Steve Carrier on December 17, 2024
WWE’s transition to Netflix is shaking things up globally, and international fans of SmackDown are in for an unusual twist on January 3. Dave Meltzer revealed on Wrestling Observer Radio that WWE’s TV contracts outside of the U.S. are creating a rare “gap week,” leaving the blue brand without a traditional broadcast platform.
“The way those contracts end and start, there’s a gap which is actually only one show,” Meltzer explained. “Canada, the UK, most of the world—the exceptions are like the U.S., Germany, and the Philippines—those television deals end this year. Netflix picks up on January 6, so the January 3 SmackDown show… that just kind of falls in the cracks.”
To solve the problem, WWE is putting SmackDown on YouTube for fans in affected regions. “In all of those countries, WWE will be putting up that SmackDown show on YouTube that week,” Meltzer added.
After the gap, Netflix will officially roll out WWE programming internationally with Raw on January 6, NXT on January 7, and SmackDown on January 10.
Stateside fans don’t need to worry—WWE’s U.S. programming will continue uninterrupted on its current platforms leading up to the Netflix launch.
Before the Netflix era officially begins, WWE will host a Raw on Netflix kick-off event on December 18 at WWE HQ in Stamford, Connecticut. The event starts at 2 PM ET and 11 AM PT, marking another milestone as WWE prepares for its streaming future.
Please credit Ringside News when using the above quote for your publication.
What do you think about WWE streaming Smack Down on You Tube for international fans? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
December 17, 2024 6:36 am
Disqus Comments Loading...