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WWE Making Changes For SmackDown On USA Network, New Logo

By John Canton • Published 13th September 2024
WWE Smackdown Talent

There will be changes to the WWE SmackDown brand as it gets set for a new era on USA Network.

The WWE SmackDown brand is heading back to the USA Network. The show aired on USA Network from July 2016 to September 2019, which led to five years on FOX, which was the first time that a WWE show aired weekly on one of the major four networks on US television.

SmackDown’s return to USA Network will take place tonight, September 13th, from Seattle. Along with a new home, there will be some additional changes for the blue brand as it continues its 25th year as a television show.

It is being reported by Fightful Select that Smackdown is getting a new theme song that could debut tonight. Smackdown has used a Def Rebel (featuring Supreme Madness) song for the last three years. It was added by Fightful that the new theme song will be a “legit artist” although there were no other details provided.

When the Smackdown run on Fox started in October 2019, the iconic song “Are You Ready” from the legendary band AC/DC was the theme song.

There will also be a change to the ending of Smackdown. When Smackdown aired on Fox, there was a hard ending that saw the show conclude right around 9:58 p.m. ET most weeks with no overrun. That’s because local programming would air right after, which would oftentimes be local news shows.

Meanwhile, USA Network is considered more flexible although Raw usually ends right at 11 p.m. ET nearly every week. NXT is different because it usually runs anywhere from 5 to 8 minutes past the top of the 10 p.m. ET hour.

Fightful also reports that “USA Network sent out promotional packages to a number of influencers and streamers.” It’s a common practice for shows changing networks.

WWE SmackDown May Have A New Logo

In addition to the changes mentioned above, Smackdown could have a new logo as well. That’s according to Wrestlevotes, who shared what it might look like.

As of this writing, WWE is advertising three big matches for Smackdown.

  • Cody Rhodes to battle Solo Sikoa inside a Steel Cage as SmackDown premieres on USA
  • Andrade once again goes to war against Carmelo Hayes
  • Kevin Owens and a mystery partner to go head-to-head with A-Town Down Under

We will have a full review on TJRWrestling later this evening.