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#1 WWE wants to increase the ratings of SmackDown before its move to Fox network
SmackDown's massive billion-dollar deal with Fox network and eventual switch to Friday nights at Fox is something WWE is eagerly looking forward to. After all, WWE is set to make $205 million per year for 5 years. Considering the amount of money involved, SmackDown is most likely to air on Fox's main channel.
However, in the last 12 months, the ratings of SmackDown Live have been floundering and lagging behind. If such a trend continues even after its move to Fox, the network may be forced to air the show on its subsidiary channel, FS1, which would definitely cause a loss of reputation to the WWE.
In an attempt to increase the ratings, WWE has used the Superstar Shake-Up as an opportunity to attract more and more fans towards to the blue brand. Roman Reigns' move from Raw to SmackDown seems to be in line with this objective. The Big Dog undoubtedly has a huge fan base and his presence in SmackDown will surely improve the ratings. Add to it, the emergence of the Intercontinental Champion, Finn Bálor, at SmackDown, who is known to be an extremely popular superstar.
Therefore, WWE has set the ground for rebuilding the popularity of SmackDown Live as a show. It remains to be seen how successful WWE would be in this attempt.
