Replacement for WWE SmackDown After USA Network Move Unveiled

The upcoming agreement between SmackDown and the USA Network was originally slated to begin next year, but it will actually start in September this year. Consequently, the new broadcast replacement for SmackDown on FOX has been revealed.

NBCUniversal previously announced that WWE SmackDown will move to the USA Network starting Friday, September 13, earlier than initially expected. This move comes after the announcement of a five-year deal between WWE and USA Network, set to take effect when SmackDown’s rights with FOX expire.

Fox has unveiled its Fall 2024 schedule, revealing the replacement for WWE SmackDown on Friday nights. Starting this season, the Friday 8PM ET/5PM PT slot will be occupied by Fox College Football Friday, Fox College Hoops, and Fox UFL.

We had previously reported that FOX intended to move several September episodes of SmackDown to FS1 due to college football coverage. This prompted USA Network to step in and bring SmackDown over earlier, recognizing that it has a broader reach than FS1.

It remains to be seen whether Friday Night SmackDown returning to the USA Network will end up becoming the best deal WWE made for the blue brand so far. After all, there is a lot of hype for the show’s return to the USA Network.

How well do you think Friday Night SmackDown fared under FOX over the past few years? Let us know in the comments section below!