Smackdown debuts on USA Network tonight, its new permanent home going forward in the same time slot of 8PM EST. While there are no major changes to the show, a new lead commentator will take over the broadcast booth, with veteran wrestling and MMA announcer Mauro Ranallo calling the action along with Jerry Lawler and Byron Saxton.
The top two WWE shows now both reside on USA Network as Smackdown ended its partnership with SyFy at the end of 2015 after a 5 year deal. The actual move was announced back in April 2015. This is Smackdown’s fifth home, having previously aired on UPN, The CW, MyNetworkTV, and SyFy.
Tonight’s “premiere” on USA Network will be episode number 855 in 16 years.