WWE SmackDown is headed back to the USA Network in September and the show is likely to undergo some changes going from network television to cable again.
With the move back to cable television, there could be a lot of new possibilities available for the brand that has been WWE’s top rated program since going to FOX in 2019.
Here are 7 potential big changes coming to WWE SmackDown.
7. WWE SmackDown’s Return to USA Network
Some fans may forget that Friday Night SmackDown was on the USA Network prior to its move to FOX in 2019.
As the company is less than two months away from the move, the premiere episode back on the USA Network could potentially be a huge event that will have big matches and angles planned.
In years past, September or October episodes for WWE programming have been given the bill of “Season Premiere,” so this seems like a realistic option for the return to USA for SmackDown.
USA Network has been the home of all three brands of WWE. With SmackDown being the only remaining program to air on the channel past this year, the company could look to bring a change of focus to the blue brand.
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6. Logo Change
The SmackDown brand got an upgraded logo when it made the move to the FOX network in 2019, so it seems in the realm of possibility it will get an upgrade again going back to USA.
Whether it be the logo or even the set, the brand could benefit for a revamp of some kind to freshen it up a bit.
A major shakeup to the logo, set or even the opening theme to the show will bring a different vibe to the blue brand.
It remains to be seen the potential look changes that SmackDown could undergo come September and their return to the USA Network.
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5. New SmackDown Commentary Team
When SmackDown made the move to USA Network in 2016, the show got a brand new commentary team, headed up by Mauro Ranallo.
Now eight years later, WWE have seemingly already made preparations for another change to the broadcast team ahead of the move.
It was recently announced that ESPN’s Joe Tessitore is set to join WWE as a commentator.
In the announcement of his arrival, it was revealed that Tessitore will provide commentary alongside the current SmackDown team of Corey Graves and Wade Barrett. This potential three-man booth will give the blue brand a distinct identity that separates it from Raw.
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4. WWE Women’s United States Championship
A new title being introduced to SmackDown could bring back “The Land of Opportunity” vibes that made the show much different than their Raw counterpart.
In recent weeks, one rumour that has been gaining transaction has been WWE may be set to introduce two more championships.
The titles in question are two women’s midcard championships in a Women’s Intercontinental Championship for Raw, and a Women’s United States Championship for SmackDown.
After the initial success of a NXT Women’s North American Championship, there are quite a few ladies on the blue brand who would greatly benefit from being crowned the inaugural Women’s U.S. Champion.
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3. The Bloodline Civil War 2.0
The biggest storyline on the SmackDown brand and arguably the entire WWE is currently the ongoing drama with The Bloodline.
From the addition of Jacob Fatu, Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa to Solo Sikoa assuming a leadership role, the feel of The Bloodline has undergone many changes.
However, the biggest looming story thread is the potential civil war that may be happening following the removal of Jimmy Uso and Paul Heyman.
With Roman Reigns’ upcoming return, the possibilities are endless for a battle over “The Tribal Chief” status between Reigns and Sikoa as well as Roman bringing the OG Bloodline back together to face this new version.
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2. Roman Reigns Returns To WWE
With Roman Reigns set to return soon, it will bring new elements to the entire dynamic of not just The Bloodline, but the entire SmackDown brand overall.
Fans have been clamouring for Roman’s comeback to the blue brand for months, regularly chanting “We Want Roman” at Solo Sikoa.
Besides a potential showdown with Sikoa over leadership of The Bloodline, a rematch with Cody Rhodes over the Undisputed WWE Championship could be in the near future.
A power struggle between Reigns and Rhodes over who is the #1 top star on the brand and in WWE looks inevitable to most fans. However, an even bigger power struggle could be incoming for Roman as well.
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1. The Rock Returns To His Show: WWE SmackDown
One major highlight of the SmackDown brand in 2024 was the months-long run of The Rock back on his show. “The Final Boss” character became the most entertaining in the entire WWE and led to huge ratings success for the blue brand.
With the upcoming power struggle between Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa over leadership of The Bloodline, The Rock has a crucial decision to make as far as what side he will choose.
The Rock also has unfinished business with Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes that could potentially lead to a one-on-one confrontation at WrestleMania 41.
The Rock’s return could make SmackDown the most “must watch” show in all of WWE again, which would be welcomed news for the move back to the USA Network.
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