At its upfront press event today, USA Network announced that WWE SmackDown — currently airing on Syfy — will move to USA Network in the first quarter of 2016, joining the ratings powerhouse Monday Night Raw and the reality competition series WWE Tough Enough, which is returning June 23 as a “reimagined series [that] will feature an all-new format with live elements and more fan participation than ever before.” This move will make USA Network the exclusive cable home of WWE marquee properties.
“WWE consistently delivers one of the largest and most socially engaged live audiences in entertainment and we’re excited to expand our long-standing relationship and be the true cable home for the WWE fan,” said USA Network President Chris McCumber, in a release.
“WWE is proud to have SmackDown join Raw as part of our expanded partnership with USA Network,” added WWE Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Vince McMahon. “The combination of the #1 cable network and two ratings juggernauts provides a destination for our viewers and an extraordinary platform for our partners.”
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(l-r) WWE personalities John Cena, Nikki Bella, and Titus O’Neil at the April 7 USA Network upfront presentation — Photo by: Mike Coppola/USA Network
