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What's the story?
PWInsider is reporting on some backstage information regarding the recently announced Mixed Match Challenge by the WWE. On the report, they discuss the start time for the events as well as the availability of the events on demand going forward.
In case you didn't know...
Sportskeeda reported earlier today the announcement of the Mixed Match Challenge by the WWE on their website.
This will be a 12-episode series on streaming live Facebook Watch that features WWE Superstars from Monday Night Raw and SmackDown Live in a single elimination mixed tag tournament. The winner of the tournament will be awarded $100k to donate to the charity of their choice.
Each episode will be 20 minutes long and feature interactive elements and innovative production. The WWE stated on their website today that the innovation will be optimized for mobile viewing and fan participation, including interacting with the superstars.
The heart of the matter...
The advertisement for the Mixed Match Challenge states it will start on January 16th at 9:00 PM CST. That is a Tuesday, and the normal start time for 205 Live; which airs on the WWE Network after SmackDown Live has concluded.
PWInsider believes that the 205 Live taping may move to before SmackDown Live and air at the normal time on the WWE Network or just start later. Rumors have surfaced that there are talks of moving 205 Live to before SmackDown, and this could be the start date for that.
They also mentioned a report from Variety that states the Mixed Match Challenge will be available on demand on the WWE Network eventually. It is unknown when they will appear on the network at the time of this writing, but it will be after the passing of a timeframe agreed upon between the WWE and Facebook.
What's next?
WWE Week continues on the USA Network with the network television debut of NXT tonight at 6 PM CST, followed by Tribute to the Troops tomorrow evening.
There is also a pay per view this weekend as Clash Of The Champions takes place in Boston, Massachusetts for the SmackDown Live brand on Sunday.
WWE Champion AJ Styles will defend his title against Jinder Mahal; while Shinsuke Nakamura and Randy Orton take on Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn with Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan as the guest referees. If Owens and Zayn lose, they're fired from the WWE completely.
Author's take...
If the Mixed Match Challenge is the start of 205 Live moving to before SmackDown Live, I think it's good for everyone involved. The crowd seems to be burnt out after SmackDown Live to produce a great reaction for the Cruiserweights and taping the show before SmackDown could benefit them greatly.
As for the Mixed Match Challenge, I'm very interested in this. The concept as a whole is interesting with the social media aspects and a mixed tag tournament; which the WWE has never done to my knowledge.
