Dave Meltzer delved into the possibility of the WWE SmackDown TV show parting ways with its current network, FOX, once its current contract expires.
In the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Meltzer speculated that this potential move stems from FOX’s recent decision to cancel its Out of Character podcast. This cancellation has led some to believe that it could be an indication of WWE SmackDown’s departure from the network.
According to industry analysts, the cost-effectiveness of the show is a major factor in considering a switch. Despite delivering strong ratings, it is believed that if WWE aims to secure a higher deal than its current $205 million per year agreement, which expires in 2024, the show’s financial viability may come into question. The company is reportedly seeking an increase to around $310 million annually. Meltzer wrote:
FOX has canceled its “Out of Character” WWE podcast.” Some see that as another sign that Smackdown will be moving from FOX at the end of the current contract. Analysts have believed that for some time, that even with the ratings the show delivers that it isn’t cost-effective, especially if WWE wants the $205 million per year deal to increase to $310 million. Still, the show wins the night almost every week of late and numbers are gaining so they could change the outcome of that. It also does lower ad rates than the other network programming on Friday because of the stigma of wrestling and wrestling fans to network advertisers
While there is no concrete information on why FOX decided to discontinue the podcast, this development has raised eyebrows and fuelled speculation about the WWE-FOX relationship. The podcast, which premiered in March 2021 and featured 126 interviews, was hosted by Ryan Satin. The final episode, featuring a special in-person chat with Cathy Kelley, aired on September 6th.
When Is The Next Episode Of WWE SmackDown?
The next episode of WWE SmackDown is set to premiere on September 8th. In the last episode of SmackDown, which aired on September 1st, we saw Solo Sikoa defeating AJ Styles in the main event of the show.