It's just been announced today (May 25) that WWE Smackdown will be officially splitting away from WWE Raw, becoming its own brand with a roster and its storylines completely separate to Raw.
Credit: WWE
UK fans will now also be able to watch Smackdown live for the first time ever from July 19, with the show moving to Tuesday nights at 1am.
Sky Sports will then be offering five hours of live WWE programming a week including the three hour Raw on Monday nights from 1am, with each show featuring its own cast, set of storylines and dedicated writing team.
WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon comments: "WWE's flagship programs will both leverage the incredible depth of our talent roster, distinct storylines and the unpredictable nature of live TV. This move will undoubtedly build more excitement and deepend engagement with our fans around the world."
"We are delighted that WWE, one of our longest standing partners, will be broadcasting SMACKDOWN live and Sky Sports will be broadcasting this, across our platforms and services, to our customers live on a Tuesday night," said Barney Francis, Managing Director, Sky Sports. "Alongside live coverage of RAW on Mondays, this further strengthens Sky Sports as the home of WWE in the UK and Ireland. Viewers will also be able to keep up with WWE content via multiple repeat broadcasts and across catch up services."
Rumours are now flying around as to how the roster will be split, with a Smackdown logo on the WWE website showing World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns along with John Cena and Sasha Banks. Could they be the first three Superstars announced for the blue brand?
Tagged in WWE