In an exciting update for WWE fans, it has been revealed that SmackDown will maintain its traditional Friday night slot when it moves to the USA Network in October 2024. This decision, as reported by Dave Meltzer, ensures that loyal viewers won’t need to adjust their weekly schedules to catch their favorite WWE action.
The choice to stick with Friday nights may come as a surprise to some, considering the fierce competition typically seen on that evening. However, USA Network’s flexibility in scheduling provides WWE with the opportunity to continue offering SmackDown to its dedicated audience without disrupting their viewing habits.
While WWE had the option to explore other days of the week, such as Wednesday or Thursday, which typically face less sports competition, the decision to maintain Friday night programming demonstrates a commitment to consistency. Interestingly, moving SmackDown to Wednesdays could have been viewed as a strategic move against rival promotion AEW, which airs its Dynamite show on the same day.
This announcement comes amidst WWE’s new television rights agreements set to commence in October 2024. As part of these agreements, NXT will transition to The CW network, while SmackDown finds its new home on the USA Network.
The move represents a significant shift in WWE’s programming strategy, as the company seeks to maximize its reach and appeal to a broader audience. By aligning NXT with The CW, WWE aims to tap into the network’s existing fanbase and capitalize on its established presence in the television landscape.
Meanwhile, the relocation of SmackDown to the USA Network underscores the network’s commitment to WWE programming and its continued investment in the sport. With its reach and viewership, the USA Network provides an ideal platform for SmackDown to continue its legacy as one of WWE’s flagship shows.
For fans, the changes signal an exciting new chapter in WWE’s television programming, with NXT and SmackDown poised to deliver even more thrilling action and compelling storylines in their new homes. As WWE prepares to embark on this next phase of its television journey, anticipation is high for what the future holds for both NXT and SmackDown.
The shift to the USA Network marks a significant milestone for SmackDown, with NBC securing the U.S. broadcasting rights by striking a lucrative deal valued at $287 million annually. This monumental five-year agreement, totaling over $1.4 billion, underscores the enduring popularity and appeal of WWE programming.
Additionally, NXT’s move to The CW represents a substantial increase in media rights value, with a new five-year deal estimated between $20 million and $25 million annually, marking a 70% increase from its previous contract with NBCUniversal’s USA Network.
In a related development, WWE RAW is set to transition to Netflix beginning January 2025, marking a monumental shift in the landscape of professional wrestling broadcasting. However, fans can still catch RAW on the USA Network until the end of 2024, courtesy of a three-month extension that will see WWE pocketing $25 million, offering a glimpse into the lucrative future of WWE’s media rights agreements.
