Wrestling-Online.com » Smackdown live

Live Smackdown registers 25% increase in viewership over previous week

Colin Vassallo — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 19:32:52 +0000

The live commercial-free edition of Smackdown last night on USA Network pulled in a 2.29 rating and a total of 3.33 million viewers.

The show pulled in around 25% more viewers from what the taped Smackdown last Friday night did just days before the TLC pay-per-view. The commercial-free aspect of the show usually helps with the ratings as it keeps viewers glued to the channel rather than switching to something else during commercials. (Ratings compiled by Nielsen Media Research and put online by PWInsider.com)

Commercial-free Smackdown to air on USA Network next week

Colin Vassallo — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 20:33:10 +0000

Smackdown next week will air live on USA Network as part of WWE Week with an encore presentation on Friday in its usual time slot on SyFy.

While live Smackdown shows on USA Network have been done in the past, it will be the first time ever that Smackdown will air without any commercials, basically running the show just like a pay-per-view.

USA Network did air two commercial-free RAWs in the past, the first on June 22, 2009 and then again on May 17, 2010.

The first commercial-free RAW was part of the Donald Trump “buying RAW” storyline while the second show featured Buzz Aldrin as a guest star.

While the show will not cut away for any ads, expect to see some product placements in return. WWE used to get the money for advertising during RAW however the new deal with USA Network see USA getting all the money in return for a higher production fee for the show.

Smackdown to air “live” on November 6 on SyFy

Colin Vassallo — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 16:11:56 +0000

WWE and SyFy today announced that SuperSmackdown Live will return on Tuesday, November 6, at 8PM EST on SyFy with the show airing from the LG Arena in Birmingham, England.

While it will be branded under the SuperSmackdown Live title and airing on Tuesdays – the day of the tapings – the show will not be live as it will be taped across the pond but it will air only on a few hours delay.

An encore of the show will air on Friday night at the usual time slot on SyFy.