeup causing all three shows to move. In a bold risk, Raw will be leaving the USA Network for Netflix in January, NXT will be leaving USA as well in a move to the CW Network, and SmackDown will be saying goodbye to FOX to return to its old home at the USA Network. We now know the exact date that the last transition will occur, which is sooner than what was expected.
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WWE SmackDown Returns To The USA Network In September
A press release from NBC Universal has revealed that WWE SmackDown will move from FOX to the USA Network on Friday, September 13, 2024. Originally, SmackDown was said to be going to USA sometime in October. Here is part of the press release, which can be found in full here:
Starting in September and through the end of 2024, USA Network will serve as the exclusive linear home of the WWE’s two tentpole franchises, “WWE Monday Night RAW” and “WWE SmackDown,” which returns to the network on Sept. 13 as part of a new multi-year partnership.
To celebrate, USA Network will be launching WWE Week on Sept. 9. All week long, the network will air films from the “Fast and the Furious” franchise starring Dwayne Johnson, “Blockers” starring John Cena, and the Peacock documentary “Bray Wyatt: Becoming Immortal.”
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Is Returning To The USA Network A Smart Move For WWE?
It was a huge deal when SmackDown went to FOX in 2019. It was seen as a way to grow the brand, and while it did succeed in drawing more eyes to the company, FOX wasn’t as happy, as they didn’t get the ad venue they were hoping for and decided to let it go. A return to the USA Network means that SmackDown is going to take a huge dip in viewership and will probably go back to being WWE’s “B” show behind Raw.
With Raw moving to Netflix, and NXT going to network TV on the CW Network, SmackDown is taking a step back by airing on a cable TV network, a format which is seen as slowly dying, while Netflix only continues to grow. No matter how it affects ratings, SmackDown will still be in good shape, as it is now the home of the new Undisputed WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes, and will likely be the landing spot for Roman Reigns when he makes his return.
