SmackDown finally going LIVE starting July 19!!! Brand split returning.

[RammerJammer]

Like they did with the Hardy's/dudley's/apa all at once?

Or like they did with Evolution when Triple H got sent to SD for a week

 

[SirReginald]

Just got the notification, will update with details

SmackDown shakeup: New night and new rosters for New Era



A SmackDown shakeup is about to completely reshape all of WWE. Beginning July 19, the second longest-running weekly episodic program in television history, SmackDown, will move from Thursday to Tuesday nights and air LIVE each and every week — for the first time ever — at 8/7 C on USA Network, the exclusive cable home to WWE’s marquee properties.

This bold move will have major ramifications for all of WWE and exemplify the New Era, as both Raw and SmackDown will each feature their own unique rosters and rivalries following an imminent Superstar draft.

"WWE's flagship programs will both leverage the incredible depth of our talent roster, distinct storylines and the unpredictable nature of live TV," WWE Chairman Mr. McMahon said. “This move will undoubtedly build more excitement and deepen engagement with our fans around the world.”

With so many explosive competitors emerging from WWE NXT, and top Superstars like John Cena and Seth Rollins returning from injury, WWE’s star-powered roster has never been stronger. Its historic division and the monumental revelation of SmackDown’s shift to a live format each week reflect the excitement and unpredictability of WWE’s New Era.

What awaits SmackDown on its new night, starting this July? Which live shows will claim your favorite Superstars? What will this all mean for the future of sports-entertainment? Stay tuned as WWE prepares to get shaken up like never before.

 

[Tanahashi Coates]

I wonder if NXT talent will be eligible for the draft. Imagine them pulling a "Nobody drafted me so I'm gonna beat the entire roster to prove you wrong" storyline Joe, Aries or Bobby Roo would be perfect for that

 

[stro]

This is only going to be exciting until they somehow manage to ruin EVERYONE.
Vince still has final say on SD. Not like NXT.

But I will still enjoy it while it's fresh. I always loved the drafts. I remember some writer said they were legit and no one knew where who was going though I'm not sure I believe that cause what were the odds of Cena being drafted to the B show them coincidentally back to Raw the same night

Vince has final say over literally everything. If he wants something changed on NXT, he will change it. He just leaves it to Hunter, but make no mistake, that shyt is under Vince's jurisdiction.

 

[Momentum]

This bold move will have major ramifications for all of WWE and exemplify the New Era, as both Raw and SmackDown will each feature their own unique rosters and rivalries following an imminent Superstar draft.

This doesn't necessarily mean a brand split. They won't do a true split again because they don't work. You'll see the 5 guys they write for on both shows and all the NXT flops exclusively on SD. Thats ALL this means.

 

[Buggsy Mogues]

Was Smackdown live during the original brand split or was it always taped? I honestly can't remember

 

[September]

Vince has final say over literally everything. If he wants something changed on NXT, he will change it. He just leaves it to Hunter, but make no mistake, that shyt is under Vince's jurisdiction.

Well obviously because it falls under the WWE umbrella but you know what I meant :rrpls: The leash is infinitely longer at NXT​

 

[Bawon Samedi]

I MAY watch wrestling again if this is true.

 

[stro]

Was Smackdown live during the original brand split or was it always taped? I honestly can't remember

Smackdown has never been live weekly. Just special live eps once in a while almost always due to scheduling issues.

 

[Djalminha]

Was Smackdown live during the original brand split or was it always taped? I honestly can't remember

It's never been live, iirc

 

[Notorious 1 E.Y.E.]

These fools,can't book raw properly and it's 3 hrs

 

[Bawon Samedi]

Had to. These guys are falling apart left and right.

INDEED! A brand split allows for REST for the wrestlers and so they wont be getting hurt like crazy...

 

[stro]

INDEED! A brand split allows for REST for the wrestlers and so they wont be getting hurt like crazy...

...no it doesn't. They work the same amount. In fact, some of the lower card dudes are going to be working more now.

 

[mson]

Shane will probably be there for a bit, doesn't seem to have shyt else to do

What happened to his company?

 

[1ncognegro]

I would make the US title the main belt on Smackdown and whoever has the title at the Royal Rumble gets a World title shot. Would make it a legitimate title with stakes if you hold on to it and a chance to go into Wrestlemainia as the champ