Major Change Coming to WWE SmackDown: What It Means for Fans and the Future of the Show
In a seismic shift for the wrestling world, WWE SmackDown is on the verge of becoming larger and higher than ever before. After 5 successful years on Fox, SmackDown made its exceedingly anticipated debut on the USA Network on September 13th. This pass comes as part of WWE’s broader reshuffle of its programming landscape, with essential modifications across the enterprise’s flagship suggests, together with NXT transitioning to the CW Network on October 1st and WWE Raw transferring to Netflix in January 2025.
The SmackDown most advantageous on USA Network wasn’t simply some other broadcast; it marked the start of a brand new generation for the display. To commemorate this transition, WWE gave SmackDown a fresh new logo, an electrifying subject matter music, and a star-studded episode with several WWE Hall of Famers in attendance. Fans have been particularly excited by means of the long-awaited go back of Roman Reigns, who made a positive look, putting the tone for what’s to return.
But the changes don’t prevent there. According to new reports from Wrestle Votes Radio via Backstage Pass, SmackDown is ready to go through even extra transformative modifications—maximum drastically, an extension to a few hours of airtime beginning in January 2025. This trade is scheduled to take impact simply three days earlier than Raw makes its historic bounce to Netflix.
SmackDown’s New Format: What Fans Can Expect
SmackDown’s pass to 3 hours will bring it consistent with WWE Raw’s current format, a flow that guarantees to seriously decorate the display’s content and attraction. The longer runtime way more fits, deeper storylines, and an extended platform for WWE’s largest superstars to shine. For fanatics who’ve long complained approximately segments feeling rushed or fits getting reduce short, this circulate may be a sport-changer.
One of the most intriguing components of this development is the ability for SmackDown episodes to turn out to be to be had on Netflix 24 hours after airing stay on the USA Network. This could be an remarkable step for WWE, expanding SmackDown’s reach far beyond its conventional television target market and tapping into Netflix’s massive streaming platform. The integration of WWE content material on a platform as famous as Netflix could open new doors for SmackDown, probably main to new visitors and more international publicity.
The supply that broke this news, Backstage Pass, noted:
WWE’s Bold Moves Across Platforms: A Strategy for Dominance
The shift to a few hours isn’t happening in isolation. WWE’s programming shakeup factors to a broader approach geared toward dominating more than one systems simultaneously. Raw’s flow to Netflix, NXT’s soar to the CW Network, and SmackDown’s new layout on USA sign that WWE isn’t just evolving—it’s aggressively expanding its brand to reach extra lovers in greater locations.
SmackDown’s availability on Netflix the day after its broadcast may want to have a ways-achieving implications for the way WWE engages with its audience. In today’s on-demand leisure environment, allowing fans to catch up on SmackDown at their convenience might probable enhance usual viewership, in particular among more youthful audiences who choose streaming services over conventional cable. Netflix’s worldwide reach could also assist SmackDown benefit extra visibility internationally, in addition cementing WWE’s international wrestling empire.
Mercedes Mone’s Surprising Comments on Megan Thee Stallion
In the midst of these types of changes, another exciting storyline emerged involving AEW superstar Mercedes Mone, previously called Sasha Banks. Mone has expressed remorse about publicly discussing her conversations with Megan Thee Stallion concerning SmackDown’s new theme track, “Neva Play.” In a current entry in her magazine, Mone Mag, the wrestler found out that her team were in talks with the hip-hop movie star’s representatives earlier than WWE ultimately chose the song for SmackDown’s new theme.
Reflecting on the state of affairs, Mone wrote, “I ,” suggesting that there may were potential collaborations or ideas discussed that did not materialize within the manner she had was hoping. While this revelation would not change SmackDown’s new subject matter, it adds an thrilling layer to the in the back of-the-scenes dynamics of the wrestling and leisure worlds.
What’s Next for WWE Fans?
For WWE fans, this is an interesting time. SmackDown’s upcoming adjustments promise extra action, extra drama, and extra content to interact with. The move to 3 hours, coupled with the possibility of streaming the display on Netflix, shows WWE’s dedication to evolving with the times and embracing the future of entertainment. These modifications will likely result in an elevated fanbase, extended storytelling ability, and extra opportunities for both modern and destiny WWE superstars to make their mark.
The panorama of expert wrestling is shifting unexpectedly, and SmackDown is right at the forefront of those modifications. With a three-hour runtime and capability to get admission to on Netflix, WWE is making sure that SmackDown stays a staple within the wrestling world for years yet to come.
H/t to WrestlingNews.Co
