WWE to Leave FOX for USA Network
By Movieguide® Contributor
The World Wrestling Exchange (WWE) will move to the USA Network, leaving Fox, its previous host.
Per a statement, the WWE and NBCUniversal have reached a five-year agreement “hat will bring Friday Night SmackDown back to USA Network beginning October 2024.”
The deal also stipulates that the WWE will produce four primetime specials for NBC to air, “marking the first time WWE will air on the network in primetime.”
“NBCUniversal has been a tremendous partner of WWE for decades. We are excited to extend this longstanding relationship by bringing SmackDown to USA Network on Friday nights and look forward to debuting multiple WWE special events annually on NBC,” WWE President Nick Khan said.
Chairman of NBCUniversal Entertainment, Frances Berwick, added, “It’s a privilege and thrill to continue NBCU’s decades-long partnership with WWE which has helped cement USA Network’s consistent position as the top-rated cable entertainment network in live viewership.”
Peacock will continue to stream WWE content.
“WWE continues to drive high engagement on the platform, with this April’s WrestleMania 39 livestream delivering a record-breaking weekend for Peacock as its highest weekend usage to-date,” the press release added.
TODAY reported, “WWE noted in its announcement that two of its other shows, MONDAY NIGHT RAW and NXT, will continue to air on USA Network through September 2024.”
“The Sept. 21 announcement comes less than two weeks after WWE officially merged with mixed martial arts organization UFC to form a new company, TKO, owned by Endeavor,” TODAY ADDED.
TKO’s president and chief operating officer, Mark Shapiro, said, “The first 18 months of the company’s existence will revolve around integrating UFC and WWE. That includes eventually going to market together for international media rights and bringing together the company’s production efforts and back offices,” according to CNBC.
“With Friday nights on USA, primetime specials on NBC, and the WWE hub on Peacock, we’ll continue to use the power of our portfolio to super-serve this passionate fanbase,” Berwick added.
Movieguide® previously reported on WWE star John Cena:
John Cena can add a new title to his list of accolades: the WWE star and actor was just named the Guinness World Record holder for the most wishes granted through the Make-A-Wish foundation.
Cena made wishes come true for 650 children. He started working with the foundation in 2002, and has been the leading wish-granter for years. Make-A-Wish stated that no other person has granted more than 200 wishes in their 42 year-history.
Make-A-Wish also shared that Cena is the most requested celebrity.
“If you ever need me for this ever, I don’t care what I’m doing, I will drop what I’m doing and be involved because I think that’s the coolest thing,” Cena said of his long partnership with Make-A-Wish. “I just drop everything.”
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Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
