Tonight’s WWE SmackDown live on USA Network from the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona.
SmackDown moves to a 3-Hour show beginning tonight.
In a noteworthy shakeup within WWE, it has been reported by PWInsider that two prominent ring announcers, Lilian Garcia and Alicia Taylor, are set to switch brands in the near future. This change signals a fresh start for both announcers as they bring their unique energy to new audiences.
A seasoned WWE veteran, Lilian Garcia will transition from her recent role on RAW to take over announcing duties on SmackDown. Known for her polished delivery and emotional performances, Garcia is no stranger to the SmackDown stage, having previously made her mark on the brand during her illustrious career. Fans can expect to hear her voice as early as tonight’s episode.
Meanwhile, Alicia Taylor will step into the RAW spotlight, officially beginning her tenure this coming Monday. Taylor has gained a loyal following with her dynamic style and passion for the sport, most recently showcased during her time on NXT. Her transition to RAW provides an exciting opportunity to expand her reach to the red brand’s worldwide audience.
Both announcers bring a unique flair to their roles, and this swap adds a fresh layer of intrigue as WWE continues to fine-tune its on-air presentation. Be sure to catch Lilian Garcia on SmackDown tomorrow night, and don’t miss Alicia Taylor’s RAW debut this Monday on Netflix.
WWE NXT tonight on The CW.
WWE SmackDown live tonight on USA Network from the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida.
The only thing WWE has officially announced and advertised heading into the show this evening is an appearance by Undisputed WWE Champion “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes.
WWE’s beloved Tribute to the Troops specials have officially come to an end. According to Dave Meltzer on a recent episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, a source within WWE confirmed that the company will no longer produce the long-running tradition.
Tribute to the Troops first debuted in December 2003, spearheaded by WWE Chairman Vince McMahon and Hall of Famer John “Bradshaw” Layfield. Designed as a heartfelt gesture to honor the men and women of the armed forces, the show began as a live event in Baghdad, Iraq, aired during the Christmas season.
Over the years, WWE evolved the format, shifting from international deployments to holding the specials at U.S. military bases. Later, the event transitioned to standalone television specials broadcast on NBC and FOX. With a legacy of two decades, Tribute to the Troops became one of WWE’s most cherished annual events.
Despite its historical significance, the show’s prominence faded in recent years. After 2009, WWE moved away from international tapings, and by 2010, the program was primarily filmed stateside. Only one episode, in 2019, did not air on television. The most recent installment aired in December 2023, marking the end of its 20-year run.
The decision to discontinue Tribute to the Troops is a significant shift for WWE, which has long balanced sports entertainment with charitable and patriotic outreach. While no specific reason has been given for the change, it could reflect WWE’s evolving focus on other large-scale events and partnerships.
Fans who grew up watching the specials will undoubtedly feel the absence of this tradition, which showcased a unique blend of gratitude, wrestling action, and heartfelt moments with the troops.
As WWE continues to innovate and expand its global reach, the spirit of Tribute to the Troops will remain a cherished chapter in the company’s history.
As previously reported here on Wrestling News Blog, WWE had been exploring the idea of introducing a new championship to highlight the intense rivalry between Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa. However, according to the latest update from The Wrestling Observer Newsletter, those plans have officially been shelved.
The feud between the two Bloodline leaders has been brewing for months, with both Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa vying to establish themselves as the true Tribal Chief. At Survivor Series: WarGames 2024, Reigns solidified his dominance by pinning Sikoa in a high-stakes WarGames match. The event saw the Original Bloodline, alongside CM Punk, clash with the New Bloodline and Bronson Reed, leaving fans buzzing about the heated familial warfare.
The rivalry is far from over, as Reigns and Sikoa are set to collide in a Tribal Combat match on the premiere episode of RAW on Netflix next month in Los Angeles. The bout promises to be another brutal chapter in their ongoing saga.
While early speculation suggested that WWE was considering creating a “Tribal Championship” to symbolize the ultimate prize in their feud, recent reports confirm that such a title will not be introduced. Instead, the focus will remain on the ula fala, a traditional Samoan necklace that has become a symbol of leadership within the Bloodline storyline.
“Regarding reports of a new title being added called the Tribal Chief title, we’re told that’s not happening,” the Observer noted. “Now will guys feud over the ula fala? Yes, obviously.”
With the rumored championship off the table, the ula fala remains at the heart of this epic Bloodline conflict. The unique stakes and cultural significance of the ula fala have added depth to an already captivating story, allowing Reigns and Sikoa to channel their personal and professional tensions into one of WWE’s most talked-about rivalries.
Fans can expect fireworks when Reigns and Sikoa square off in Los Angeles next month. Will Reigns continue to assert his dominance, or will Sikoa rise to the occasion and claim his spot as the rightful Tribal Chief?
Former WWE Superstar Becky Lynch made a surprising appearance in the latest trailer for WWE RAW on Netflix, leaving fans buzzing about the potential return of “The Man” to the wrestling world.
Lynch, who stepped away from WWE in June, has dropped hints that her departure may not be permanent, keeping the door open for a future comeback. Her inclusion in the trailer, which aired during the NFL’s Christmas Day coverage, alongside other high-profile Superstars, has reignited speculation about when fans might see her back in action.
WWE RAW is set to debut on Netflix on January 6, featuring an impressive lineup of matches. Notably, CM Punk and Roman Reigns are set to headline the all-star card, promising a thrilling start to this new era of WWE programming.
In addition to RAW, international WWE fans will gain access to an extensive selection of WWE content on Netflix, including SmackDown, NXT, premium live events, and classic footage from the company’s archives.
With Lynch’s involvement in the promotional material and the high-stakes matches scheduled, WWE is kicking off its Netflix partnership with significant momentum. Fans are eager to see what surprises lie ahead as WWE expands its reach on the streaming platform.
WWE Raw airs tonight on the USA Network from TD Garden in Boston, MA.
WWE SmackDown will air tonight on the USA Network, taped last week from the XL Center in Hartford, CT.
As WWE gears up for a transformative 2025, the company’s programming continues to shift across networks, and it seems NXT Level Up is the latest casualty of this new era.
According to a report from Fightful Select, WWE is set to wrap up NXT Level Up this week, with Thursday’s taping reportedly marking the series’ final episode. This comes amid WWE’s broader network shuffle, as the company prepares for RAW’s highly anticipated move to Netflix in January.
NXT itself has already undergone significant changes this year. Back in October, SmackDown moved from FOX to the USA Network, while NXT transitioned from USA to The CW Network. Along with this shift, older episodes of NXT migrated from Peacock to The CW App, causing uncertainty about where supplemental content like NXT Level Up would land.
NXT Level Up first debuted on February 18, 2022, as a successor to the beloved 205 Live. The show primarily served as a proving ground for newer NXT talent—those who had yet to establish themselves on the main Tuesday night NXT broadcast. Episodes were often taped either before or after the live NXT shows, giving developmental wrestlers a chance to gain experience in front of a live audience.
Despite its role in spotlighting emerging stars, the future of NXT Level Up has felt uncertain for months. The lack of clarity on its streaming home—especially with NXT’s library moving to The CW—sparked speculation that the show would soon be discontinued. Now, with Fightful’s report indicating its imminent conclusion, it appears WWE is officially pulling the plug.
While NXT Level Up may be ending, WWE’s developmental brand remains a key focus. NXT’s move to The CW has given the brand a new home with broader reach, and WWE is clearly investing in elevating its younger talent through Tuesday night programming. With RAW moving to Netflix in 2025 and SmackDown thriving on USA Network, WWE’s media landscape continues to evolve—and smaller shows like NXT Level Up may no longer fit into the company’s long-term strategy.
For now, fans can tune in to the final episode of NXT Level Up this Thursday as WWE says goodbye to the short-lived series. It’s a bittersweet end for a show that helped develop the next generation of stars, but it’s clear WWE has its eyes set on a much bigger stage as it heads into 2025.
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