WWE fired Dana Brooke, Mace, Mansoor, Quincy Elliot, and Bryson Montana on Thursday late afternoon, in the second sound of releases after Dolph Ziggler and others were fired earlier on Thursday.
NXT full list of releases:
– Quincy Elliott
– Bryson Montana
– Dana Brooke
– Mansoor
– Mace
– Dabba-Kato
– Shanky
– Yulisa León
– Daniel McArthur
– Kevin Ventura-Cortes
– Alexis Gray
In a significant development within the world of professional wrestling, WWE SmackDown is poised to make a historic return to the USA Network as part of a groundbreaking five-year broadcasting deal. This deal, set to commence in October 2024 and extend until 2029, represents a momentous shift in WWE’s television landscape and will have far-reaching implications not only for SmackDown but also for the company’s other flagship programs, RAW and NXT.
Currently, WWE’s programming rights agreements for RAW, NXT, and SmackDown are nearing their expiration date, scheduled for the Fall of 2024. Under the existing arrangement, RAW and NXT are broadcast on the USA Network, while SmackDown has found its home on FOX. However, WWE recently made the strategic decision to depart from FOX, opting instead for a reunion with the USA Network, where SmackDown had previously resided.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, this return to the USA Network is part of a comprehensive five-year deal that underscores the network’s commitment to WWE and its blue brand. SmackDown’s continued presence on the USA Network is a testament to the enduring popularity and appeal of the show, as well as the strong partnership between WWE and the network.
As a pivotal component of this new agreement, WWE has committed to producing four primetime specials annually to be aired on NBC. This move represents a significant expansion of WWE’s presence in primetime slots and signifies a strategic realignment in the company’s television partnerships. While this shift opens up exciting new opportunities for WWE, it also marks the end of an era for RAW and NXT on the USA Network.
Negotiations for the rights to RAW’s programming are currently in a dynamic and active state. Multiple parties, including traditional linear networks, streaming services, and unexpected contenders, have expressed keen interest in securing the rights to WWE’s flagship program, RAW. This fervent interest in WWE’s programming suggests a potentially transformative period in the company’s television landscape.
The evolving television partnerships and changes within WWE’s broadcasting lineup are poised to reshape the way fans experience professional wrestling. As the landscape continues to evolve, the WWE universe eagerly anticipates the unfolding of this new chapter, one that promises to bring fresh opportunities, expanded viewership, and thrilling developments in the world of sports entertainment.
