The new year will not see the boldest move in counterprogramming, although WWE and AEW will both be putting out shows on January 1.
New details have emerged for the first episodes of WWE SmackDown and AEW Dynamite in 2027, with both shows taking place on Friday.
Recently, it was noted that the New Year’s Smash episode of AEW Dynamite would air live on January 1, with a move from the usual Wednesday spot to the same night as WWE SmackDown.
More details have emerged for the New Year’s Day plans, and it looks like counterprogramming isn’t among them:
Counterprogramming is coming
This Wednesday is an example of counterprogramming, with election coverage on Tuesday night seeing WWE NXT move to the same night as AEW Dynamite.
WWE is stacking the show for NXT, with Cody Rhodes and John Cena confirmed to appear, while CM Punk will face Grayson Waller for the NXT Championship.
The plans are no doubt to challenge AEW Dynamite, which features the men’s and women’s Blood and Guts match, an annual spectacle of violence.
Addressing the counterprogramming strategy, Tony Khan has previously stated that he believes it is “done on purpose”, conceding that he understands the reasons.
New Year’s Day
January 1 will see AEW Dynamite broadcast live, while WWE SmackDown is being pre-taped on December 28 at Benchmark International Arena, Tampa, Florida, after that evening’s transmission of Raw.
At first, it really did appear that the head-to-head was happening, with Dynamite and SmackDown going up against each other for the first time ever.
Dave Meltzer recently provided an update on Wrestling Observer Radio, stating that Dynamite will air after the college football playoff game, starting between 3.30 and 4.00 PM ET, meaning it’ll be finished before WWE SmackDown airs.
The counterprogramming moment that mattered
Throughout the counterprogramming strategy, AEW Dynamite hasn’t gone up against Raw or SmackDown. When it comes to pay-per-views, an AEW PPV hasn’t gone up against a major WWE PLE; the most recent head-to-head saw AEW All Out go up against WWE Worlds Collide, with the latter being a crossover of main roster, NXT and AAA stars, as opposed to being a main roster-only PLE.
While both shows would take place in the Chicago region, the true test would arguably be AEW opting to run one of their pay-per-views against a main roster PLE, whether it be the likes of WrestleMania or Wrestlepalooza.
When it comes to WrestleMania, next year’s PLE takes place in Saudi Arabia, with Tony Khan previously indicating he will “run a huge event in the spring of 2027.” That event is likely to take place stateside, with an audience who are unwilling or unable to travel to the Kingdom no doubt eagerly awaiting news, along with the many independent wrestling shows that typically are attracted to WrestleMania week.
Whether it’s the same night or the same region, the true test comes when it’s prime AEW programming going against the WWE counterpart.
To make sure you stay up to date with all the biggest wrestling and WrestleTalk news, follow us on Threads by clicking this link!
Comments.
Loading comments…