Steve Carrier on May 9, 2024
WWE SmackDown is set to make its triumphant return to the USA Network on Friday, September 13, as announced in a press release from NBCUniversal.
This marks a significant development following the agreement between WWE and USA Network for a five-year deal, which was inked in September 2023 after WWE’s deal with FOX concluded. Originally slated for October 2024, the return of SmackDown to USA Network has been advanced by a month.
As part of the unveiling of its programming slate for the 2024-25 season, NBCUniversal highlighted the return of WWE SmackDown to USA Network alongside a lineup of fresh originals, exclusive live sports, and returning hits across various networks under its umbrella.
In addition to the WWE SmackDown revival, other notable programming highlights include the launch of new series like “Making It in Manhattan” on Bravo, “Revival” on SYFY, and an untitled project featuring Cori Broadus and Snoop Dogg on E!. The portfolio also boasts returning fan favorites such as “Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen” on Bravo and “Cold Justice” on Oxygen True Crime.
NBCUniversal executives expressed enthusiasm for the strong connection and engagement with viewers across its cable networks, citing Bravo and USA Network’s continued dominance in prime-time demographics, E!’s increased linear viewership, and SYFY’s reach across key demographics.
To celebrate WWE’s return to USA Network, the network will kick off WWE Week on September 9, featuring a lineup of films including “Fast and the Furious” franchise, “Blockers,” and the Peacock documentary “Bray Wyatt: Becoming Immortal.”
Moreover, USA Network will exclusively air WWE’s flagship programs, “WWE Monday Night RAW” and “WWE SmackDown,” through the end of 2024. WWE Raw will then transition to Netflix in January 2025, following its tenure on USA Network.
With WWE SmackDown’s return and a promising lineup of programming, NBCUniversal aims to continue delivering compelling content to its audiences across its cable networks.
May 9, 2024 9:03 pm
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