The landscape of WWE SmackDown is set to undergo significant changes as the flagship show, Monday Night RAW, prepares to debut on Netflix next year. With RAW’s move to the streaming platform, SmackDown is expected to experience a shift in its focus and content.
Since they have a deal with NBCU, WWE Network will continue streaming on Peacock. The platform will host old episodes and add new shows 30 days after they air. The new partnership with Netflix is exciting, but it should not overshadow SmackDown.
After RAW moves to Netflix, Blue Brand will take its place on TV. Reports say Blue Brand will become a three-hour show to fill RAW’s spot. If this happens, it will be a big change for the Stamford-based promotion.
So, starting January 3rd, SmackDown will have an extra hour added. Plus, rumor on the street is that the program will be streaming on Netflix the very next day after it premieres on USA Network.
WWE NXT might be canceled
Peacock is currently home to NXT Level Up, but it may end soon. Hosts on WrestleVotes Radio revealed the possibility of canceling NXT Level Up following its Friday shows on Peacock.
One host mentioned, “While we’re talking about NXT, with the WWE Hulu contract coming up next week, the NXT secondary show Level Up will be discontinued. That’s what we’re hearing.”
It’s also unclear if the entire NXT library will stay on Peacock when the CW deal begins. It’s likely that NXT 2.0 content will move to the CW app, while older events might disappear from Peacock and WWE Network.
