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{{Short description|Professional wrestling television program}} | |||
{{For|the video game series based on the show|WWE SmackDown! (video game series)}} | |||
{{For|the WWE brand featured on the program|SmackDown (WWE brand)}} | |||
{{Infobox Television | |||
{{Other uses}} | |||
|show_name=WWE Friday Night SmackDown! | |||
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2022}} | |||
|image=] | |||
{{Infobox television | |||
|creator=] | |||
| image = WWE SmackDown (2024) Logo.svg | |||
|format=]<br/>] | |||
| image_alt = | |||
|picture_format=] (]) | |||
| caption = ''WWE SmackDown'' logo (2024–present)<ref name="Smackdown USANetwork">{{Cite web |title=SmackDown gets a new logo; theme song from Megan Thee Stallion |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/entertainment/entertainment-celebrity/smackdown-gets-a-new-logo-theme-song-from-megan-thee-stallion/ar-AA1qxEOJ |access-date=September 13, 2024 |website=MSN}}</ref> | |||
|camera=] | |||
| alt_name = ''SmackDown!'' (1999–2008)<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/17/business/upn-keeps-its-focus-on-youth-so-its-leader-talks-the-talk.html | title=UPN Keeps Its Focus on Youth, So Its Leader Talks the Talk | work=The New York Times | date=May 17, 2002 | last1=Rutenberg | first1=Jim | access-date=April 15, 2023 | archive-date=April 15, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230415175152/https://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/17/business/upn-keeps-its-focus-on-youth-so-its-leader-talks-the-talk.html | url-status=live }}</ref><br />''SmackDown Live'' (2016–2019) | |||
|runtime=Approximately 2 hours per episode<br/>(1 hour 30 minutes and commercials) | |||
| genre = ] | |||
|starring=] | |||
| creator = ] | |||
|country={{USA}} | |||
| writer = {{Plainlist| | |||
|network=] (] – ])<br/>] (] – Present) | |||
*John Swikata <small>(Lead Writer)</small> | |||
|first_aired=] ] | |||
*''See list of ]'' | |||
|last_aired=Present | |||
}} | |||
|num_episodes=433 (as of ] ]) | |||
| presenter = {{Plainlist| | |||
|opentheme=''"]"'' by ] | |||
* ] {{small|(play-by-play commentator)}} | |||
|website=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/ | |||
* ] {{small|(color commentator)}} | |||
|imdb_id=0227972 | |||
}} | |||
|tv_com_id=3316 | |||
| starring = ] | |||
|}} | |||
| opentheme = {{Plainlist| | |||
* “]” by ] ft. ]}} | |||
| executive_producer = ]<br>Lee Fitting | |||
| country = United States | |||
| language = | |||
| num_seasons = 26 | |||
| num_episodes = {{#expr:1119 + {{age in weeks|January 29, 2021}}}}<!--Please do not alter this, it updates automatically!--> | |||
| list_episodes = | |||
| camera = ] | |||
| runtime = {{plainlist| | |||
* 120 minutes (April 29, 1999–December 27, 2024) | |||
* 180 minutes (from January 3, 2025) (including commercials) | |||
}} | |||
| company = ] | |||
| network = ] | |||
| first_aired = {{Start date|1999|4|29}} | |||
| last_aired = {{End date|2006|9|15}} | |||
| network2 = ] | |||
| first_aired2 = {{Start date|2006|9|22}} | |||
| last_aired2 = {{End date|2008|9|26}} | |||
| network3 = ] | |||
| first_aired3 = {{Start date|2008|10|3}} | |||
| last_aired3 = {{End date|2010|9|24}} | |||
| network4 = ] | |||
| first_aired4 = {{Start date|2010|10|1}} | |||
| last_aired4 = {{End date|2015|12|31}} | |||
| network5 = ] | |||
| first_aired5 = {{Start date|2016|1|7}} | |||
| last_aired5 = {{End date|2019|9|24}} | |||
| network6 = ] | |||
| first_aired6 = {{Start date|2019|10|4}} | |||
| last_aired6 = {{End date|2024|9|6}} | |||
| network7 = ] | |||
| first_aired7 = {{Start date|2024|9|13}} | |||
| last_aired7 = {{End date|present}} | |||
| related = {{Plainlist| | |||
* '']'' | |||
* '']'' | |||
* '']'' | |||
* '']'' | |||
* '']''}} | |||
}} | |||
'''''WWE SmackDown''''', also known as '''''Friday Night SmackDown''''' or simply '''''SmackDown''''', is an American ] television program produced by ]. It airs ] every Friday at 8 p.m. ] (ET) on ]. ''SmackDown'' is the most viewed television show on Friday nights in the United States.<ref>{{Cite web |title=WWE Smackdown, Raw & NXT Score Viewership Gains in Key 19-49 Advertising Demo Ahead of WrestleMania XL |url=https://corporate.wwe.com/news/company-news/2024/04-01-2024 |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=WWE Corporate}}</ref> ] simulcasts the program with ] commentary. The show features characters from the ] ], to which WWE employees are assigned to work and perform. It is considered to be one of WWE's two flagship programs, along with '']''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/article/nxt-moves-to-usa-network|title=NXT moves to USA Network|website=WWE|access-date=August 22, 2019|archive-date=August 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190820225413/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/article/nxt-moves-to-usa-network|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
''SmackDown!'' debuted in ] in ] ] on April 29, 1999, and was formerly broadcast on Thursday nights. The show moved to Friday nights on September 9, 2005, and began airing on ] in September 2006, after the ]. The show later moved to ] in October 2008.<ref name="CW08">{{Cite news|title=CW, "SmackDown" Part Ways|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/television/news/e3i55bff7bc1a68ecef11e4dc915b1479f8|date=February 8, 2008|access-date=February 9, 2008|last=Wallenstein|first=Andrew|work=]|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080502192425/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/television/news/e3i55bff7bc1a68ecef11e4dc915b1479f8|archive-date=May 2, 2008}}</ref><ref name="MyNetworkCrowns">{{Cite web|url=http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2008/2008_02_26.jsp|title=MyNetworkTV Crowns WWE Its New Programming Champ|publisher=]|date=February 28, 2008|access-date=October 7, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100615083535/http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2008/2008_02_26.jsp|archive-date=June 15, 2010}}</ref> On October 1, 2010, ''SmackDown'' moved to cable network ],<ref name=SyfyMove>{{Cite web|url=http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2010/WWECorporate-2010_04_13.jsp |title=SmackDown Goes SyFy |work=] |date=April 13, 2010 |access-date=April 13, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100416182439/http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2010/WWECorporate-2010_04_13.jsp |archive-date=April 16, 2010}}</ref><ref name=SyfyLATimes>{{Cite news|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2010/04/wwes-smackdown-moving-to-syfy-.html|title=WWE's "SmackDown" Moving to Syfy|first=Joe|last=Flint|work=]|date=April 12, 2010|access-date=April 13, 2010|archive-date=April 15, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100415180526/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2010/04/wwes-smackdown-moving-to-syfy-.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and eventually returned to Thursdays on January 15, 2015.<ref>{{Cite news|title=SmackDown moves to Thursday nights|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2014-11-07/smackdown-moves-to-thursday-26779849|publisher=WWE|date=November 6, 2014|access-date=November 6, 2014|archive-date=June 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180627090826/https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2014-11-07/smackdown-moves-to-thursday-26779849|url-status=live}}</ref> The show then moved to the sibling USA Network on January 7, 2016,<ref name="USA">{{Cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/04/07/wwe-smackdown-moves-to-usa-network-in-2016/386011/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150410200448/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/04/07/wwe-smackdown-moves-to-usa-network-in-2016/386011/|archive-date=April 10, 2015|title='WWE SmackDown' Moves to USA Network in 2016|last=Kondolojy|first=Amanda|work=TV by the Numbers|date=April 7, 2015|access-date=April 7, 2015}}</ref><ref name="Weekly">{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.ew.com/article/2015/04/07/usa-network-wwe-smackdown|title=WWE SmackDown moves to USA Network|magazine=]|publisher=]|last=Bacle|first=Ariana|date=April 7, 2015|access-date=April 8, 2015|archive-date=April 9, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150409030726/http://www.ew.com/article/2015/04/07/usa-network-wwe-smackdown}}</ref><ref name="24Wrestling"/> and later that year, beginning on July 19, ''SmackDown'' began broadcasting live on Tuesday nights.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/article/smackdown-live-usa-network-july-19|title=SmackDown going live on USA Network on a new night with a distinct roster starting July 19|work=]|date=May 25, 2016|access-date=May 25, 2016|archive-date=June 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180627062418/https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/article/smackdown-live-usa-network-july-19|url-status=live}}</ref> ''SmackDown''{{'}}s move to Fox on October 4, 2019 marked the show's return to Friday nights and over-the-air broadcast television (as well as the second time ''SmackDown'' has aired on a Fox-owned network). On September 13, 2024, the show returned to USA Network.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schwartz |first=Ryan |date=2024-05-09 |title=WWE SmackDown Sets Earlier Move From Fox to USA Network — Find Out When |url=https://tvline.com/news/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-leaving-fox-usa-network-returning-2024-1235046738/ |access-date=2024-05-09 |website=TVLine |language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
'''''WWE Friday Night SmackDown!''''' is a ] ] for ] (WWE) currently it is the only television broadcast for the SmackDown! brand. From its launch in 1999, ''SmackDown!'' was shown on Thursday nights, but as of ] ], the show moved to Friday nights. To reflect this change, the show is now referred to as ''Friday Night SmackDown!''. The SmackDown! brand is currently one of WWE's three brands, the other two being ] and ]. | |||
''SmackDown'' has been broadcast from over 100+ arenas, 100+ cities and towns, and nine countries: ], ], ], ] in 2005, ] in 2007, ] in 2011, and ], ], and ] in 2024. Prior to switching to its current live format, taped episodes premiered a few hours earlier in Ireland and the United Kingdom than in the United States (and a day earlier in Australia, Canada, Singapore, and the Philippines) due to time differences. For international broadcast listings, ]. The show celebrated its 15th anniversary on October 10, 2014,<ref name="Smackdown 15 Years">{{Cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/videos/celebrate-the-15th-anniversary-of-smackdown-friday-oct-10-26675652 |title=Celebrate the 15th Anniversary of Smackdown - Friday Oct 10 |publisher=] |work=WWE.com |date=September 22, 2014 |access-date=October 3, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141021185411/http://www.wwe.com/videos/celebrate-the-15th-anniversary-of-smackdown-friday-oct-10-26675652 |archive-date=October 21, 2014 }}</ref> and the 1000th episode on October 16, 2018. | |||
It currently airs in the ] on ], in ] on ] Network and on ] Montreal, in ] on ''S'nek'', in ], ] and ] on ], in ] on DSF, in the ] and ] on ], in ] on ], in ] on ], in the ] on ''Antena Latina'' Channel 7, in ] on ] and on ], in ] on Chilevisión, in ] on 52MX, in ] on ], in ] on ], in the ] on ], ] and ], in ] on ] , in ] on ], in ] on TV Sport, in ] on ], in ] and ] on ] ShowSports 4, in ] on NT1, in ] on ''J Sports'', on ] in ], on ], on the Super Channel (Channel 10) in ], on VTV in ], on ] in ], and on ] in ]. | |||
The ] ceased operations in the United States on April 4, 2021, with all content moved to ] which now has all previous episodes of ''SmackDown''. Recent episodes are still available for on-demand viewing 30 days after the original air date. | |||
==Show history== | |||
===Original format=== | |||
''SmackDown!'' first appeared on ] ] as a single television special on ]. On ] 1999, ''SmackDown!'' officially debuted on UPN, in ]. Like ''WCW Thunder'', ''SmackDown!'' was recorded on Tuesdays and then broadcast on Thursdays. The new WWF show was so popular that WCW moved ''Thunder'' to Wednesdays in the hope of holding on to fans rather than losing them to the WWF. ''SmackDown!'', like ''Thunder'', made heavy use of the color blue, earning it the ] "The Blue Show" amongst wrestling fans. | |||
== History == | |||
] | |||
{{Main|History of WWE SmackDown}} | |||
=== Early years (1999–2009) === | |||
The first ''SmackDown!'' set was unique as it featured an oval-shaped ] (which was dubbed the "OvalTron"), entrance and stage which made it stand out from the ''RAW'' set and its rectangular TitanTrons. An added feature to the original set was the ability for the OvalTron to be moved to either the left or right of the stage. Throughout the show's early existence, top WWF superstar ] routinely called ''SmackDown!'' "his" show, in reference to the fact that the name was derived from one of his ]s, "Laying the smackdown." In ], as part of celebrating ''SmackDown!'''s second anniversary, the show received its current ] and set. The last ''SmackDown!'' to use the previous television set saw ] member ] deliver the Gore to WWF member ] through the OvalTron, destroying part of the set. | |||
] | |||
''WWF SmackDown!'' was set up to compete against ] (WCW)'s Thursday night show, '']''. ''SmackDown!'' first appeared on April 29, 1999, using the ''Raw'' set as a single television special on ]. On August 26, 1999, ''SmackDown!'' officially debuted on UPN. Like ''Thunder'', ''SmackDown!'' was recorded on Tuesdays and then broadcast on Thursdays. The new WWF show was so popular that WCW moved ''Thunder'' to Wednesdays so that it would not compete directly. Throughout the show's early existence, ] routinely called ''SmackDown!'' "his show", in reference to the fact that the name was derived from one of his ]s, "Layeth the Smack down".<ref name="wwe56">{{cite book|last1=Shields|first1=Brian|last2=Sullivan|first2=Kevin|title=WWE: History of WrestleMania|year=2009|page=56}}</ref> In March 2002, WWF implemented the "]", under which ] and ] would have separate rosters of performers that are exclusive to their respective programs and events, and be positioned in-universe as competing "brands" (in a manner reminiscent of ]s).<ref name="wwe57">{{cite book|last1=Shields|first1= Brian|last2=Sullivan|first2=Kevin|title=WWE: History of WrestleMania|year=2009|page=57}}</ref> | |||
===Brand Extension=== | |||
{{main|WWE Brand Extension}} | |||
In the 2004–05 season, ''SmackDown!'' had an average viewership of 5.1 million viewers, making it UPN's second-highest-rated series behind '']''. With the cancellation of '']'', ''SmackDown!'' moved into its former timeslot on Friday nights for the 2005–06 season, beginning September 9, 2005. WWE subsequently announced that the show would be renamed ''Friday Night SmackDown!'' to emphasize the new scheduling.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/upn-wrestling-re-dubbed-friday-night-smackdown-77569|title=UPN Wrestling Re-Dubbed Friday Night Smackdown|last=Benson|first=Jim|website=Broadcasting & Cable|date=23 August 2005|language=en-us|access-date=2019-09-29|archive-date=September 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190929222626/https://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/upn-wrestling-re-dubbed-friday-night-smackdown-77569|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
In early to mid-], WWE underwent a process they called the "Brand Extension". WWE divided itself into two "de facto" wrestling promotions with separate rosters, storylines and authority figures. RAW and SmackDown! would host each division, give its name to the division and essentially compete against each other. The split was a result of WWF purchasing their two biggest competitors, WCW and ]. The brand extension was publicly announced during a telecast of ''WWF RAW'' on ] ], and became official the next day. | |||
In January 2006, ] and ] announced that UPN and ] would merge to form a new network known as ] that fall. As part of the announcement, The CW announced that it would renew ''Friday Night SmackDown!'' for two more seasons as part of its launch schedule—which drew from the strongest programs of its two predecessors.<ref name=Renew-Variety>{{cite news|title=Mixed views on WB, UPN merger|work=]|url=https://variety.com/2006/scene/markets-festivals/mixed-views-on-wb-upn-merger-1117936770/|access-date=August 4, 2006|last1=Adalian|first1=Josef|last2=Martin|first2=Denise |date=January 24, 2006|archive-date=March 4, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230304065216/https://variety.com/2006/scene/markets-festivals/mixed-views-on-wb-upn-merger-1117936770/|url-status=live}}</ref> On September 22, 2006, ''Friday Night SmackDown!'' aired its first ever episode on The CW. | |||
] | |||
The CW declined to renew ''SmackDown'', resulting in the series being picked up in October 2008 by ], a second new network that had been formed by ] to take on former UPN and WB affiliates who were not selected to join The CW.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/14/business/media/14wrestle.html|title=W.W.E.'s 'Smackdown' Is Moving to Cable TV|last=Stelter|first=Brian|date=2010-04-13|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-09-29|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=October 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025170642/https://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/14/business/media/14wrestle.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Retaining its previous Friday-night time slot, the season premiere of ''SmackDown'' on MyNetworkTV was the highest-rated program in that night on the network, with 3.2 million viewers.<ref>{{cite web|title=Largest Audience Ever Tunes in to the Premiere of "WWE Friday Night SmackDown"|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/10/06/mynetworktv%c2%ae-largest-audience-ever-tunes-in-to-the-premiere-of-%e2%80%9cwwe%c2%ae-friday-night-smackdown%c2%ae%e2%80%9d/5781/|website=]|date=October 6, 2008|access-date=October 7, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121002082808/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/10/06/mynetworktv%c2%ae-largest-audience-ever-tunes-in-to-the-premiere-of-%e2%80%9cwwe%c2%ae-friday-night-smackdown%c2%ae%e2%80%9d/5781/|archive-date=2012-10-02}}</ref> On March 20, 2009, ''SmackDown'' celebrated its 500th episode.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/03202009/|title=Layin' the SmackDown 500 times over|last=Burdick|first=Michael|date=March 20, 2009|work=]|access-date=July 28, 2009|archive-date=May 1, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090501053324/http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/03202009/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
Wrestlers now would become show-exclusive, wrestling for their specific show only. At the time this excluded the ] and ], as those WWE titles would be defended on both shows. In ], WWE Undisputed Champion ] refused to defend the title on RAW, in effect causing his title to become exclusive to SmackDown! The following week on ''RAW'', General Manager Eric Bischoff awarded a newly instated ] to RAW's designated #1 contender, ]. Due to the fact that since the WWE Undisputed Championship was now SmackDown! exclusive it was no longer seen as "Undisputed". Following this, the ] soon became RAW-exclusive as well. As a result of the Brand Extension, an annual "]" was instituted to exchange members of each roster and generally refresh the lineups. | |||
=== Move to Syfy and USA Network (2010–2019) === | |||
On ] ], WWE Champion John Cena switched brands from SmackDown! to RAW as part of the month-long ]. This effectively left SmackDown! without a World Title. During this time, United States Champion ] was billed as the top champion on the show. On ] 2005, in ], SmackDown! General Manager Theodore Long announced a six-man elimination match between ], ], ], ], ] (replacing ], who was picked by RAW in the lottery), and ] to crown the first SmackDown! Champion. On the ] episode of ''SmackDown!'', JBL won the match. Long appeared afterward and stated that even though JBL had won the match, SmackDown! did not need a Championship anymore. ], the World Heavyweight Champion, entered the ring as SmackDown!'s final draft lottery pick. Long also revealed that JBL was the number one contender for the World Heavyweight Championship. | |||
On October 1, 2010, as part of a new broadcast deal with ], ''SmackDown'' moved to ], retaining its Friday night timeslot.<ref name=SyfyMove/> Prior to this premiere of ''SmackDown'', Michael Cole hosted a "pre-game" show. The move saw Syfy paying close to $30 million for the show as opposed to the $20 million paid by its former network MyNetworkTV.<ref name=SyfyLATimes/> | |||
During the August 29, 2011 episode of ''Raw'', WWE dissolved the brand extension, thus allowing performers to appear on ''Raw'' and ''SmackDown'' at any given time without restriction.<ref>{{cite web|last=Nemer|first=Paul|title=Raw Results – 8/29/11|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/26309-raw-results-8-29-11/|work=Wrestleview|date=August 30, 2011|access-date=November 5, 2016|archive-date=March 31, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180331032437/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/26309-raw-results-8-29-11/|url-status=live}}</ref> The October 14, 2011, episode made ''SmackDown'' the second-longest-running weekly episodic television series of American television history (behind ''Raw'', which surpassed that mark on August 1, 2005). On January 18, 2013, ''SmackDown'' celebrated its 700th episode. | |||
===Friday Night SmackDown!=== | |||
]-present.]] | |||
On October 10, 2014, ''SmackDown'' celebrated its 15-year anniversary.<ref name="Smackdown 15 Years"/> To help celebrate the 15th anniversary, ] came out first, then Laurinaitis and Long, respectively, the latter of which kept one-upping each other for the main event of the night until McMahon decided to keep the ] that Long suggested, on the condition Laurinaitis and Long be the captains of each team like at ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2014-10-10/results-oct-10-2014-26710342|title=SmackDown results – Oct. 10, 2014: Team Teddy battled Team Johnny on SmackDown's historic 15th Anniversary Celebration|last=Taylor|first=Scott|publisher=]|work=WWE.com|date=October 10, 2014|access-date=October 10, 2014|archive-date=October 13, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141013021935/http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2014-10-10/results-oct-10-2014-26710342|url-status=live}}</ref> Long's team won the match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlezone.com/news/517947-wwe-smackdown-15-preview|title=Non-Spoiler Match Listing for Tonight's WWE Smackdown 15 Special: Cena & Ambrose Appear, 16 Man Tag Match & More|last=Paglino|first=Nick|work=Wrestlezone|date=October 10, 2014|access-date=October 10, 2014|archive-date=October 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141014062841/http://www.wrestlezone.com/news/517947-wwe-smackdown-15-preview|url-status=live}}</ref> On December 16, 2014, ''SmackDown'' aired a live 800th episode special on Syfy's sister channel ], ''SuperSmackDown Live!'', featuring a main event between ] and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2014-12-16/wwe-super-smackdown-live-results-26919245|title=WWE SuperSmackDown LIVE results — Dec. 16, 2014: Dolph Ziggler showed up Seth Rollins in a main event showdown|last=Taylor|first=Scott|publisher=]|work=WWE.com|date=December 16, 2014|access-date=November 25, 2015|archive-date=November 26, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151126080112/http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2014-12-16/wwe-super-smackdown-live-results-26919245|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
It was possible that WWE's "lame duck" status with Viacom on Spike TV is what prompted its moving ''SmackDown!'' to the ] for the Fall 2005 season. However, it worked out for both parties involved, as the show did better in the ratings than it had on Thursdays, while UPN received much better ratings on Fridays than it did before, with its movie night. In addition, UPN had been able to hold on to the ratings from Thursday nights, most notably with comedian ]'s '']''-like sitcom '']''. In January 2006, prior to the announcement of the CW Network, it was announced that UPN had renewed ''SmackDown!'' for two more years.<ref name=Renew-Variety>{{cite web|title= Mixed views on WB, UPN merger|publisher=Variety.com|url=http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117936770?categoryid=14&cs=1&s=h&p=0 |accessdate=2006-08-04}}</ref> | |||
In January 2015, ''SmackDown'' returned to a Thursday time slot. The return to Thursday nights was expected to help attract a younger audience to Syfy, as well as more premium advertising dollars from marketers, who tend to spend more to promote their products, especially film releases, on the night as consumers head into the weekend.<ref name="Graser">{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2014/tv/news/wwe-syfy-move-smackdown-to-thursday-night-in-january-exclusive-1201347349/|title=WWE, Syfy to Move 'SmackDown' to Thursday Night in January (EXCLUSIVE)|last=Graser|first=Marc|work=Variety|date=November 6, 2014|access-date=November 6, 2014|archive-date=November 7, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141107153927/http://variety.com/2014/tv/news/wwe-syfy-move-smackdown-to-thursday-night-in-january-exclusive-1201347349/|url-status=live}}</ref> The last ''SmackDown'' airing on a Friday night had 2.43 million viewers with a 0.7 share.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/01/12/friday-cable-ratings-gold-rush-tops-night-alaskan-bush-people-nba-basketball-friday-night-smackdown-more/349047/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150113004259/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/01/12/friday-cable-ratings-gold-rush-tops-night-alaskan-bush-people-nba-basketball-friday-night-smackdown-more/349047/|archive-date=January 13, 2015|title=Friday Cable Ratings: 'Gold Rush' Tops Night + 'Alaskan Bush People', NBA Basketball, 'Friday Night Smackdown' & More|work=TV by the Numbers|last=Kondolojy|first=Amanda|date=January 12, 2015|access-date=January 13, 2015}}</ref> On January 7, 2016, ''SmackDown'' moved to USA Network, remaining on Thursday nights.<ref name="USA"/><ref name="Weekly"/><ref name="24Wrestling">{{cite web|url=http://www.24wrestling.com/wwe-smackdown-to-premiere-on-usa-network-in-january/|title=WWE SmackDown To Premiere On USA Network In January|last=Lynch|first=Eric|work=24Wrestling.com|date=November 4, 2015|access-date=November 4, 2015|archive-date=October 11, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191011142207/https://www.24wrestling.com/wwe-smackdown-to-premiere-on-usa-network-in-january/}}</ref> With the move, all top three WWE programs—''Raw'', ''SmackDown'' and '']''—would air on the same network for the first time ever.<ref name="Weekly"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.24wrestling.com/smackdown-to-remain-on-thursday-nights-in-2016/|title=SmackDown To Remain On Thursday Nights In 2016|last=Davis|first=Brad|work=24Wrestling.com|date=November 3, 2015|access-date=November 3, 2015|archive-date=November 20, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151120152411/http://www.24wrestling.com/smackdown-to-remain-on-thursday-nights-in-2016/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
Following the cancellation of '']'', ''SmackDown!'' was renamed ''Friday Night SmackDown!'' and moved into ''Enterprise'''s former timeslot in the ]. WWE promoted this move with the ] "TV that's changing Friday nights." ''Friday Night SmackDown!'' made its season premiere on ] ]. The program still aired on Thursdays in ] on ]. In the ] and ], their stations ] and ] air ''SmackDown!'' on Fridays before the ] due to the time difference. This is the first time a major weekly WWE show airs internationally before it hits screens in the U.S. | |||
On May 25, 2016, as part of the re-implementation of the ] between ''Raw'' and ''SmackDown'', it was announced that ''SmackDown'' would move to Tuesday nights and be broadcast live.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2016/tv/news/wwe-smackdown-live-usa-1201782569/|title=WWE's 'Smackdown' Will Move To Live Broadcast On USA (EXCLUSIVE)|last=Steinberg|first=Brian|work=]|date=May 25, 2016|access-date=May 25, 2016|archive-date=May 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160526113045/http://variety.com/2016/tv/news/wwe-smackdown-live-usa-1201782569/|url-status=live}}</ref> On the July 11, 2016 episode of ''Raw'', ] named ] the commissioner of SmackDown.<ref name="Raw07112016">{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=7/11 WWE Raw Results – CALDWELL'S Complete Report|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/07/11/711rawresultsfinal/|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=July 11, 2016|archive-date=July 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160716120934/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/07/11/711rawresultsfinal/|url-status=live}}</ref> Then next week on ''Raw'', ] was revealed as the new SmackDown General Manager.<ref name="Raw07182016">{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=7/18 WWE Raw Results – CALDWELL'S Complete Live TV Report|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/07/18/july18rawresultsfinal/|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=July 18, 2016|access-date=July 20, 2016|archive-date=May 31, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190531193342/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/07/18/july18rawresultsfinal/|url-status=live}}</ref> On July 22, 2016, general manager Daniel Bryan revealed the new SmackDown logo on his official Twitter page, renaming the show '''''SmackDown Live'''''.<ref>{{cite web|title=New Raw and SmackDown logos unveiled for WWE's New Era|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/article/new-raw-smackdown-logo-reveal|publisher=]|date=July 22, 2016|access-date=August 5, 2016|archive-date=September 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160901115614/http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/article/new-raw-smackdown-logo-reveal|url-status=live}}</ref> On April 10, 2018, SmackDown Commissioner Shane McMahon announced that Daniel Bryan was back as a full-time WWE wrestler and named ] the new general manager.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2018-04-10#full-detail-40041375|title=Shane McMahon announced Paige as the new General Manager of SmackDown LIVE|website=WWE.com|access-date=April 12, 2018|archive-date=April 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180412082112/http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2018-04-10#full-detail-40041375|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
The events of ] affected the first edition of ''Friday Night SmackDown!'' in the U.S. due to a special fundraising concert (see ]) that aired on UPN at the same time that the first edition would have been broadcast, resulting in only the second hour of the show being shown on UPN. The first hour was instead streamed from WWE's website. Other countries, including Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and the Philippines received the full two-hour show. ] (My 9, New York, New York) also aired both hours of the show on tape delay on Saturday, due to a previous commitment to broadcast the ] on Friday nights. | |||
=== SmackDown on Fox (2019–2024) === | |||
At the ''SmackDown!'' taping on ] ], Batista had to forfeit the ] because of a ] injury. Theodore Long made a Battle Royal for the vacant title. The winner was at the time RAW superstar ], who later switched to the SmackDown! brand. In a break from their traditional role of acting as if ''SmackDown!'' is not pre-recorded, WWE.com had a photograph of Angle holding his new title on the main page. WWE also did this when ] cashed in his Money in the Bank contract to win the World Heavyweight Championship from ] and when ] won a battle royal after ]'s injury. | |||
] | |||
On June 26, 2018, ] announced a five-year agreement to air ''SmackDown'', in a deal worth $205 million per year. ''SmackDown'' would debut on October 4, 2019, with its first episode being the ] special. The episode also marked the return of ''SmackDown'' to Friday nights and the return of WWE programming to Fox for the first time since Fox aired the November 14, 1992 episode of '']''.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/fox-wwe-close-five-year-deal-bring-smackdown-network-1123487|title=Fox and WWE Close Five-Year Deal to Bring 'SmackDown' to Network|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=June 26, 2018|access-date=June 27, 2018|archive-date=November 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191102193229/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/fox-wwe-close-five-year-deal-bring-smackdown-network-1123487|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/wrestling-rights-shakeup-fox-nabs-wwe-espn-signs-ufc-nbc-gets-raw-1115156|title=How Fox Bodyslammed Rivals to Win WWE Rights|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=May 30, 2018|access-date=January 17, 2019|archive-date=September 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190926151012/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/wrestling-rights-shakeup-fox-nabs-wwe-espn-signs-ufc-nbc-gets-raw-1115156|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/wwe-smackdown-live-fox-2019-1202858691/|title=WWE's 'SmackDown Live' Moves to Fox Broadcasting in 2019|work=Variety|date=June 26, 2018|access-date=January 17, 2019|archive-date=January 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200131060122/https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/wwe-smackdown-live-fox-2019-1202858691/|url-status=live}}</ref> The agreement came as WWE's previous broadcast deal with USA Network to air both ''SmackDown'' and '']'' was set to expire, and as Fox has increasingly emphasized live sports programming and non-scripted entertainment in the wake of its then-upcoming sale of its ] to ]. Fox had hoped to acquire ''Raw'' for the Fox network and ''SmackDown'' for ].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/us/wwe/news/fox-sports-wwe-raw-broadcast-tv-contract-ufc-smackdown-smack-down-ronda-rousey/1ovzh7gbpyt9t1fglfp1m7xr2w|title=Raw Deal: Fox could put 'WWE Raw' on broadcast TV|work=Sporting News|date=March 7, 2018|access-date=January 17, 2019|archive-date=January 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190119121319/http://www.sportingnews.com/us/wwe/news/fox-sports-wwe-raw-broadcast-tv-contract-ufc-smackdown-smack-down-ronda-rousey/1ovzh7gbpyt9t1fglfp1m7xr2w|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/wwe-smackdown-fox-new-channel-1202817799/|title=WWE Stock Climbs as Fox Nears Deal for 'SmackDown'|work=Variety|date=May 21, 2018|access-date=January 17, 2019|archive-date=December 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181219134506/https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/wwe-smackdown-fox-new-channel-1202817799/|url-status=live}}</ref> However, amid a competitive bidding situation, NBCUniversal focused its efforts on renewing ''Raw'', freeing up Fox to pursue ''SmackDown''.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/wwe-smackdown-up-grabs-as-nbcuniversal-moves-lock-down-raw-1112671|title=WWE 'Smackdown' Up for Grabs as NBCUniversal Moves to Pin Down 'Raw'|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=May 16, 2018|access-date=January 17, 2019|archive-date=February 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202211333/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/wwe-smackdown-up-grabs-as-nbcuniversal-moves-lock-down-raw-1112671|url-status=live}}</ref> In particular, Fox promised a larger amount of promotion for ''SmackDown'' during its ], as well as a WWE-oriented studio show ('']'') on FS1.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/wrestling-rights-shakeup-fox-nabs-wwe-espn-signs-ufc-nbc-gets-raw-1115156|title=How Fox Bodyslammed Rivals to Win WWE Rights|website=The Hollywood Reporter|date=30 May 2018|language=en|access-date=2019-12-24|archive-date=September 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190926151012/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/wrestling-rights-shakeup-fox-nabs-wwe-espn-signs-ufc-nbc-gets-raw-1115156|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
From March 13, 2020, all WWE touring shows were cancelled indefinitely due to the ], with ''SmackDown'', ''Raw'', and pay-per-views being broadcast from a studio in the ] in ] ] beginning that night. The ensuing episode also featured ] as a guest commentator, and an encore presentation of the ] match for the ] from the ] the previous Sunday.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/coronavirus-wwe-smackdown-live-1203532469/|title=WWE Moves 'SmackDown Live' to Orlando Performance Center With No Live Audience Due to Coronavirus|last=Otterson|first=Joe|date=2020-03-12|website=Variety|language=en|access-date=2020-03-12|archive-date=June 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200608114522/https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/coronavirus-wwe-smackdown-live-1203532469/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-smackdown-results-recap-grades-john-cena-caps-surreal-empty-arena-showy-you-have-to-see/live/|title=WWE SmackDown results, recap, grades: John Cena caps surreal empty arena show you have to see|website=CBSSports.com|date=March 14, 2020 |language=en|access-date=2020-03-14|archive-date=March 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200317050616/https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-smackdown-results-recap-grades-john-cena-caps-surreal-empty-arena-showy-you-have-to-see/live/|url-status=live}}</ref> On August 17, WWE announced that ''SmackDown'', ''Raw'', and pay-per-views would move out of the Performance Center to the "]" at Orlando's ], beginning with ''SmackDown'' on August 21. The program continued to be broadcast behind closed doors, but with a ] and enhanced arena production.<ref name=":19" /><ref name=":20" /> WWE returned to hosting and touring shows for both the ''SmackDown'' and ''Raw'' brands in June 2021.<ref name=":0" /> | |||
On the ] ] edition of ''SmackDown!'', general manager Theodore Long announced that the ] tournament would return after a four year hiatus as a ''SmackDown!''-exclusive tournament. The tournament ended at ] with ] as the winner, defeating ] in the final. | |||
Since the move to Fox, ''SmackDown'' has occasionally been pre-empted to FS1 due to conflicts with other Fox Sports programming airing in primetime, particularly the ] postseason.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-12-11|title=WWE SmackDown airing on FS1 next week due to college football|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/wwe-smackdown-airing-fs1-next-week-due-college-football-327401|access-date=2021-10-30|website=WON/F4W - WWE news, Pro Wrestling News, WWE Results, UFC News, UFC results|language=en|archive-date=October 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030062739/https://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/wwe-smackdown-airing-fs1-next-week-due-college-football-327401|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-10-15|title=WWE and AEW engage in an arms race for a Friday night showdown|url=https://awfulannouncing.com/wwe/wwe-and-aew-engage-in-an-arms-race-for-a-friday-night-showdown.html|access-date=2021-10-15|website=Awful Announcing|language=en-US|archive-date=October 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019201748/https://awfulannouncing.com/wwe/wwe-and-aew-engage-in-an-arms-race-for-a-friday-night-showdown.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In one instance in October 2019 due to the ], an hour-long version of the episode aired on Fox the following Sunday afternoon.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Collins|first=Elle|date=2019-10-24|title=Fox Is Messing With Smackdown's Schedule This Weekend|url=https://uproxx.com/prowrestling/fox-airing-smackdown-fs1-friday-edited-sunday/|access-date=2019-10-25|website=UPROXX|language=en-US|archive-date=October 25, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191025072240/https://uproxx.com/prowrestling/fox-airing-smackdown-fs1-friday-edited-sunday/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=WWE SmackDown Will Air On FS1 Next Week Due To World Series|url=https://comicbook.com/wwe/2019/10/19/wwe-smackdown-mlb-world-series-fox-fs1/|access-date=2019-10-25|website=ComicBook.com|language=en|archive-date=October 25, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191025072243/https://comicbook.com/wwe/2019/10/19/wwe-smackdown-mlb-world-series-fox-fs1/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
On ] ], ] left the SmackDown! brand to join the new ] brand, leaving the color commentator position on SmackDown! vacant. However, on ] at ], JBL revealed that he would be the new color commentator for SmackDown! | |||
In conjunction with the ] event, which was held at ] in ], on July 1, the June 30, 2023, episode of ''SmackDown'' was held at the same venue, and broadcast live on ] in local primetime hours for the first time.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Defelice |first1=Robert |title=WWE SmackDown Will Emanate From The O2 Arena In London, England On 6/30/23 |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/wwe-smackdown-will-emanate-o2-arena-london-england-63022 |access-date=9 February 2023 |work=Fightful |date=9 February 2023 |archive-date=February 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209165947/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/wwe-smackdown-will-emanate-o2-arena-london-england-63022 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2024, the program aired episodes from other countries for the first time in conjunction with other WWE PPV's, including May 3 for ] (] in ]), May 24 for ] (] in ], ]),<ref>{{cite web |last=Tessier |first=Colin |date=April 7, 2024 |title=WWE To Hold 5/24 SmackDown And WWE King And Queen Of The Ring PLE In Saudi Arabia |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/wwe-hold-524-smackdown-and-wwe-king-and-queen-ring-ple-saudi-arabia |access-date=April 7, 2024 |work=Fightful}}</ref> and August 31 for ] (] in ]).<ref>{{cite web |last=Lambert |first=Jeremy |date=November 20, 2023 |title=WWE SmackDown On August 30, 2024 To Take Place In Berlin |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/wwe-smackdown-august-30-2024-take-place-berlin |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120231958/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/wwe-smackdown-august-30-2024-take-place-berlin |archive-date=November 20, 2023 |access-date=November 20, 2023 |work=Fightful}}</ref> | |||
===The CW Network=== | |||
====2006==== | |||
On ] ], ''Friday Night SmackDown!'' debuted on the ], a joint venture between ], owner of ], and ], a subsidiary of ], majority owner of ]. | |||
=== Return to USA Network (2024–present) === | |||
For four weeks before the official premiere (and in preparation for the impending removal of UPN in several markets by the debut of ] on ] ]) of ''Friday Night SmackDown!'' on the CW on ] 2006, ] television stations in six major markets (including ] in New York City and ] in Los Angeles) aired WWE's ''Friday Night SmackDown!'' early in ].<ref>. WWE.com</ref> Two other future affiliates of The CW, ] in ] and ] in ], also aired ''SmackDown!'' in early September as well. | |||
On September 21, 2023, it was announced that ''SmackDown'' would return to USA Network in October 2024, following the expiration of WWE's contract with Fox. The agreement with NBCUniversal was reported to be valued at $1.4 billion over five years, an increase over the previous agreement. As part of the agreement, WWE also agreed to produce four primetime specials for sister broadcast network ] per-year;<ref>{{Cite web |last=Otterson |first=Joe |date=2023-09-21 |title=WWE's 'Smackdown' to Move From Fox to USA Network in New Rights Deal |url=https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/wwes-smackdown-usa-network-2024-1235730831/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230922042349/https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/wwes-smackdown-usa-network-2024-1235730831/ |archive-date=September 22, 2023 |access-date=2023-09-22 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref> these specials were later revealed to be a second revival of ] which premiered on NBC in December 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Otterson |first=Joe |date=2024-09-17 |title=WWE Sets 'Saturday Night's Main Event' Return Date on NBC, Peacock (EXCLUSIVE) |url=https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/wwe-saturday-nights-main-event-nbc-peacock-premiere-date-1236144941/ |access-date=2024-10-24 |work=Variety}}</ref> | |||
The original date of ''SmackDown''{{'s}} return to USA Network was October 4, 2024, the fifth anniversary of its premiere on Fox, however, Fox had originally planned to move the final three episodes of ''SmackDown'' to FS1 to accommodate the premiere of '']'' in its former time slot.<ref>https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2024/03/fox-to-replace-smackdown-will-college-football-on-friday-nights/</ref> On May 9, 2024, USA Network announced that ''SmackDown'' would return to the channel on September 13, 2024, retaining its Friday-night timeslot.<ref>{{cite web |last=Currier |first=Joseph |date=May 9, 2024 |title=WWE SmackDown moving back to USA Network earlier than expected |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/wwe-smackdown-moving-back-to-usa-network-earlier-than-expected |access-date=May 9, 2024 |work=]}}</ref> | |||
The transition to the CW caused an interruption in the broadcast of ''SmackDown!'' in the state of ] beginning in June when ] in ] stopped airing all UPN programs early. The show is now seen on ]. In ], ''SmackDown!'' returned in late 2006, airing on a CW ] of ] ] affiliate ] (Channel 2), which has received statewide carriage over ]. Since the move to the CW Network, ''Friday Night SmackDown!'' has shown a major increase in ] now averaging a 3.0 national rating. In addition, ''SmackDown!'' has become the second highest watched program on The CW. | |||
== |
== Production == | ||
WWE taped ''SmackDown'' on Tuesday evenings to air on Thursday evenings on UPN the same week. However, ''SmackDown'' had aired occasional live specials on Tuesday nights (which are then replayed in its usual Thursday night timeslot). The show began broadcasting in ] beginning with the January 25, 2008 episode of ''SmackDown'', where a new set (which became universal for all WWE weekly programming) debuted. Following the first broadcast in HD, the ] used since the show's inception disappeared from all references pertaining to "SmackDown", including the official logo, which resembles the 2001–2008 logo, but with a darker blue scheme. | |||
On ] ], ''SmackDown!'' celebrated its 400th episode. Ratings success soon followed. On ] ], ''Friday Night SmackDown!'' made CW history by making a three-way tie with ] and ] in the key ad demographic, adults 18-49 by drawing a 1.5 rating each. On ] ], ''Friday Night SmackDown!'' again made CW history by tying the network for first place in the key ad demographic, adults 18-49, and being the second most watched network program at 9 p.m. for the night. The CW had not performed as well at any time slot since ] in March 2007. The next week on ] ], ''Friday Night SmackDown!'' helped The CW claim the top spot in the key demographic, Adults 18-49 for Friday. ] got the overall lead but The CW got top spot for the Adults 18-49 by registering a 1.4 rating followed by ] and ] at 1.3, ] at 1.2, and ] at 0.9.<ref>Rajah.com</ref><ref>Rajah.com</ref> Then on Friday, ] ], ''Friday Night SmackDown!'' made network history by placing first in the 18-49 demographic and becoming the most watched show at the 9 p.m. hour on network television. This is the first time anything has placed this well on The CW. ''SmackDown!'' became a hit show on Friday nights winning the demographics for young males, and ranking second on the demographics (18-49) for Friday nights. | |||
] | |||
On ] ] it was announced that the SmackDown! and ] brands would begin a "talent exchange", allowing their respective talent to appear and compete on either brand.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/10162007/articles/partnershipforming|title=Partnership Forming?|date=] ]|accessdate=2007-10-25|publisher=WWE}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/10162007/|title= Setting the night on fire|accessdate=2007-10-25|work=ECW results|publisher=WWE}}</ref> | |||
The early set included an oval-shaped ] entrance and stage (dubbed the "Ovaltron")<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.essentiallysports.com/wwe-news-from-the-fist-to-ovaltron-every-wwe-smackdown-stage-ever/ |title=From the Fist to Ovaltron, Every WWE SmackDown Stage Ever |last=Chavan |first=Ishan |date=May 7, 2021 |website=EssentiallySports.com |publisher= |access-date=October 12, 2022 |archive-date=October 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013154236/https://www.essentiallysports.com/wwe-news-from-the-fist-to-ovaltron-every-wwe-smackdown-stage-ever/ |url-status=live }}</ref> which made it stand out from the ''Raw Is War'' set with its rectangular Titantrons. Later productions gained the ability to move the Ovaltron either to the left or to the right of the stage. In August 2001, as part of celebrating ''SmackDown!''{{'}}s second anniversary, the show received a new ] and set, which consisted of a fist centered above the entrance with the WWF/E scratch logo above it, and many glass panes along the sides strongly resembling shattered glass with two TitanTrons on each side. From September 23, 2004, to September 26, 2008, the theme song for ''SmackDown!'' was "Rise Up" by ], with variations, making it the longest tenured theme song used in the program. | |||
Whenever ''SmackDown!'' shared the arena with ''Raw'' during the 2005–2007 period in a form of a supershow, the ''SmackDown!'' stage utilized all or some components of the same set from ''Raw''. | |||
===Induction into Merriam-Webster=== | |||
On ] ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19698856/|title=msnbc.msn.com|accessdate=2007-07-23}}</ref> ] announced it would induct the word ''smackdown''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/smackdown|title=m-w.com/dictionary/smackdown|accessdate=2007-07-23}}</ref> into '']''. According to Merriam Webster, a ''smackdown'' is: | |||
*the act of knocking down or bringing down an opponent | |||
*a contest in entertainment wrestling | |||
*a decisive defeat | |||
*a confrontation between rivals or competitors | |||
From November 2, 2012, until April 18, 2014, ''SmackDown'' began using "Born 2 Run" by 7Lions as its ], with "This Life" by ] and Cody B. Ware serving as the secondary theme, then a swap was made, as "Born 2 Run" was used as a secondary theme, when "This Life" is used as ''SmackDown's'' main theme. Prior to November 2, 2012, ''SmackDown'' ] with "]" by ] while "Hangman" by ] served as the secondary theme song.<ref name=theme2010>{{cite web|first=Dave|last=Hillhouse|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/10/02/15556551.html|publisher=]|work=Slam! Sports|title=Smackdown: Live from Oklahoma City, it's Friday night!|date=2010-10-02|access-date=2010-10-02|archive-date=March 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310031441/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/10/02/15556551.html}}</ref> Upon ''SmackDown''{{'}}s debut on Syfy in 2010, it replaced the previous theme song "Let it Roll" by Divide the Day.<ref name=theme>{{cite web|first=Kara A.|last=Medalis|url=http://www.wwe.com/subscriptions/wwetunes/3242484/sdthemeneedham|publisher=WWE.com|title=Friday nights 'Let It Roll'|date=2009-10-02|access-date=2009-10-02|archive-date=October 6, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091006080405/http://www.wwe.com/subscriptions/wwetunes/3242484/sdthemeneedham|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
==Production== | |||
''Friday Night SmackDown!'' is usually taped on Tuesday evening and aired Friday evening on The CW the same week. Occasionally however, it is taped on Monday nights before or after '']'' in what is called a "Supershow". The show has rarely aired live. | |||
As of August 3, 2012, the show has used the modified WWE HD universal set, which debuted at '']'' on July 23.<ref name="HD">{{cite web|title=WWE Goes HD |url=http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2008/2008_01_14.jsp |publisher=WWE |access-date=2008-01-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080118074358/http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2008/2008_01_14.jsp |archive-date=2008-01-18 }}</ref> From September 21, 2012, until October 26, 2012, October 4, 2013, until November 1, 2013, October 3 and 31, 2014, and October 2 and 30, 2015, WWE worked in conjunction with ] to raise awareness for ] by adorning the ''SmackDown'' set with pink ribbons and a special pink middle-rope in the ring. ''SmackDown''{{'}}s ring ropes were usually blue from 1999 to 2012 (although they were black for a period between 2001 and 2002). They remained blue until December 2012 when they were permanently changed to white, with all WWE programming now using white ring ropes. On August 22, 2014, ''SmackDown'' switched to a full 16:9 letterbox presentation, with a down-scaled version of the native HD feed on a 4:3 SD feed. | |||
The most recent theme song for SmackDown! was ''"Rise Up!"'' by ], a remake of ''SmackDown!'''s fifth anniversary instrumental theme song. It was performed by then-lead singer ] and featured on the ] album. Currently however, the theme song for the SmackDown! brand is ''"Rise Up 2006"'' by ], a new version of ''"Rise Up!"'' performed by new lead singer ] and featured as a bonus downloadable track on the ] album. | |||
Although the graphics were re-positioned, ''SmackDown'' continued to use a variation of the graphics package that had been in use since its first HD broadcast in January 2008, until the show moved to Thursday nights on January 15, 2015, when an all-new graphics package (now optimized for the 16:9 format) and intro video were introduced along with a revised ''SmackDown'' logo. On March 26, 2015, WWE added a small ] board to the left side of the ring on ''SmackDown'', similar to ''Raw''. On the September 14, 2015 season premiere of ''Raw'', the middle rope was colored gold. Throughout the month of October 2015, the WWE broadcast table, entrance ramp, and ring skirts were co-branded with Susan G. Komen for the cure of breast cancer.<ref name="October 2015">{{cite web|url=http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2015/wwe-goes-pink-with-susan-g-komen|title=WWE Goes Pink with Susan G. Komen|access-date=October 12, 2015|work=].com|publisher=]|date=October 1, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151011035741/http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2015/wwe-goes-pink-with-susan-g-komen|archive-date=October 11, 2015}}</ref> Also, the middle ring rope was pink to promote the fight against breast cancer.<ref name="October 2015"/> Following the brand split in 2016, the ropes return to its original blue color as well as debuting a new set. The post brand extension set was almost identical to the ] set from 2009 to 2013 and caused some negative feedback among online fans for re-using an old stage design. A month after the new set debut, a more distinctive and elaborate stage was created for SmackDown. The stage used was a new design with multiple LED side panels on each side with a titan-tron in a semi circle in the center. The new set also introduced LED floor panels on the entrance ramp. Feedback was more positive for this set design.{{citation needed|date=June 2017}} | |||
===Special episodes=== | |||
] | |||
*SmackDown! Debut (] ]) | |||
*9/11 Tribute (] ]) | |||
*Christmas from Baghdad (] ]) | |||
*SmackDown! Night of Champions (] ]) | |||
*Tribute to the Troops (] ]) | |||
*] Tribute Show (] ]) | |||
*''SmackDown!'' Special (] ]) | |||
*''SmackDown!'' 400th episode (] ]) | |||
* WWE: Best of 2007 (] ])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gen.wwe.com/bestof07/index.php|accessdate=2007-12-01|title=WWE Best of 2007|publisher=WWE|date=]}}</ref> | |||
With the shift to Fox, both ''Raw'' and ''SmackDown'' introduced new sets during their "premiere week". The new set featured a large TitanTron screen, with semi-arches partially resembling the original ''SmackDown'' stage.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/first-look-at-new-wwe-smackdown-on-fox-set/|title=411MANIA | First-Look at New WWE SmackDown on Fox Set|access-date=October 15, 2019|archive-date=October 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191015152616/https://411mania.com/wrestling/first-look-at-new-wwe-smackdown-on-fox-set/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
==On-air personalities== | |||
===Champions=== | |||
{| class="wikitable" | |||
!style="background: #e3e3e3;"|Championship | |||
!style="background: #e3e3e3;"|Current champion(s) | |||
!style="background: #e3e3e3;"|Date won | |||
!style="background: #e3e3e3;"|Date aired | |||
|-style="background: #EEEEFF;" | |||
|] | |||
|]<!---Do not add title changes until they air on US TV or wwe.com---> | |||
|] ] | |||
|] ] | |||
|-style="background: #EEEEFF;" | |||
|] | |||
|]<!---Do not add title changes until they air on US TV or wwe.com---> | |||
|] ] | |||
|] ] | |||
|-style="background: #EEEEFF;" | |||
|] | |||
|Vacant<!---Do not add title changes until they air on US TV or wwe.com---> | |||
|] ] | |||
|] ] | |||
|-style="background: #EEEEFF;" | |||
|] | |||
|] and ]<!---Do not add title changes until they air on US TV or wwe.com---> | |||
|] ] | |||
|] ] | |||
|} | |||
Due to the ], all WWE programs suspended touring shows from mid-March 2020 through mid-July 2021. All ''SmackDown'' broadcasts were filmed ] with no in-person spectators, initially from the ] in Orlando, before returning to an arena setting with a closed set known as the "]"—which featured a larger-scale production more in line with its PPV shows, but with a ] displayed on a ] constructed from video boards.<ref name=":19">{{Cite magazine|last=Barrasso|first=Justin|title=WWE Turning Orlando's Amway Center into 'WWE ThunderDome'|url=https://www.si.com/wrestling/2020/08/17/wwe-summerslam-location-amway-center-orlando|access-date=2020-08-17|magazine=Sports Illustrated|date=August 17, 2020 |language=en-us|archive-date=August 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200819173448/https://www.si.com/wrestling/2020/08/17/wwe-summerslam-location-amway-center-orlando|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{Cite web|last=Otterson|first=Joe|date=2020-08-17|title=WWE to Establish 'ThunderDome' Residency in Orlando's Amway Center|url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/wwe-amway-center-thunderdome-1234736530/|access-date=2020-08-17|website=Variety|language=en|archive-date=August 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200817123123/https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/wwe-amway-center-thunderdome-1234736530/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-06-17|title=Contender Profile: WWE Production Designer Jason Robinson on Creating Big Fan Experiences During Pandemic|url=https://www.btlnews.com/crafts/production-design/wwe-jason-robinson/|access-date=2021-07-21|website=Below the Line|language=en-US|archive-date=July 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721065957/https://www.btlnews.com/crafts/production-design/wwe-jason-robinson/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
===General Managers=== | |||
{| class="wikitable" | |||
With the return to live shows in July 2021, a new universal stage was adopted by both ''SmackDown'' and ''Raw'', with a high-resolution LED screen, and increasing use of ] graphics for the television production.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=Dachman|first=Jason|title=WWE Returns to the Road With 25-City Tour, Adds AR Steadicam and High-Res LED Screen|url=https://www.sportsvideo.org/2021/07/16/wwe-returns-to-the-road-with-25-city-tour-adds-ar-steadicam-and-high-res-led-screen/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-07-21|website=Sports Video Group|date=July 16, 2021|language=en|archive-date=July 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721070003/https://www.sportsvideo.org/2021/07/16/wwe-returns-to-the-road-with-25-city-tour-adds-ar-steadicam-and-high-res-led-screen/}}</ref> | |||
{|class="wikitable" | |||
|-style="background:#b0c4de; text-align:center;" | |||
!style="background:#bcbcbc;"| Song title | |||
!style="background:#bcbcbc;"| Written and/or performed by | |||
!style="background:#bcbcbc;"| Dates used | |||
!style="background:#bcbcbc;"| Ref | |||
|- | |||
| "Smack"{{ref|2|2}} | |||
| ] | |||
| April 29, 1999 – August 9, 2001 | |||
| <ref name="music">{{cite web|last=Murrin|first=Lucas|title=WWE Editorial: The Music History Of Smackdown Theme Songs|work=wrestlingnewsdepot.com|date=10 October 2014|url=http://wrestlingnewsdepot.com/2014/10/wwe-editorial-the-music-history-of-smackdown-theme-songs/|access-date=18 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150412144917/http://wrestlingnewsdepot.com/2014/10/wwe-editorial-the-music-history-of-smackdown-theme-songs/|archive-date=12 April 2015}}</ref> | |||
|- | |- | ||
| "]" | |||
! ] | |||
| ] | |||
! Date Started | |||
| August 16, 2001 – May 15, 2003 | |||
! Date Finished | |||
| <ref name="music"/> | |||
|- | |- | ||
| "I Want It All" | |||
| ] | |||
| Jim Johnston | |||
| ] ] | |||
| May 22, 2003 – September 16, 2004 | |||
| ] ] | |||
| <ref name="music"/><ref name="uncaged3">{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/wwe-uncaged-iii/id1271429098|access-date=2017-08-21|title=WWE Uncaged III on iTunes|date=21 August 2017|publisher=iTunes|archive-date=November 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171118070125/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/wwe-uncaged-iii/id1271429098|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
|- | |- | ||
| "Rise Up"{{ref|3|3}} | |||
| ] | |||
| ] ] | | ] | ||
| September 23, 2004 – September 26, 2008 | |||
| ] ] | |||
| <ref name="music"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/theme-addict-ww-the-music-vol-6-original-soundtrack-mw0000140544|title=WWE ThemeAddict: The Music, Vol. 6 – Original Soundtrack|work=]|publisher=]|access-date=September 25, 2015|author=Jeffries, David|archive-date=April 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402104440/https://www.allmusic.com/album/theme-addict-ww-the-music-vol-6-original-soundtrack-mw0000140544|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
|- | |- | ||
| "If You Rock Like Me" | |||
| ] | |||
| Jim Johnston | |||
| ] ] | |||
| October 3, 2008 – September 25, 2009 | |||
| ] ] | |||
| <ref name="music"/> | |||
|- | |- | ||
| "Let It Roll" | |||
| ] | |||
| Divide the Day | |||
| ] ] | |||
| October 2, 2009 – September 24, 2010 | |||
| ] ] | |||
| <ref name="music"/> | |||
|- | |- | ||
| "]" | |||
| ''']''' | |||
| ] ] | | ] | ||
| October 1, 2010 – October 19, 2012 | |||
| present | |||
| <ref name="music"/> | |||
|- | |- | ||
| "Born 2 Run" | |||
| | |||
| | | 7Lions | ||
| October 26, 2012 – April 4, 2014 | |||
| | |||
| <ref name="music"/> | |||
|} | |||
*] - ''Assistant General Manager'' (] ] - ] ]) | |||
*''']''' - '']'' '''(] ] - Present)''' | |||
===Commentators=== | |||
{| class="wikitable" | |||
!Commentators | |||
!Year(s) | |||
|- | |- | ||
| "This Life" | |||
|] and ] | |||
| ] | |||
|Pilot (April 1999) | |||
| April 11, 2014 – January 9, 2015; this song version featuring Dylan Owen was used as the bumper song. | |||
| <ref name="music"/> | |||
|- | |- | ||
| "]" | |||
|Michael Cole and ] | |||
| ] | |||
|August 1999-February 2001 | |||
| October 10, 2014 (only used for ''SmackDown's 15th Anniversary'') | |||
| <ref>{{cite web|url=http://dailywrestlingnews.com/former-wwe-stars-returning-smackdown-tonights-tapings-theme-song/|title=Former WWE Stars Returning on SmackDown?, Tonight's Tapings, Theme Song|work=dailywrestlingnews.com|last=Arrington|first=Eric|date=October 7, 2014|access-date=April 12, 2015|archive-date=November 24, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141124200916/http://dailywrestlingnews.com/former-wwe-stars-returning-smackdown-tonights-tapings-theme-song/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.todayfm.com/Song-of-the-week--------|title=SONG OF THE WEEK|work=today.fm|date=October 13, 2014|access-date=April 12, 2015|archive-date=December 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215173114/https://www.todayfm.com/Song-of-the-week--------|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
|- | |- | ||
| |
| "Black and Blue" | ||
| CFO$ | |||
|February 2001-November 2001 | |||
| January 15, 2015 – July 19, 2016 | |||
| <ref name="iTunes_BlackandBlue">{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/sg/album/wwe-black-blue-smackdown-single/id953974052|title=Black and Blue|date=25 December 2014|publisher=]|access-date=April 12, 2015|archive-date=March 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306061306/https://itunes.apple.com/sg/album/wwe-black-blue-smackdown-single/id953974052|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
|- | |- | ||
| "Take a Chance" | |||
|Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler | |||
| CFO$ | |||
|November 2001-March 2002 | |||
| July 26, 2016 – September 24, 2019 | |||
| <ref name="Chance">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2016/0726/614973/new-wwe-smackdown-intro-video-and-theme-song/|title=New WWE SmackDown Live Intro Video And Theme Song, Charly Caruso Working SmackDown Live, Pre-show Video|work=Wrestling Inc|date=July 26, 2016|location=United States|access-date=July 27, 2016|first=Marc|last=Middleton|archive-date=July 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160730154541/http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2016/0726/614973/new-wwe-smackdown-intro-video-and-theme-song/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
|- | |- | ||
|Michael Cole and Tazz | |||
|March 2002-June 2006 | |||
|- | |- | ||
| "]" | |||
|'''Michael Cole and ]''' | |||
| ] | |||
|June 2006-Present | |||
| October 16, 2018 (only used for SmackDown's 1000th episode) | |||
| | |||
|- | |- | ||
| "]" | |||
|} | |||
| ] | |||
| October 4, 2019 – October 14, 2022 | |||
===Ring Announcers=== | |||
| {{citation needed|date=March 2024}} | |||
{| class="wikitable" | |||
!Ring announcer | |||
!Year(s) | |||
|- | |- | ||
| "Prime Time Open" | |||
|] | |||
| Jim Johnston | |||
|April 1999-September 2007 | |||
| May 7, 2021 (only used for Throwback SmackDown!) | |||
| | |||
|- | |- | ||
| "Nobody Better Than Me" | |||
|''']''' | |||
| def rebel ft. Supreme Madness | |||
|September 2007-Present | |||
| October 21, 2022 – September 6, 2024 | |||
| | |||
|- | |||
| "]" | |||
| ] ft. ] | |||
| December 8, 2023 (only used for ]) | |||
| | |||
|- | |||
| '''“]” '''{{ref|1|1}} | |||
| ] ft. ] | |||
| September 13, 2024 – present | |||
|<ref name="Smackdown USANetwork"/> | |||
|} | |} | ||
'''Notes''' | |||
{{Refbegin}} | |||
# {{note|1}} Bold song titles are currently being used as the opening theme. | |||
# {{note|2}} Also titled as "Everybody on the Ground" prior to the release of the ]. | |||
# {{note|3}} The first version was an instrumental composed by Jim Johnston and it was only used on September 23, 2004, for ''SmackDown's 5th Anniversary''. Another version was performed by ] entitled "Rise Up 2006" and was used from March 24, 2006. | |||
{{Refend}} | |||
== Cultural references == | |||
On July 10, 2007, ] included the word ''smackdown'' in ''].''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.today.com/id/19698856|date=2007-07-10|publisher=]|title=It was a ginormous year for new words|access-date=2007-07-23|archive-date=October 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022004020/http://www.today.com/id/19698856}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/smackdown|title=m-w.com/dictionary/smackdown|access-date=2007-07-23|archive-date=May 9, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120509200202/http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smackdown|url-status=live}}</ref> Merriam Webster defined a "smackdown" as: | |||
* The act of knocking down or bringing down an opponent. | |||
* A contest in entertainment wrestling. | |||
* A decisive defeat. | |||
* A confrontation between rivals or competitors. | |||
The ] traces the use of the word ''smackdown'' in English back at least as far as 1990, but notes that a professional wrestling television show "popularized" the term. | |||
== Special episodes == | |||
{{main|List of WWE SmackDown special episodes}} | |||
Throughout its broadcast history, the show has aired editions that have different themes. These include tributes to various professional wrestlers who have recently died or retired from actively performing, and episodes commemorating various show milestones or anniversaries. | |||
== Other SmackDown-branded properties == | |||
Although ''SmackDown'' has been the second-largest show in the WWE, the company's use of the term went beyond its namesake program. During the ] campaign, the WWE launched the ''SmackDown! Your Vote'' program.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://corporate.wwe.com/news/company-news/2003/02-03-2003|title=Smackdown Your Vote! Announces Program To Increase Young Voter Participation By ...|website=corporate.wwe.com|access-date=December 28, 2018|archive-date=April 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200416032534/https://corporate.wwe.com/news/company-news/2003/02-03-2003|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
The name was also used when WWE released its 2015 film '']'' and ]'s show ''Kitchen SmackDown!''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mandatory.com/wrestlezone/news/1036417-wwe-kitchen-smackdown-debuts|title=WWE Kitchen SmackDown Debuts, Top 10 RAW Moments Of 2018|date=27 December 2018|website=Wrestlezone|access-date=December 28, 2018|archive-date=December 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181228130851/https://www.mandatory.com/wrestlezone/news/1036417-wwe-kitchen-smackdown-debuts|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
==Roster== | |||
{{Main|List of WWE personnel}} | |||
The wrestlers featured on WWE take part in scripted ] and ]. Wrestlers are portrayed as ], ], or ] in scripted events that build tension and culminate in a wrestling match. | |||
The primary commentators for ''SmackDown'' are ] and ]. Additional commentary has been provided by ], ], ], ], ] and others since its creation. | |||
== Broadcast == | |||
In addition to the ] ] simulcasting with Fox live in the United States and broadcasts to American troops deployed overseas on ],<ref name="MyNetworkCrowns"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-134137194.html|title=WWE(R) and American Forces Network Partner To Provide The Great American Bash(R) Pay-Per-View Free To Troops.|publisher=]|date=2005-07-19|access-date=2009-10-07}}{{dead link|date=February 2019|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> ''SmackDown'' also appears on-air internationally. | |||
=== |
=== Broadcast history === | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" style="margin:0; font-size: 95%" | ||
|+ | |||
!Channel | |||
!Timeslot | |||
!Years | |||
|- | |- | ||
| rowspan="3" |] | |||
! Segment | |||
| rowspan="2" |Thursday 8–10 p.m. ] | |||
! Segment Type | |||
|April 29, 1999 | |||
! Host | |||
! Years Active | |||
! Notes | |||
! Source | |||
|- | |- | ||
|August 26, 1999 – September 1, 2005 | |||
|<sup>''']'''</sup> | |||
|Interview | |||
|] | |||
|] | |||
|<small>Debuted on ''SmackDown!'' during Piper's feud with Hulk Hogan.</small> | |||
|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030410.html|title=SmackDown! results - April 10, 2003|accessdate=2007-08-01|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
|<sup>''']'''</sup> | |||
|Competition | |||
|] | |||
|2004 | |||
|<small>Segments were featured weekly on ''SmackDown!''.</small> | |||
| | |||
|- | |||
|<sup>'''Kurt Angle Invitational'''</sup> | |||
|Wrestling Challenge | |||
|] | |||
|2004-2005 | |||
|<small>Format: an invitational to any local wrestler to defeat Kurt Angle in under three minutes for his Olympic Gold Medals. Ended on ''SmackDown!'' after Angle was drafted to '']'', continued there until 2005.</small> | |||
| | |||
|- | |- | ||
| rowspan="4" |Friday 8–10 p.m. ET | |||
|<sup>'''Carlito's Cabana'''</sup> | |||
|September 9, 2005 – September 15, 2006 | |||
|Interview | |||
|] | |||
|2005 | |||
|<small>Created by Carlito after ] to compete with Piper's Pit. The segment ended on ''SmackDown!'' after Carlito was drafted to '']''.</small> | |||
|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/050414.html|title=SmackDown! results - April 15, 2005|accessdate=2007-08-01|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> | |||
|- | |- | ||
|] | |||
|<sup>'''Peep Show'''</sup> | |||
|September 22, 2006 – September 26, 2008 | |||
|Interview | |||
|] | |||
|2005 | |||
|<small>Created shortly after Christian was drafted to ''SmackDown!''. Ended when Christian's contract expired with WWE. </small> | |||
|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/050818.html|title=SmackDown! results - August 18, 2005|accessdate=2007-08-01|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> | |||
|- | |- | ||
|] | |||
|<sup>''']'''</sup> | |||
|October 3, 2008 – September 24, 2010 | |||
|Competition | |||
|] | |||
|2006 | |||
|<small>Segments were featured weekly on ''SmackDown!''.</small> | |||
| | |||
|- | |||
|<sup>'''Miz TV'''</sup> | |||
|Interview | |||
|] | |||
|2007 | |||
|<small>Created after Mizanin's brief absence from ''SmackDown!'', but ended when he was drafted to '']''.</small> | |||
|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/070309.html|title= SmackDown! results - March 09, 2007|accessdate=2007-08-01|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> | |||
|- | |- | ||
| rowspan="2" |] | |||
|<sup>'''The Masterlock Challenge'''</sup> | |||
|October 1, 2010 – January 9, 2015 | |||
| Submission Challenge | |||
|] | |||
|2007 | |||
|<small>A challenge to any wrestler (local or active superstar on WWE roster) to break the Masterlock. Ended on ''RAW'' after it was broken by Bobby Lashley in March 2007, however it re-debuted on SmackDown!, when Masters was drafted in 2007. Ended when Masters was released.</small> | |||
| | |||
|- | |- | ||
| rowspan="2" |Thursday 8–10 p.m. ET | |||
|<sup>'''The Cutting Edge'''</sup> | |||
|January 15, 2015 – December 31, 2015 | |||
|Interview | |||
|] | |||
|2007-''present'' | |||
|<small>Debuted on ''SmackDown!'' after Edge moved from ]. The segment was in absence during Edge's 2007 injury.</small> | |||
|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/070601.html|title= SmackDown! results - June 01, 2007|accessdate=2007-08-01|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> | |||
|- | |- | ||
| rowspan="2" |] | |||
|<sup>'''V.I.P Lounge'''</sup> | |||
|January 7, 2016 – July 14, 2016 | |||
|Interview | |||
|- | |||
|] | |||
|Tuesday 8–10 p.m. ET | |||
|2007-''present'' | |||
|July 19, 2016 – September 24, 2019 | |||
|<small>Was brought in during Edge's 2007 injury. | |||
|- | |||
|<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/070817.html|title=SmackDown! results - August 17, 2007|accessdate= 2007-08-17|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> | |||
|] | |||
| rowspan="2" |Friday 8–10 p.m. ET | |||
|October 4, 2019 – September 6, 2024 | |||
|- | |||
| rowspan="2" |] | |||
|September 13, 2024 – December 27, 2024 | |||
|- | |||
|Friday 8–11 p.m. ET | |||
|''beginning January 3, 2025'' | |||
|} | |} | ||
== |
==== Americas ==== | ||
===== Latin America ===== | |||
{{reflist}} | |||
''SmackDown'' airs live on ] in ]<ref name="Fox"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/schedules/television/rw/country/Mexico |title=WWE Mexico Scheduling |publisher=] |access-date=August 21, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100209003431/http://www.wwe.com/schedules/television/rw/country/Mexico |archive-date=February 9, 2010 }}</ref> and across ] and ] since 2014.<ref name="Fox">{{cite web|url=http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2014/2014_9_17.jsp|title=WWE and Fox Sports Latin America Announce Partnership|publisher=]|access-date=October 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141018013358/http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2014/2014_9_17.jsp|archive-date=October 18, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://espanol.wwe.com/shows/|title=WWE's Spanish Language website|publisher=]|access-date=May 1, 2016|archive-date=April 29, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160429042607/http://espanol.wwe.com/shows|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://corporate.wwe.com/news/WWECorporate-2011.02.23.jsp|title=WWE launches in Brazil|publisher=]|access-date=February 23, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110319154140/http://corporate.wwe.com/news/WWECorporate-2011.02.23.jsp|archive-date=March 19, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.esmas.com/canal5/|title=Canal 5 Website|publisher=]|access-date=August 21, 2009|archive-date=April 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160405093928/http://www2.esmas.com/canal5|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
===== Canada ===== | |||
In Canada, ''SmackDown'' has historically been aired by ] (SN360, formerly known as The Score), as part of network owner ]'s long-term deal with WWE. The program has historically aired sometimes in simulcast with the U.S. airing and sometimes a day before. In 2005, when the taped show moved to Friday airings in the U.S., it remained on Thursdays in Canada for a period of time. During its return to Thursdays in the U.S. from January 2015 to July 2016, pre-recorded episodes of ''SmackDown'' aired on Wednesdays—one night earlier—due to conflicts with the channel's Thursday-night ] broadcasts.<ref name="Canada Wed">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2014/11/07/22058041.html|title=Canada to get Smackdown on Wednesdays|last=LaPrade|first=Patric|work=Slam! Sports|date=November 7, 2014|access-date=November 20, 2014|archive-date=June 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624201746/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2014/11/07/22058041.html}}</ref> | |||
The program has aired in simulcast with the U.S. broadcast since it switched to a live format in July 2016, initially on Tuesdays and then moving back to Fridays in October 2019. | |||
Despite the move to Fox (which is widely carried on Canadian television providers), Rogers had not elected to simulcast ''SmackDown'' on its broadcast network ] to invoke potential ] rights. | |||
As Rogers holds the rights to the ], the program was occasionally pre-empted to ] (now Bravo) during the Stanley Cup playoffs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/wwe/article/how-to-watch-monday-night-raw-on-april-25-may-2-may-9/|title=How to watch Monday Night Raw on April 25, May 2 & May 9|work=].ca|date=April 24, 2022|access-date=April 25, 2022|archive-date=April 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220425091745/https://www.sportsnet.ca/wwe/article/how-to-watch-monday-night-raw-on-april-25-may-2-may-9/|url-status=live}}</ref> All archived broadcasts of ''SmackDown'' are available on the ]. ] secured the rights to Canadian WWE programming until 2024, after which in January 2025 the rights go to ], but will not air on the ], which will relaunch on the former Discovery Channel space at the same time. | |||
===== Asia, Africa and Oceania ===== | |||
''SmackDown'' airs live in the ] region on ] Saturday mornings, and later on the same day, a one-hour version airs on ] at 8PM ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://corporate.wwe.com/news/company-news/2022/03-23-2022|title=WWE® & MBC GROUP ANNOUNCE MAJOR BROADCAST PARTNERSHIP IN MIDDLE EAST & NORTH AFRICA|access-date=2022-03-23|publisher=]|archive-date=March 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220326000240/https://corporate.wwe.com/news/company-news/2022/03-23-2022|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
''SmackDown'' airs live in Australia on Saturday late mornings/early afternoons and Sunday afternoons on ] and Friday nights on ] as a one-hour version,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.foxtel.com.au/channel/channel_38.html|title=Entertainment List|access-date=2008-02-03|work=Foxtel channels|archive-date=January 25, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080125040818/http://www.foxtel.com.au/channel/channel_38.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www2.wwe.com/schedules/television//rw/country/Australia|title=WWE's Australia Schedule|publisher=]|access-date=2014-02-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006163303/http://www2.wwe.com/schedules/television//rw/country/Australia|archive-date=2011-10-06}}</ref> and airs live in ] on ] and Sunday nights on ] as a one-hour version.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/worldwide/article/wwe-sky-new-zealand-extend-partnership|title=WWE and SKY extend long-standing partnership in New Zealand|author=WWE|date=17 December 2018|access-date=28 December 2018|archive-date=December 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181228035153/https://www.wwe.com/worldwide/article/wwe-sky-new-zealand-extend-partnership|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
''SmackDown'' airs in ] on ] and Sky Fiji.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/schedules/television/rw/country/Fiji|title=WWE's Fiji Schedule|publisher=]|access-date=2009-10-07|archive-date=October 24, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091024045957/http://www.wwe.com/schedules/television/rw/country/Fiji}}</ref> | |||
''SmackDown'' airs live in ] and in ], ], ] and ] on ]<ref>{{cite web|title=Show Listings for India |url=http://www.wwe.com/schedules/television/india |website=wwe.com |publisher=WWE |access-date=1 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222151034/http://www.wwe.com/schedules/television/india |archive-date=22 December 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/schedules/television/nepal |title=WWE "Nepal" |website=www.wwe.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111019171527/http://www.wwe.com/schedules/television/nepal |archive-date=2011-10-19}}</ref><ref name="SonyRebranding">{{cite news |url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/media/entertainment/media/sony-rebrands-sports-business-launches-2-new-hd-channels/articleshow/59651869.cms |title=Sony Pictures Sports Network rebrands TEN Sports channels |work=The Economic Times |date=18 July 2017 |access-date=July 24, 2017 |archive-date=July 21, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170721172333/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/media/entertainment/media/sony-rebrands-sports-business-launches-2-new-hd-channels/articleshow/59651869.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> and ] on ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/schedules/television/rw/country/Kenya|title=WWE's Kenya Schedule|publisher=]|access-date=2009-10-07|archive-date=October 6, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101006060642/http://www.wwe.com/schedules/television/rw/country/Kenya}}</ref> | |||
''SmackDown'' airs in ] on ] 4.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/schedules/television/rw/country/Malaysia |title=WWE's Malaysia Schedule |publisher=] |access-date=2009-10-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100228191959/http://www.wwe.com/schedules/television/rw/country/Malaysia |archive-date=2010-02-28 }}</ref> | |||
The series airs in the ] on ] including its streaming counterpart ]. | |||
''SmackDown'' airs live in ] on ].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/B-PH5A_ldYw |title=SEGERA DI MOLA TV |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408120104/https://www.instagram.com/p/B-PH5A_ldYw/ |archive-date=April 8, 2023 |url-access=subscription |trans-title=SOON ON MOLA TV |trans-quote=Are you a WWE fan? Don't miss WWE's RAW and SmackDown shows that will soon be live on Mola TV every week! |quote=Anda penggemar WWE? Jangan sampai terlewatkan tayangan-tayangan RAW dan SmackDown dari WWE yang akan segera tayang Live di Mola TV setiap pekan! |language=Indonesian |access-date=May 13, 2023 |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref> | |||
The series airs live in ] on Starhub's HubSports 2<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/schedules/television/rw/country/Singapore|title=WWE's Singapore Schedule|publisher=]|access-date=2009-10-07|archive-date=July 28, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090728053754/http://www.wwe.com/schedules/television/rw/country/Singapore}}</ref> and ] on ]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/schedules/television/rw/country/South%20Africa |title=WWE's South Africa Schedule |publisher=] |access-date=2009-10-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100317143459/http://www.wwe.com/schedules/television/rw/country/South%20Africa |archive-date=2010-03-17 }}</ref> | |||
''SmackDown'' airs on ] in Japan.<ref>{{Cite web |last=TIMES編集部 |first=ABEMA |date=2023-09-28 |title=「ABEMA」、WWE『RAW』&『SMACKDOWN』を国内独占放送! 中邑真輔「ABEMAでWWE漬けに」 {{!}} 告知 {{!}} ABEMA TIMES {{!}} アベマタイムズ |url=https://times.abema.tv/articles/-/10097209 |access-date=2023-09-29 |website=ABEMA TIMES |language=ja |archive-date=October 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002143036/https://times.abema.tv/articles/-/10097209 |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
''SmackDown'' airs in ] on ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/schedules/television/israel |title=WWE: Homepage > Schedules > Television > Israel |website=www.wwe.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629103007/http://www.wwe.com/schedules/television/israel |archive-date=2011-06-29}}</ref> | |||
In ], ''SmackDown'' was previously broadcast by free-to-air broadcaster ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.news24.com/News24/Entertainment/Local/0,6119,2-1225-1242_1294527,00.html|title=Get ready to rumble|date=2002-12-06|access-date=2006-05-28|publisher=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930220056/http://www.news24.com/News24/Entertainment/Local/0,6119,2-1225-1242_1294527,00.html|archive-date=30 September 2007}}</ref> The show would play on Wednesday nights in the evening, with a 7-day delay, edited to one hour and was one of the most watched programs on the channel. However, in 2017 e.tv decided not to renew its broadcasting deal with WWE.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tvsa.co.za/default.aspx|title=TVSA - South Africa's TV Website {{!}} TVSA|website=www.tvsa.co.za|access-date=2019-12-20|archive-date=February 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200222142510/https://www.tvsa.co.za/default.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> The rights were later resold to ] (the initial broadcasters of WWE programming) who broadcast the show across Sub-Saharan Africa, live and uncut.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/schedules/television/rw/country/South%20Africa |title=WWE South Africa Scheduling |publisher=] |access-date=August 21, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100317143459/http://www.wwe.com/schedules/television/rw/country/South%20Africa |archive-date=March 17, 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.etv.co.za/extended/about/wwe_raw|title=About WWE Raw|publisher=]|access-date=August 21, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100413014606/http://www.etv.co.za/extended/about/wwe_raw|archive-date=April 13, 2010}}</ref> | |||
In 2019 SuperSport, along with its parent company ], signed a deal to broadcast the 24-hour WWE channel on their ] platform.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.slamforce-africa.com/2019/08/06/dstv-launches-wwe-pop-up-channel/|title=DSTV Launches WWE Pop-Up Channel – SLAMFORCE AFRICA|language=en-US|access-date=2019-12-20|archive-date=December 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191220071500/https://www.slamforce-africa.com/2019/08/06/dstv-launches-wwe-pop-up-channel/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
==== Europe ==== | |||
In Portugal, ''SmackDown'' airs live on ] every Saturday at 01:00 ].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Durães|first1=Pedro|title=Sport TV assegura exclusividade dos direitos de transmissão da WWE para Portugal|url=http://www.meiosepublicidade.pt/2017/10/sport-tv-assegura-exclusividade-dos-direitos-transmissao-da-wwe-portugal/|access-date=25 October 2017|website=Meios e Publicidade|language=pt|archive-date=October 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171025185011/http://www.meiosepublicidade.pt/2017/10/sport-tv-assegura-exclusividade-dos-direitos-transmissao-da-wwe-portugal/|url-status=live}}</ref> In Russia,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pwnews.net/news/2020-01-03-15050|title=WWE returns to Russian television and will be broadcast on the Match TV channel! Fighter|access-date=January 12, 2020|archive-date=January 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200104053907/https://pwnews.net/news/2020-01-03-15050|url-status=live}}</ref> ''SmackDown'' aired on ]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://matchtv.ru/channel/boec|title=МАТЧ! БОЕЦ - PACKAGE SPORTS|access-date=January 12, 2020|archive-date=April 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407000020/https://matchtv.ru/channel/boec|url-status=live}}</ref> with ] commentary until 2022, when WWE ceased broadcasting their programs in Russia in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. | |||
In Spain, ''SmackDown'' airs on ] every Sunday at 13:00 ].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Nieto |first1=Cristina |title=Atresmedia emitirá la programación de 'WWE Raw' y 'SmackDown' en España |url=https://www.formulatv.com/noticias/atresmedia-emitira-programacion-programas-wwe-raw-smackdown-espana-90798/ |website=FormulaTV |access-date=31 October 2019 |language=es |date=29 March 2019 |archive-date=February 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229064223/https://www.formulatv.com/noticias/atresmedia-emitira-programacion-programas-wwe-raw-smackdown-espana-90798/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In the United Kingdom and Ireland, ''Smackdown'' airs live on ],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://sport.bt.com/news/bt-sport-and-wwe-announce-exclusive-new-tv-partnership-in-multi-year-deal-S11364370135846|title=BT Sport | the Heart of Sport | BT Sport|access-date=March 1, 2021|archive-date=June 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190620204621/https://sport.bt.com/news/bt-sport-and-wwe-announce-exclusive-new-tv-partnership-in-multi-year-deal-S11364370135846|url-status=live}}</ref> with a one-hour version airing on ] every Friday at 23:00 ].<ref>{{cite tweet |user=Channel5Sport |date=March 27, 2020 |number=1243495804079407104 |title=🚨 CALLING ALL WWE FANS 🚨 #WWE #SmackDown highlights are now shown FRIDAY 11PM on @paramountnet_uk. Tune in tonight to catch the action 💥 |access-date=March 27, 2020}}</ref> | |||
In Malta, ''SmackDown'' airs on Melita Sports 1.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/schedules/television/rw/country/Malta|title=WWE's Malta Schedule|publisher=]|access-date=2009-10-07|archive-date=July 4, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090704112937/http://www.wwe.com/schedules/television/rw/country/Malta}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.melita.com/epg/?ChannelId=Digi+Sp+1 |title=Melita Sports 1 Television Schedule |publisher=Melita Sports 1 |access-date=2009-10-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100108035522/http://www.melita.com/epg/?ChannelId=Digi%2BSp%2B1 |archive-date=January 8, 2010 }}</ref> | |||
In Germany, ''SmackDown'' airs on ProSieben MAXX Saturdays at 22:00 CET.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.prosiebenmaxx.de/serien/wwe-smackdown|title=WWE SmackDown | Wrestling auf ProSieben MAXX|date=February 7, 2024|website=ProSieben MAXX|language=de}}</ref> | |||
In Belgium, ''SmackDown'' airs on Saturday on ]. It also airs on ] in France. Both are commented by Philippe Chereau and Christophe Agius. | |||
=== Online streaming === | |||
On May 22, 2009, ] and WWE agreed to air full episodes of ''SmackDown'' to be available for viewing the day following its original airing.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/10303890|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090526081817/http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/10303890|url-status=live|archive-date=May 26, 2009|title=Hulu to stream full episodes of SmackDown, ECW|access-date=August 16, 2015|date=May 22, 2009|work=].com|publisher=]|first=Corey|last=Clayton}}</ref> On September 24, 2012, Hulu signed a multi-year deal with WWE to stream all of the company's TV shows and some of its web series, which includes ''SmackDown''. Full episodes of ''SmackDown'' are available for viewing the following day of its original airing.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2012/digital/news/hulu-plus-pacts-with-wwe-1118059700/|title=Hulu Plus pacts with WWE|access-date=August 15, 2015|publisher=]|work=]|date=September 24, 2012|first=Marc|last=Graser|archive-date=November 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112040919/https://variety.com/2012/digital/news/hulu-plus-pacts-with-wwe-1118059700/|url-status=live}}</ref> All previous episodes of ''SmackDown'' are available on the ], where recent episodes are available for on-demand viewing 30 days after the original air date.<ref>{{cite news|last=Goldman|first=Eric|url=https://uk.ign.com/articles/2011/09/06/wwe-network-coming-in-2012|title=WWE Network coming in 2012|date=September 6, 2011|access-date=August 15, 2015|publisher=IGN|archive-date=March 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200309223809/https://uk.ign.com/articles/2011/09/06/wwe-network-coming-in-2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/wwenetwork/wwe-network-outside-united-states-26533843|title=WWE Network available outside of the U.S. starting Aug. 12|date=July 31, 2014|access-date=August 15, 2015|work=].com|publisher=]|archive-date=July 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150724210559/http://www.wwe.com/wwenetwork/wwe-network-outside-united-states-26533843|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
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* {{Official website|http://www.usanetwork.com/wwesmackdown|''WWE SmackDown''}} at | |||
* {{IMDb title|0227972|WWE SmackDown}} | |||
* {{TV Guide|191912}} | |||
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Latest revision as of 21:22, 20 December 2024
Professional wrestling television program For the WWE brand featured on the program, see SmackDown (WWE brand). For other uses, see WWE SmackDown (disambiguation).
WWE SmackDown | |
---|---|
WWE SmackDown logo (2024–present) | |
Also known as | SmackDown! (1999–2008) SmackDown Live (2016–2019) |
Genre | Professional wrestling |
Created by | Vince McMahon |
Written by |
|
Presented by |
|
Starring | SmackDown roster |
Opening theme |
|
Country of origin | United States |
No. of seasons | 26 |
No. of episodes | 1322 |
Production | |
Executive producers | Paul Levesque Lee Fitting |
Camera setup | Multi-camera setup |
Running time |
|
Production company | WWE |
Original release | |
Network | UPN |
Release | April 29, 1999 (1999-04-29) – September 15, 2006 (2006-09-15) |
Network | The CW |
Release | September 22, 2006 (2006-09-22) – September 26, 2008 (2008-09-26) |
Network | MyNetworkTV |
Release | October 3, 2008 (2008-10-03) – September 24, 2010 (2010-09-24) |
Network | Syfy |
Release | October 1, 2010 (2010-10-01) – December 31, 2015 (2015-12-31) |
Network | USA Network |
Release | January 7, 2016 (2016-01-07) – September 24, 2019 (2019-09-24) |
Network | Fox |
Release | October 4, 2019 (2019-10-04) – September 6, 2024 (2024-09-06) |
Network | USA Network |
Release | September 13, 2024 (2024-09-13) – present (present) |
Related | |
WWE SmackDown, also known as Friday Night SmackDown or simply SmackDown, is an American professional wrestling television program produced by WWE. It airs live every Friday at 8 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on USA Network. SmackDown is the most viewed television show on Friday nights in the United States. Fox Deportes simulcasts the program with Spanish-language commentary. The show features characters from the SmackDown brand, to which WWE employees are assigned to work and perform. It is considered to be one of WWE's two flagship programs, along with Monday Night Raw.
SmackDown! debuted in Kemper Arena in Kansas City, Missouri UPN on April 29, 1999, and was formerly broadcast on Thursday nights. The show moved to Friday nights on September 9, 2005, and began airing on The CW in September 2006, after the merger of UPN and the WB. The show later moved to MyNetworkTV in October 2008. On October 1, 2010, SmackDown moved to cable network Syfy, and eventually returned to Thursdays on January 15, 2015. The show then moved to the sibling USA Network on January 7, 2016, and later that year, beginning on July 19, SmackDown began broadcasting live on Tuesday nights. SmackDown's move to Fox on October 4, 2019 marked the show's return to Friday nights and over-the-air broadcast television (as well as the second time SmackDown has aired on a Fox-owned network). On September 13, 2024, the show returned to USA Network.
SmackDown has been broadcast from over 100+ arenas, 100+ cities and towns, and nine countries: United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Japan in 2005, Italy in 2007, Mexico in 2011, and France, Saudi Arabia, and Germany in 2024. Prior to switching to its current live format, taped episodes premiered a few hours earlier in Ireland and the United Kingdom than in the United States (and a day earlier in Australia, Canada, Singapore, and the Philippines) due to time differences. For international broadcast listings, see below. The show celebrated its 15th anniversary on October 10, 2014, and the 1000th episode on October 16, 2018.
The WWE Network ceased operations in the United States on April 4, 2021, with all content moved to Peacock which now has all previous episodes of SmackDown. Recent episodes are still available for on-demand viewing 30 days after the original air date.
History
Main article: History of WWE SmackDownEarly years (1999–2009)
WWF SmackDown! was set up to compete against World Championship Wrestling (WCW)'s Thursday night show, Thunder. SmackDown! first appeared on April 29, 1999, using the Raw set as a single television special on UPN. On August 26, 1999, SmackDown! officially debuted on UPN. Like Thunder, SmackDown! was recorded on Tuesdays and then broadcast on Thursdays. The new WWF show was so popular that WCW moved Thunder to Wednesdays so that it would not compete directly. Throughout the show's early existence, The Rock routinely called SmackDown! "his show", in reference to the fact that the name was derived from one of his catchphrases, "Layeth the Smack down". In March 2002, WWF implemented the "brand extension", under which Raw and SmackDown! would have separate rosters of performers that are exclusive to their respective programs and events, and be positioned in-universe as competing "brands" (in a manner reminiscent of athletic conferences).
In the 2004–05 season, SmackDown! had an average viewership of 5.1 million viewers, making it UPN's second-highest-rated series behind America's Next Top Model. With the cancellation of Star Trek: Enterprise, SmackDown! moved into its former timeslot on Friday nights for the 2005–06 season, beginning September 9, 2005. WWE subsequently announced that the show would be renamed Friday Night SmackDown! to emphasize the new scheduling.
In January 2006, CBS Corporation and Warner Bros. Entertainment announced that UPN and The WB would merge to form a new network known as The CW that fall. As part of the announcement, The CW announced that it would renew Friday Night SmackDown! for two more seasons as part of its launch schedule—which drew from the strongest programs of its two predecessors. On September 22, 2006, Friday Night SmackDown! aired its first ever episode on The CW.
The CW declined to renew SmackDown, resulting in the series being picked up in October 2008 by MyNetworkTV, a second new network that had been formed by Fox Entertainment Group to take on former UPN and WB affiliates who were not selected to join The CW. Retaining its previous Friday-night time slot, the season premiere of SmackDown on MyNetworkTV was the highest-rated program in that night on the network, with 3.2 million viewers. On March 20, 2009, SmackDown celebrated its 500th episode.
Move to Syfy and USA Network (2010–2019)
On October 1, 2010, as part of a new broadcast deal with NBC Universal, SmackDown moved to Syfy, retaining its Friday night timeslot. Prior to this premiere of SmackDown, Michael Cole hosted a "pre-game" show. The move saw Syfy paying close to $30 million for the show as opposed to the $20 million paid by its former network MyNetworkTV.
During the August 29, 2011 episode of Raw, WWE dissolved the brand extension, thus allowing performers to appear on Raw and SmackDown at any given time without restriction. The October 14, 2011, episode made SmackDown the second-longest-running weekly episodic television series of American television history (behind Raw, which surpassed that mark on August 1, 2005). On January 18, 2013, SmackDown celebrated its 700th episode.
On October 10, 2014, SmackDown celebrated its 15-year anniversary. To help celebrate the 15th anniversary, Stephanie McMahon came out first, then Laurinaitis and Long, respectively, the latter of which kept one-upping each other for the main event of the night until McMahon decided to keep the 15-man tag team match that Long suggested, on the condition Laurinaitis and Long be the captains of each team like at WrestleMania XXVIII. Long's team won the match. On December 16, 2014, SmackDown aired a live 800th episode special on Syfy's sister channel USA Network, SuperSmackDown Live!, featuring a main event between Dolph Ziggler and Seth Rollins.
In January 2015, SmackDown returned to a Thursday time slot. The return to Thursday nights was expected to help attract a younger audience to Syfy, as well as more premium advertising dollars from marketers, who tend to spend more to promote their products, especially film releases, on the night as consumers head into the weekend. The last SmackDown airing on a Friday night had 2.43 million viewers with a 0.7 share. On January 7, 2016, SmackDown moved to USA Network, remaining on Thursday nights. With the move, all top three WWE programs—Raw, SmackDown and Tough Enough—would air on the same network for the first time ever.
On May 25, 2016, as part of the re-implementation of the brand extension and split between Raw and SmackDown, it was announced that SmackDown would move to Tuesday nights and be broadcast live. On the July 11, 2016 episode of Raw, Vince McMahon named Shane McMahon the commissioner of SmackDown. Then next week on Raw, Daniel Bryan was revealed as the new SmackDown General Manager. On July 22, 2016, general manager Daniel Bryan revealed the new SmackDown logo on his official Twitter page, renaming the show SmackDown Live. On April 10, 2018, SmackDown Commissioner Shane McMahon announced that Daniel Bryan was back as a full-time WWE wrestler and named Paige the new general manager.
SmackDown on Fox (2019–2024)
On June 26, 2018, Fox announced a five-year agreement to air SmackDown, in a deal worth $205 million per year. SmackDown would debut on October 4, 2019, with its first episode being the 20th Anniversary special. The episode also marked the return of SmackDown to Friday nights and the return of WWE programming to Fox for the first time since Fox aired the November 14, 1992 episode of Saturday Night's Main Event. The agreement came as WWE's previous broadcast deal with USA Network to air both SmackDown and WWE Raw was set to expire, and as Fox has increasingly emphasized live sports programming and non-scripted entertainment in the wake of its then-upcoming sale of its in-house studios to Disney. Fox had hoped to acquire Raw for the Fox network and SmackDown for FS1. However, amid a competitive bidding situation, NBCUniversal focused its efforts on renewing Raw, freeing up Fox to pursue SmackDown. In particular, Fox promised a larger amount of promotion for SmackDown during its sports programming, as well as a WWE-oriented studio show (WWE Backstage) on FS1.
From March 13, 2020, all WWE touring shows were cancelled indefinitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with SmackDown, Raw, and pay-per-views being broadcast from a studio in the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida with no audience beginning that night. The ensuing episode also featured Triple H as a guest commentator, and an encore presentation of the Elimination Chamber match for the SmackDown Tag Team Championship from the titular pay-per-view the previous Sunday. On August 17, WWE announced that SmackDown, Raw, and pay-per-views would move out of the Performance Center to the "WWE ThunderDome" at Orlando's Amway Center, beginning with SmackDown on August 21. The program continued to be broadcast behind closed doors, but with a virtual audience and enhanced arena production. WWE returned to hosting and touring shows for both the SmackDown and Raw brands in June 2021.
Since the move to Fox, SmackDown has occasionally been pre-empted to FS1 due to conflicts with other Fox Sports programming airing in primetime, particularly the Major League Baseball postseason. In one instance in October 2019 due to the World Series, an hour-long version of the episode aired on Fox the following Sunday afternoon.
In conjunction with the 2023 Money in the Bank event, which was held at The O2 Arena in London, England, on July 1, the June 30, 2023, episode of SmackDown was held at the same venue, and broadcast live on BT Sport in local primetime hours for the first time. In 2024, the program aired episodes from other countries for the first time in conjunction with other WWE PPV's, including May 3 for Backlash France (LDLC Arena in Décines-Charpieu, Lyon, France), May 24 for King and Queen of the Ring (Jeddah Super Dome in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia), and August 31 for Bash in Berlin (Uber Arena in Berlin, Germany).
Return to USA Network (2024–present)
On September 21, 2023, it was announced that SmackDown would return to USA Network in October 2024, following the expiration of WWE's contract with Fox. The agreement with NBCUniversal was reported to be valued at $1.4 billion over five years, an increase over the previous agreement. As part of the agreement, WWE also agreed to produce four primetime specials for sister broadcast network NBC per-year; these specials were later revealed to be a second revival of Saturday Night's Main Event, which premiered on NBC in December 2024.
The original date of SmackDown's return to USA Network was October 4, 2024, the fifth anniversary of its premiere on Fox, however, Fox had originally planned to move the final three episodes of SmackDown to FS1 to accommodate the premiere of Fox College Football in its former time slot. On May 9, 2024, USA Network announced that SmackDown would return to the channel on September 13, 2024, retaining its Friday-night timeslot.
Production
WWE taped SmackDown on Tuesday evenings to air on Thursday evenings on UPN the same week. However, SmackDown had aired occasional live specials on Tuesday nights (which are then replayed in its usual Thursday night timeslot). The show began broadcasting in HD beginning with the January 25, 2008 episode of SmackDown, where a new set (which became universal for all WWE weekly programming) debuted. Following the first broadcast in HD, the exclamation mark used since the show's inception disappeared from all references pertaining to "SmackDown", including the official logo, which resembles the 2001–2008 logo, but with a darker blue scheme.
The early set included an oval-shaped TitanTron entrance and stage (dubbed the "Ovaltron") which made it stand out from the Raw Is War set with its rectangular Titantrons. Later productions gained the ability to move the Ovaltron either to the left or to the right of the stage. In August 2001, as part of celebrating SmackDown!'s second anniversary, the show received a new logo and set, which consisted of a fist centered above the entrance with the WWF/E scratch logo above it, and many glass panes along the sides strongly resembling shattered glass with two TitanTrons on each side. From September 23, 2004, to September 26, 2008, the theme song for SmackDown! was "Rise Up" by Drowning Pool, with variations, making it the longest tenured theme song used in the program.
Whenever SmackDown! shared the arena with Raw during the 2005–2007 period in a form of a supershow, the SmackDown! stage utilized all or some components of the same set from Raw.
From November 2, 2012, until April 18, 2014, SmackDown began using "Born 2 Run" by 7Lions as its theme song, with "This Life" by CFO$ and Cody B. Ware serving as the secondary theme, then a swap was made, as "Born 2 Run" was used as a secondary theme, when "This Life" is used as SmackDown's main theme. Prior to November 2, 2012, SmackDown opened with "Know Your Enemy" by Green Day while "Hangman" by Rev Theory served as the secondary theme song. Upon SmackDown's debut on Syfy in 2010, it replaced the previous theme song "Let it Roll" by Divide the Day.
As of August 3, 2012, the show has used the modified WWE HD universal set, which debuted at Raw 1000 on July 23. From September 21, 2012, until October 26, 2012, October 4, 2013, until November 1, 2013, October 3 and 31, 2014, and October 2 and 30, 2015, WWE worked in conjunction with Susan G. Komen for the Cure to raise awareness for breast cancer by adorning the SmackDown set with pink ribbons and a special pink middle-rope in the ring. SmackDown's ring ropes were usually blue from 1999 to 2012 (although they were black for a period between 2001 and 2002). They remained blue until December 2012 when they were permanently changed to white, with all WWE programming now using white ring ropes. On August 22, 2014, SmackDown switched to a full 16:9 letterbox presentation, with a down-scaled version of the native HD feed on a 4:3 SD feed.
Although the graphics were re-positioned, SmackDown continued to use a variation of the graphics package that had been in use since its first HD broadcast in January 2008, until the show moved to Thursday nights on January 15, 2015, when an all-new graphics package (now optimized for the 16:9 format) and intro video were introduced along with a revised SmackDown logo. On March 26, 2015, WWE added a small LED board to the left side of the ring on SmackDown, similar to Raw. On the September 14, 2015 season premiere of Raw, the middle rope was colored gold. Throughout the month of October 2015, the WWE broadcast table, entrance ramp, and ring skirts were co-branded with Susan G. Komen for the cure of breast cancer. Also, the middle ring rope was pink to promote the fight against breast cancer. Following the brand split in 2016, the ropes return to its original blue color as well as debuting a new set. The post brand extension set was almost identical to the TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs set from 2009 to 2013 and caused some negative feedback among online fans for re-using an old stage design. A month after the new set debut, a more distinctive and elaborate stage was created for SmackDown. The stage used was a new design with multiple LED side panels on each side with a titan-tron in a semi circle in the center. The new set also introduced LED floor panels on the entrance ramp. Feedback was more positive for this set design.
With the shift to Fox, both Raw and SmackDown introduced new sets during their "premiere week". The new set featured a large TitanTron screen, with semi-arches partially resembling the original SmackDown stage.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all WWE programs suspended touring shows from mid-March 2020 through mid-July 2021. All SmackDown broadcasts were filmed behind closed doors with no in-person spectators, initially from the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, before returning to an arena setting with a closed set known as the "ThunderDome"—which featured a larger-scale production more in line with its PPV shows, but with a virtual audience displayed on a grandstand constructed from video boards.
With the return to live shows in July 2021, a new universal stage was adopted by both SmackDown and Raw, with a high-resolution LED screen, and increasing use of augmented reality graphics for the television production.
Song title | Written and/or performed by | Dates used | Ref |
---|---|---|---|
"Smack" | Jim Johnston | April 29, 1999 – August 9, 2001 | |
"The Beautiful People" | Marilyn Manson | August 16, 2001 – May 15, 2003 | |
"I Want It All" | Jim Johnston | May 22, 2003 – September 16, 2004 | |
"Rise Up" | Drowning Pool | September 23, 2004 – September 26, 2008 | |
"If You Rock Like Me" | Jim Johnston | October 3, 2008 – September 25, 2009 | |
"Let It Roll" | Divide the Day | October 2, 2009 – September 24, 2010 | |
"Know Your Enemy" | Green Day | October 1, 2010 – October 19, 2012 | |
"Born 2 Run" | 7Lions | October 26, 2012 – April 4, 2014 | |
"This Life" | CFO$ | April 11, 2014 – January 9, 2015; this song version featuring Dylan Owen was used as the bumper song. | |
"Centuries" | Fall Out Boy | October 10, 2014 (only used for SmackDown's 15th Anniversary) | |
"Black and Blue" | CFO$ | January 15, 2015 – July 19, 2016 | |
"Take a Chance" | CFO$ | July 26, 2016 – September 24, 2019 | |
"Victorious" | Panic! at the Disco | October 16, 2018 (only used for SmackDown's 1000th episode) | |
"Are You Ready" | AC/DC | October 4, 2019 – October 14, 2022 | |
"Prime Time Open" | Jim Johnston | May 7, 2021 (only used for Throwback SmackDown!) | |
"Nobody Better Than Me" | def rebel ft. Supreme Madness | October 21, 2022 – September 6, 2024 | |
"Red" | Hardy ft. Morgan Wallen | December 8, 2023 (only used for Tribute to the Troops 2023) | |
“Neva Play” | Megan Thee Stallion ft. RM | September 13, 2024 – present |
Notes
- Bold song titles are currently being used as the opening theme.
- Also titled as "Everybody on the Ground" prior to the release of the WWE: Uncaged series.
- The first version was an instrumental composed by Jim Johnston and it was only used on September 23, 2004, for SmackDown's 5th Anniversary. Another version was performed by Ryan McCombs entitled "Rise Up 2006" and was used from March 24, 2006.
Cultural references
On July 10, 2007, Merriam-Webster included the word smackdown in Webster's Dictionary. Merriam Webster defined a "smackdown" as:
- The act of knocking down or bringing down an opponent.
- A contest in entertainment wrestling.
- A decisive defeat.
- A confrontation between rivals or competitors.
The Oxford English Dictionary traces the use of the word smackdown in English back at least as far as 1990, but notes that a professional wrestling television show "popularized" the term.
Special episodes
Main article: List of WWE SmackDown special episodesThroughout its broadcast history, the show has aired editions that have different themes. These include tributes to various professional wrestlers who have recently died or retired from actively performing, and episodes commemorating various show milestones or anniversaries.
Other SmackDown-branded properties
Although SmackDown has been the second-largest show in the WWE, the company's use of the term went beyond its namesake program. During the 2000 U.S. election campaign, the WWE launched the SmackDown! Your Vote program.
The name was also used when WWE released its 2015 film The Flintstones & WWE: Stone Age SmackDown! and WWE Network's show Kitchen SmackDown!.
Roster
Main article: List of WWE personnelThe wrestlers featured on WWE take part in scripted feuds and storylines. Wrestlers are portrayed as heroes, villains, or less distinguishable characters in scripted events that build tension and culminate in a wrestling match.
The primary commentators for SmackDown are Michael Cole and Corey Graves. Additional commentary has been provided by Tazz, Jim Ross, Josh Mathews, Mauro Ranallo, Tom Phillips and others since its creation.
Broadcast
In addition to the Spanish-language Fox Deportes simulcasting with Fox live in the United States and broadcasts to American troops deployed overseas on AFN Sports 2, SmackDown also appears on-air internationally.
Broadcast history
Channel | Timeslot | Years |
---|---|---|
UPN | Thursday 8–10 p.m. ET | April 29, 1999 |
August 26, 1999 – September 1, 2005 | ||
Friday 8–10 p.m. ET | September 9, 2005 – September 15, 2006 | |
The CW | September 22, 2006 – September 26, 2008 | |
MyNetworkTV | October 3, 2008 – September 24, 2010 | |
Syfy | October 1, 2010 – January 9, 2015 | |
Thursday 8–10 p.m. ET | January 15, 2015 – December 31, 2015 | |
USA | January 7, 2016 – July 14, 2016 | |
Tuesday 8–10 p.m. ET | July 19, 2016 – September 24, 2019 | |
Fox | Friday 8–10 p.m. ET | October 4, 2019 – September 6, 2024 |
USA | September 13, 2024 – December 27, 2024 | |
Friday 8–11 p.m. ET | beginning January 3, 2025 |
Americas
Latin America
SmackDown airs live on Fox Sports in Mexico and across Central and South America since 2014.
Canada
In Canada, SmackDown has historically been aired by Sportsnet 360 (SN360, formerly known as The Score), as part of network owner Rogers Media's long-term deal with WWE. The program has historically aired sometimes in simulcast with the U.S. airing and sometimes a day before. In 2005, when the taped show moved to Friday airings in the U.S., it remained on Thursdays in Canada for a period of time. During its return to Thursdays in the U.S. from January 2015 to July 2016, pre-recorded episodes of SmackDown aired on Wednesdays—one night earlier—due to conflicts with the channel's Thursday-night National Hockey League broadcasts.
The program has aired in simulcast with the U.S. broadcast since it switched to a live format in July 2016, initially on Tuesdays and then moving back to Fridays in October 2019. Despite the move to Fox (which is widely carried on Canadian television providers), Rogers had not elected to simulcast SmackDown on its broadcast network Citytv to invoke potential simsub rights.
As Rogers holds the rights to the National Hockey League broadcasts, the program was occasionally pre-empted to OLN (now Bravo) during the Stanley Cup playoffs. All archived broadcasts of SmackDown are available on the WWE Network. Rogers Media secured the rights to Canadian WWE programming until 2024, after which in January 2025 the rights go to Netflix, but will not air on the Canadian iteration of USA Network, which will relaunch on the former Discovery Channel space at the same time.
Asia, Africa and Oceania
SmackDown airs live in the MENA region on Shahid Saturday mornings, and later on the same day, a one-hour version airs on MBC Action at 8PM Egypt Standard Time.
SmackDown airs live in Australia on Saturday late mornings/early afternoons and Sunday afternoons on Fox8 and Friday nights on 9Go! as a one-hour version, and airs live in New Zealand on Sky 5 and Sunday nights on Sky Open as a one-hour version.
SmackDown airs in Fiji on Sky Pacific and Sky Fiji.
SmackDown airs live in Pakistan and in Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and India on Sony Ten and Kenya on Kenya Broadcasting Corporation.
SmackDown airs in Malaysia on Astro SuperSport 4.
The series airs in the Philippines on TAP Sports including its streaming counterpart Blast TV.
SmackDown airs live in Indonesia on Mola TV.
The series airs live in Singapore on Starhub's HubSports 2 and South Africa on SuperSport
SmackDown airs on Abema in Japan.
SmackDown airs in Israel on 5LIVE.
In South Africa, SmackDown was previously broadcast by free-to-air broadcaster e.tv. The show would play on Wednesday nights in the evening, with a 7-day delay, edited to one hour and was one of the most watched programs on the channel. However, in 2017 e.tv decided not to renew its broadcasting deal with WWE. The rights were later resold to SuperSport (the initial broadcasters of WWE programming) who broadcast the show across Sub-Saharan Africa, live and uncut.
In 2019 SuperSport, along with its parent company Multichoice, signed a deal to broadcast the 24-hour WWE channel on their DStv platform.
Europe
In Portugal, SmackDown airs live on SportTV 4 every Saturday at 01:00 WET. In Russia, SmackDown aired on Match! Fighter with Russian commentary until 2022, when WWE ceased broadcasting their programs in Russia in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
In Spain, SmackDown airs on Mega every Sunday at 13:00 CET. In the United Kingdom and Ireland, Smackdown airs live on TNT Sports, with a one-hour version airing on 5Action every Friday at 23:00 GMT.
In Malta, SmackDown airs on Melita Sports 1.
In Germany, SmackDown airs on ProSieben MAXX Saturdays at 22:00 CET.
In Belgium, SmackDown airs on Saturday on ABXplore. It also airs on AB1 in France. Both are commented by Philippe Chereau and Christophe Agius.
Online streaming
On May 22, 2009, Hulu and WWE agreed to air full episodes of SmackDown to be available for viewing the day following its original airing. On September 24, 2012, Hulu signed a multi-year deal with WWE to stream all of the company's TV shows and some of its web series, which includes SmackDown. Full episodes of SmackDown are available for viewing the following day of its original airing. All previous episodes of SmackDown are available on the WWE Network, where recent episodes are available for on-demand viewing 30 days after the original air date.
References
- ^ "SmackDown gets a new logo; theme song from Megan Thee Stallion". MSN. Retrieved September 13, 2024.
- Rutenberg, Jim (May 17, 2002). "UPN Keeps Its Focus on Youth, So Its Leader Talks the Talk". The New York Times. Archived from the original on April 15, 2023. Retrieved April 15, 2023.
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