WWE SmackDown to Undergo Programming Shift with USA Network Transition

WWE’s Friday Night SmackDown will return to the USA Network earlier than planned, with its first show back scheduled for Friday, September 13, 2024. Additionally, it appears that SmackDown will undergo a change in programming with their USA Network move.

WWE entered a new five-year deal with the USA Network, marking a shift now that their contract with FOX has ended. With SmackDown no longer airing on FOX, fans are looking forward to seeing what changes and exciting developments SmackDown will bring to its new home on the USA Network.

On the other hand, it is also to be noted that NXT will move to the CW Network in October and the company already has big plans for the first two episodes on the network.

According to Fightful Select, WWE is discussing changes to how its programming ends. SmackDown will now have more flexibility with its end time on the USA Network, whereas NXT will likely have less. For the past five years, SmackDown has typically ended around 9:58 PM Eastern to avoid clashing with local news, but USA Network is generally more lenient on timing. However, NXT, which often runs past 10 PM, may stop these overruns when it transitions to the CW Network.

WWE is clearly trying to ensure that all these changes end up making the product better for all of their shows, so we will have to wait and see whether these changes will ultimately benefit them in the long run.

What’s your view on WWE’s plan to implement such changes to their programming for SmackDown and NXT? Do you feel these will help the company? Let us know in the comments section below!