Details on upcoming changes to WWE Smackdown and NXT ahead of their premieres

The changes will come to Smackdown and NXT ahead of their premieres on USA and CW.

Smackdown is heading to USA Network tonight, while CW is getting NXT in a few weeks. We already know WWE is loading up both shows to make a splash, but there are other changes on the way.

WWE has hired Megan Thee Stallion for its new theme, and we’re told it’s been well-received by the mainstream. The company used AC/DC’s “Are You Ready” for three years, from 2019 to 2022. Other than that, the last regular Smackdown themes came from def rebel or CFO$.

The other change we’ve heard about from WWE is a change to the show’s ending. Smackdown will now have a bit more flexibility than usual, while NXT likely has less. For the past five years, Smackdown has gone off the air closer to 9:58 ET so as not to clash with local news. USA Network is generally more flexible, although it hasn’t carried WWE Raw overs in years. NXT, however, regularly goes over 10, which will likely end with the move to the CW. After this article was published, Smackdown received overs.

As a promotional tool, USA Network sent out promotional packages to a number of influencers and streamers. This is common when shows debut on networks. A wrestling-themed funeral show once sent out shovels.

Needless to say, WWE is looking to load up NXT like they do with their season premieres, and they want to make a huge impression on The CW. WWE sources believe they could see their highest numbers of the year, considering they loaded up the show in a head-to-head clash with Tuesday’s edition of AEW Dynamite.

We’re told there likely won’t be a conclusion to the Performance Center shows for NXT.

For those asking, WWE Raw’s Netflix ads were always planned. The accounts that advertised them pretended they weren’t had no insight into the situation. As for a two- or three-hour show, WWE confirmed that Smackdown would remain two hours long, but didn’t clarify the length of WWE Raw on Netflix.

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