WWE Planning Star-Studded Show for SmackDown’s USA Network Return

WWE’s Friday Night SmackDown is making its highly anticipated return to the USA Network earlier than expected, with the first show back on the network scheduled for Friday, September 13, 2024. The event will take place at the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington, and is already generating significant buzz among fans.

NBCUniversal recently announced that SmackDown would be moving back to the USA Network starting September 13, earlier than the initially planned date. This move is part of a new five-year deal between WWE and USA Network, which takes effect as WWE’s rights agreement with FOX comes to an end.

With the return to the USA Network just around the corner, WWE is reportedly planning a huge show to mark the occasion. According to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, WWE is gearing up for a major event to kick off SmackDown‘s return. Meltzer noted that with John Cena busy with movie projects and uncertainty surrounding Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s availability, WWE is likely focusing on making the first show on USA Network a standout event.

“You got to figure, [John] Cena is doing movie stuff so can’t be there and I don’t know Dwayne’s schedule is, but you got to figure that they are going to try have a pretty loaded show, for the first show on USA. People are going to forget and things like that, so you have to hammer it home and you got to give them a very big first show. I do believe that the show this Friday will be a very big build for the show next week,” Meltzer said.

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It’s also worth noting that Roman Reigns, WWE’s top star, is currently not advertised for next week’s episode of SmackDown. Despite this, WWE is expected to load up the show with major angles and matches to ensure it is a must-watch event for fans.

As the countdown to September 13 continues, anticipation is building for what WWE has in store for its big return to the USA Network. Fans are eager to see how the company will deliver on the hype and set the tone for this new era of SmackDown.

Are you excited for Friday Night SmackDown‘s return to the USA Network next week? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!

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