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WWE made a major power move by getting their show on the Fox network. What will change in this new landscape, and what will remain the same?
Smackdown was originally entitled Thursday Night Smackdown, and earned its name for several reasons. The Thursday Night part was obvious; WCW had begun airing a Thursday night show as well, WCW Thunder. It got decent enough ratings to worry WWE's back office, who wanted to push their own show into that time slot.
The show was named Smackdown for one simple reason; The original idea of the show was that it was going to star the People's champion, the Rock. Rock was fond of saying he was going to lay the 'smackdown' on opponents.
But the show did not remain on Thursday nights, or even on the original network, UPN--which eventually folded into the CW network. The CW should have been pleased with the high ratings garnered by the program, but for reasons unknown they decided not to renew their contract with WWE in 2010. For a time the show was on the SyFy channel, which had already aired the short lived ECW broadcast revival.
Smackdown would change again, this time to Thursday nights on the USA network, the past and future home of WWE's flagship show, Raw. Now, in 2019, the show will be airing on the Fox network. However, unlike previous incarnations, the network has made it clear they want certain things out of the Smackdown telecast.
Here are five things that might change on Smackdown when it moves to Fox, and five that will likely remain the same.
Might Change on Smackdown: Less comedy
Fox is unlike any other network WWE has worked with hitherto now. Unlike the USA network,or Spike TV, or the CW/UPN, Fox is one of the 'big four' broadcasting companies that also includes NBC, CBS, and ABC. Even in the days of streaming services and the internet, a network still can lay claim to a massive audience.
Those kind of numbers would indicate that Fox has a great deal of clout when dealing with the WWE. One thing that has been rumored about the new Smackdown show is that Fox wants less comedy acts. This would preclude many of the shenanigans which take place on a regular basis in the WWE. But if the network wants it, they will probably get their way.
Will likely remain the same: The brand split
Before the deal between Fox network and World Wrestling Entertainment was even finalised, there were a lot of rumors that WWE would end its brand split. These rumors, while unfounded, are based in simple logic; With a new network to garner viewers for, the WWE would be behooved to utilize their full roster.
However, this is not likely to happen. The brand split isn't very old at this point, at least in its second incarnation. Also, if Fox wants to make changes to the program--and all signs point to the fact that is their very intention--then keeping the brands separate would help to sort the rosters into camps apropos for their brand home.
For example, if Fox doesn't want comedy, then the New Day might be better off on Raw. Likewise, more serious wrestlers like Dolph Ziggler might be more at home on Smackdown.
Might change on Fox: More serious 'sports like' presentation
When Vince McMahon coined the phrase 'sports entertainment,' he probably had no idea how pervasive or controversial the move would prove to be.
Many fans and critics hate the term sports entertainment for various reasons. For one, it's a bit vague. For another, it doesn't involve the words professional wrestling, which is heresy to many.
The reason McMahon chose the term is twofold. For one, he doesn't own the rights to the words pro wrestling or wrestlers. Calling his talent superstars and sports entertainers is a good way to avoid copyright infringement issues.
Fox network, however, isn't all that enamoured of the various shenanigans that take place on a WWE broadcast. They want to include Smackdown as part of their sports block of programming. This means they want the overall presentation of the show to resemble what one sees on the NFL, MLB, and NBA. This could mean big changes for the way Smackdown is produced.
Will likely remain the same: AJ Styles
When the WWE was shopping Smackdown to Fox network, one of the most prominent superstars they featured was AJ Styles. This was done for several reasons.
For one, AJ's gimmick is far less outlandish than, say, Undertaker or Bray Wyatt's. He portrays a professional athlete, and most of his character is wrapped up in his ability to excel at the sports like aspects of pro wrestling.
Add in the fact that AJ is considered one of the best--if not the very best--professional wrestlers in the world today, and it's a no brainer that he was used to sell Smackdown to Fox.
With such a sales pitch, it would seem illogical for the WWE to remove AJ Styles from Smackdown at this juncture. So fans of WWE's blue brand can probably look forward to seeing the Phenomenal one dazzle for some time to come.
Might change on Fox: More appearances by pro athletes from other sports.
It's already been established in an earlier slide that Fox network would like some changes made to WWE's Smackdown program. They want it to be a more serious sports presentation, akin to what the NFL produces, and they also want it to have less of the outlandish aspects of sports entertainment.
Fox sees its sports block as a golden opportunity for cross promotional stunts. This means they want to, in essence, advertise the different programs on each of its sports block shows. Fox wants to be able to generate excitement for all of its programming by using the tools they already have.
What this means for the WWE is that appearances by sports celebrities will likely become the norm rather than the exception. While they will probably not be actively involved in wrestling matches or storyline angles, there is also a possibility that they might do just that. In any case, you can look forward to see stars from other sports brands showing up on Smackdown, even if it's just to say hello.
Will likely stay the same on Fox: No blood or blading
Fox broadcasting operates by one major rule; Sports programming is meant to be family friendly. This means that children of any age can tune in, and--even if they don't understand the nuances of the rules--they will at least not be exposed to situations or themes that could hinder their development psychologically.
But even with a PG rating, there are many things that go on in WWE that would be inappropriate for young children to see. One of these things is the art of blading. Blading occurs whenever a wrestler needs to bleed for the scripted match. They will often specially prepare a razor blade with masking tape covering all but a tiny edge. The blade can either be hidden in their ring gear--wrist bands are a favorite spot--or given to the referee, who can pass the blade while pretending to check on a fallen wrestler.
The wrestler then jams the blade into their own forehead and makes a quick, deep cut. A deeper cut means less scarring and a faster heal time, as illogical as that may seem. It's why Ric Flair's forehead doesn't look bad, but Dusty Rhodes had a ton of scar tissue. Flair cut deep, Dusty cut shallow.
At any rate, you won't be seeing blood on the Fox network, so the wrestlers will be leaving their blades at home. This is in keeping with the WWE's no blading policy, even if sometimes an exception is made (such as Roman Reigns at Wrestlemania 34 and Vince McMahon on Raw.)
Might change on Fox: WWE superstars could appear on other sports broadcasts
We've already established on the earlier slides that Fox wants to have sportsmen from the NFL, MLB, and NBA show up on WWE Smackdown Live. But that also cuts the other way, as well.
Fans could end up seeing WWE superstars like Randy Orton appearing on other sports programming. Just like with the NFL and NBA stars appearing on the Smackdown broadcast, this is meant to achieve cross promotion between the different sports programming on their weekend block.
Likely, the wrestlers will not make significant appearances on the other sports shows, and will only be used as hosts or for a quick interview. However, it could come to pass that you see two wrestlers brawl on another Fox sports show, and end up resolving their feud on Smackdown live.
Will likely stay the same on Fox: Video packages and vignettes
Anyone who has watched pro wrestling since the mid to late 1980s will tell you that the show is not entirely wrestling for its whole run.
While pro wrestling matches will always be the centerpiece, the main attraction, the numerous skits, vignettes, and video packages that have become a hallmark of WWE programming. From Piper's Pit to the Highlight Reel, WWE has often utilized wrestlers for more than just wrestling matches.
Piper's pit, for example, often gave a platform to wrestlers who were struggling to get over with the crowd, while the Highlight Reel was basically all about stroking Jericho's ego under the guise of a talk show segment. These segments will likely remain a part of WWE's Smackdown programming despite the fact that Fox wants a more 'serious' presentation.
Might change on Fox network: A different announce team
In keeping with Fox network's wishes to transmute WWE Smackdown Live into a more serious, sports like show, they may want to make some changes to the announce booth.
One of the rumored changes is that Fox will insist on adding one of their veteran sports commentators to the show. The idea behind this is it will help legitimize the pro wrestling broadcast with traditional, non entertainment sports such as basketball and football. Mauro Ranallo is among the names rumored to be in consideration for the role.
Another man who might find himself shuffled about is Corey Graves. While Graves has not wrestled in years, his unconventional appearance and incendiary social media posts may not have enamored him of Fox network. If this happens expect Graves to end up back on Raw or perhaps NXT. However, this is all speculation.
Will likely stay the same on fox: WWE's trademark action
With the big power move of WWE's Smackdown Live program to Fox Network, there will be many changes. One thing that fans can still expect when they tune in is the famous WWE in ring action--and sometimes out of ring action--as a major component of the program.
While Fox network may want a more serious, sportslike presentation to the new Smackdown Live show, this isn't necessarily incongruous with pro wrestling. Before the big wrestling boom of the 1980s, where cartoonish characters became the norm, there was a great deal of effort dedicated to presenting professional wrestling as a legitimate athletic contest.
This kayfabe-friendly presentation will likely be a part of the Smackdown Live broadcast, and fans can still enjoy plenty of high flying WWE action.
There you have it: Five things that could change when Smackdown moves to the Fox network, and five things that will likely stay the same. Questions or comments? Please leave them below and thanks for reading!
