WWE’s broadcast of “Friday Night SmackDown” on June 28 faced heavy censorship, leading to frustration among WWE talent and fans alike. The episode, aired on FOX, saw multiple instances where the audio was muted, and segments were cut off to censor expletives, sparking an outcry on social media.
According to a report from Fightful Select, many within WWE were displeased with the extensive censorship. A longtime WWE talent expressed eagerness for the show’s impending move to the USA Network, stating, “It’s a chore to watch sometimes. I understand censoring ‘f**k the Pacers,’ but it feels like every segment is edited, and it makes us look like it’s our production.”
The frustration stemmed from numerous censored moments during the broadcast, most notably during a match between Logan Paul, LA Knight, and Santos Escobar, which was a qualifier for the men’s Money in the Bank ladder match. During the bout, Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton assisted Paul by trying to retrieve his signature brass knuckles. However, New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson, seated in the front row, intervened, leading to a chaotic scene that ended with Knight pinning Paul to qualify for the match.
The intensity of the match and the involvement of NBA players led to a vociferous “F**k the Pacers” chant from the audience, which FOX promptly censored. Additionally, the screen cut to black during Nia Jax’s entrance to censor what appeared to be a child in the audience flipping the bird.
This extensive censorship has become a point of contention for WWE, which prides itself on its live and often unpredictable nature. The frequent interruptions have led to concerns about the overall viewing experience, with one WWE talent pointing out that such heavy-handed censorship detracts from the show’s authenticity and makes the production look overly sanitized.
As WWE prepares to transition “SmackDown” to the USA Network on September 13, the company is hopeful that the move will alleviate some of these issues. The current broadcasting deal with FOX is set to expire shortly before the move, and many within WWE are looking forward to a new chapter with fewer restrictions on live broadcasts.
The change in network could provide WWE with a fresh start and a chance to offer fans a more seamless and engaging viewing experience. With the USA Network historically offering more flexibility in terms of content, WWE is optimistic that the move will allow for a more genuine presentation of its programming.
The episode’s censorship also highlighted the ongoing tension between WWE’s desire to push boundaries and network constraints. As WWE continues to evolve and adapt to different broadcasting environments, the balance between maintaining its edgy, unpredictable appeal and adhering to network standards remains a critical challenge.
