Changes are headed to Smackdown and NXT ahead of their premieres on USA and CW respectively.
Smackdown heads to the USA Network tonight, with the CW getting NXT in a few weeks. Already, we know WWE is loading up both shows in an effort to make a splash, but some other adjustments are en route as well.
WWE brought on Megan Thee Stallion for their new theme, and we're told are happy with the mainstream reception to it. The company used AC/DC's "Are You Ready" for three years between 2019 and 2022. Outside of that, the last number of regular Smackdown themes have been from def rebel or CFO$.
Another change we've heard discussed within WWE is a change to the ending of programming. Smackdown will now have a little more flexibility than usual, while NXT likely has less. For the last five years, Smackdown has went off the air closer to 9:58 eastern as to not interfere with the local news. USA Network is generally more flexible, although they've not provided overruns to WWE Raw in years. NXT however, regularly does go past 10, which is likely to stop with the move to CW. After this article ran, Smackdown received an overrun.
As a promotional tool, USA Network sent out promotional packages to a number of influencers and streamers as well. This is common for debuts of shows on networks. Once upon a time a wrestling themed funeral parlor show sent out shovels.
It goes without saying, but WWE is looking to load up NXT as they do for their season premiere shows and want to make a huge impression on CW. Between going live on the road, adding a lot of star power and debuting Giulia, WWE sources feel like they can do their highest numbers in about a year, since they loaded up a show head to head with a Tuesday edition of AEW Dynamite.
We're told that Performance Center shows for NXT are not expected to be done.
For those asking, commercials have always been planned for WWE Raw on Netflix. Engagement accounts pretending that they weren't had no insight on the situation. Regarding the two or three hour show, WWE confirmed Smackdown will remain two hours, but did not clarify about a runtime for WWE Raw on Netflix.
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