WWE Smackdown live tonight at 8/7c on USA Network and Netflix internationally from T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri.
WWE SmackDown airs live tonight on at 8pm ET the USA Network in the United States and Netflix intentionally from the Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence, Rhode Island.
After spending the last two months away from WWE television, CM Punk has been at the center of plenty of speculation regarding his status with the company. Rumors ranging from alleged creative frustrations to reports of backstage issues and even release requests have circulated online in recent weeks.
However, several reports this week pushed back on those claims, indicating that there is no significant tension between Punk and WWE. Instead, the expectation remains that “The Best in the World” will make his return to television sometime in July.
Now, a new report suggests that WWE may have specific plans for Punk once he returns.
According to the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE is expected to move Punk to SmackDown as part of an effort to better balance the company’s top-tier talent across both brands.
With Raw already featuring major stars such as Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Liv Morgan, and Oba Femi, the belief is that Punk could have a larger impact on Friday nights. A move to SmackDown would place him alongside names like Cody Rhodes, GUNTHER, and Randy Orton, creating several fresh matchups and storyline possibilities.
That said, the report notes that Punk could still make an appearance on Raw before any official brand switch takes place. The July 6 episode of Raw is scheduled for Chicago, Punk’s hometown, making it an obvious location for a high-profile return.
A move to SmackDown would also align with a storyline tease WWE planted before Punk’s absence. Prior to stepping away from television, Punk hinted at a future confrontation with Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. Given Rhodes’ position at the top of the blue brand, Punk’s arrival on SmackDown could quickly place him in the championship picture.
With SummerSlam approaching and rumors suggesting Punk is expected to be involved in one of the event’s major programs, fans are already speculating about a potential showdown between Punk and Rhodes. WWE has not confirmed any plans, but the possibility would undoubtedly rank among the biggest matches the company could present.
Before taking time away from television, Punk suffered a major setback at WrestleMania 42 when he lost the World Heavyweight Championship to Roman Reigns. His eventual return could mark the beginning of a new chapter, potentially on a new brand and with a new championship target in sight.
For now, all eyes remain on July as WWE fans await the return of one of the company’s most talked-about stars.
WWE SmackDown airs tonight at 8/7c on USA Network from Unipol Arena in Bologna, Italy. The event begins at 2:00 pm ET/11:00 am PT.
A familiar scheduling change appears to be on the horizon for WWE SmackDown, as the blue brand is reportedly set to move back to a two-hour format the first week of July.
According to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, the final three-hour edition of SmackDown is currently expected to air on June 26, with the show returning to its traditional two-hour runtime beginning the following week (July 3).
The three-hour format has been a topic of debate among fans since it was reintroduced, with many viewers feeling the additional hour often leads to pacing issues and filler content. Based on Meltzer’s report, WWE and its television partners appear to be sticking with a plan that alternates between two-hour and three-hour versions of the show.
Meltzer noted that he had previously been told the arrangement would consist of approximately six months of three-hour programming followed by six months of the standard two-hour format, a pattern that could continue throughout WWE’s current media rights agreement.
“Three hours until the end of the month. June 26 is the last three-hour show,” Meltzer said. “I was told six months on, January to July, and the idea that’s going to be it for the entire five-year thing. Six months on, six months off.”
The veteran wrestling journalist also admitted he initially believed the switch back to two hours might happen sooner. Part of that expectation stemmed from the return of Braun Strowman’s “Everything On The Menu” series, which recently benefited from having SmackDown as its lead-in on USA Network.
Despite the show’s strong ratings performance, USA Network is reportedly keeping Everything On The Menu in the 11 p.m. ET timeslot through the end of June. The series is then expected to move back to 10 p.m. ET in July, coinciding with SmackDown‘s reported return to a two-hour broadcast.
While Meltzer questioned the decision to keep a successful program in the later timeslot for another month, there appears to be confidence that WWE’s audience will continue to provide a strong lead-in for the network’s programming.
For now, fans can expect SmackDown to remain three hours through the remainder of June, with the widely anticipated return to a two-hour format reportedly set to begin after the June 26 episode.
WWE SmackDown tonight at 8/7c on USA Network taped from Olimpic Arena Badalona in Barcelona, Spain. Will air live overseas starting at 2pm ET.
WWE SmackDown live tonight at 8/7c on USA Network and Netflix internationally from Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky.
WWE SmackDown live tonight at 8/7c on USA Network from the Colonial Life Arena, Columbia, South Carolina
WWE SmackDown live tonight at 8/7c on the USA Network in the United States and Netflix internationally from the Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida.
WWE’s Chelsea Green has shared a personal health update, revealing that she recently underwent a heart procedure after doctors diagnosed her with SVT following a years-long struggle with the condition.
Green posted the news to Instagram on Monday, explaining that doctors were finally able to identify the issue after dealing with symptoms for roughly a decade. She also shared a photo of herself recovering in a hospital bed alongside her husband, fellow wrestling star Matt Cardona.
“After 10 years, doctors finally caught my SVT and I was able to get a heart procedure done! Three hours later and I’m on the mend,” Green wrote in the caption.
SVT, or supraventricular tachycardia, is a heart rhythm condition that can cause episodes of rapid or irregular heartbeat. While the condition is often manageable and not always dangerous on its own, it can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, chest discomfort, or shortness of breath and may require medical treatment depending on severity.
The announcement adds another setback to what has already been a frustrating stretch away from the ring for Green. The former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion has not competed since February, when she took part in a triple threat qualifying match for the Women’s Elimination Chamber bout. Green teamed with Lash Legend in the losing effort against Tiffany Stratton during that contest.
Following the match, reports surfaced that Green had suffered a broken ankle. By March, word indicated she was nearing medical clearance for the injury, but she has yet to make her WWE return.
There is currently no timetable for when Green could resume in-ring competition following the heart procedure, though her post suggested the operation was successful and that she is already recovering.
Green has become one of WWE’s most entertaining personalities over the past several years, gaining popularity through her comedic timing and over-the-top character work across both “Raw” and “SmackDown.” Fans and wrestlers alike quickly flooded social media with support after her announcement.
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