SmackDown likely to lose its iconic catchphrase, undergo major changes next year

Known to the WWE Universe as Friday Night SmackDown, the weekly show was previously aired on Tuesdays when it was on the USA Network. After FOX bought SmackDown’s broadcasting rights, it shifted to the Friday night slot. Nick Khan recently hinted that SmackDown could lose its Friday spot due to television rights issues next year.

The media rights pact with USA and FOX comes to an end next year, and the WWE-UFC merger via Endeavor is coming along. WWE CEO Nick Khan answered a lot of questions during the MoffetNathanson conference. He spoke about the television rights of SmackDown and said that WWE and FOX haven’t negotiated any deal yet.

During a recent press conference, FOX did not mention WWE in their 2024 TV lineup. As a result, there have been speculations about SmackDown looking for a new broadcasting partner. Nick Khan announced that WWE would be willing to move SmackDown away from Friday. It implicitly gives every network the opportunity to capitalize on the media broadcast deal.

The WWE CEO revealed that Amazon and Netflix are currently interested in a deal. SmackDown could possibly part ways with FOX next year. If that happens, the Blue Brand will lose its iconic ‘Friday Night SmackDown’ catchphrase, which the fans have been hearing for a long time.

WWE SmackDown made its debut in 1999 on UPN, broadcasting on Thursday nights. It then transferred to iconic Friday nights in September 2005. The year brought back the Thursday nights concept before it was transitioned to Tuesday nights in 2016. Their recent deal with FOX again reinstated the Blue Brand on Fridays in 2019.

Related: WWE implemented an innovative strategy to boost viewership last week on SmackDown

Kit Wilson suggests on taking out Sheamus on SmackDown

After being drafted on SmackDown during WWE Draft 2023. Former NXT Tag Team Champions, Pretty Deadly, are set to make their main roster debut on the upcoming SmackDown episode (19 May) against The Brawling Brutes.

During a podcast on After the Bell, Kit Wilson, one half of the tag team, spoke about their NXT debut. Wilson discussed their attack on the Creeds who were going to be the No. 1 contender for the titles. They boasted about how they made a statement on the Yellow Brand.

Kit Wilson and Elton Prince look to go the same way, repeating the process with The Brawling Brutes. They agreed on them being a strong contender for tag team gold, and taking them out, especially Sheamus, will make a stronger statement upon their debut.

In case you missed it:

• WWE announces major live event in India this September
• AEW likely to implement WWE’s traditional move on its roster following the announcement of AEW Collision

Stay Updated!

Join our newsletter to receive exclusive updates and curated insights directly to your inbox.

Subscribe NOW