WWE Raw On The Move

Following news of a new TV deal for WWE, it looks like Monday Night Raw is on the move.

WWE has been in negotiations over their media rights for some time and it looked like SmackDown’s home on FOX could be in some jeopardy. Now WWE has confirmed in a press release that SmackDown is heading back to the USA Network.

The release states that TKO Group and NBC Universal have agreed to a new five-year deal that will see SmackDown return to the USA Network beginning in October 2024. The deal will also see the company produce four specials a year for NBC primetime. Nick Khan has indicated that the move of station will continue to see SmackDown air on Friday nights.

What does SmackDown move mean for other WWE shows?

The rights for Raw and NXT which currently air on the USA Network on Monday and Tuesday are believed to also be up in September 2024. The Hollywood Reporter has reported that as a result of SmackDown joining the network, Raw and NXT are on their way out:

“The new deal will bring WWE to NBC primetime and SmackDown to USA on Friday nights, it will also mean the end of Raw and NXT on USA.

“A source familiar with the Raw discussions tell The Hollywood Reporter that the market for the program is “extremely active,” with traditional linear networks, streaming services and “unexpected players” all interested.”

Previous reports had suggested that Amazon could be a frontrunner for WWE programming along with Disney.