Anytime a show is moved to a different time slot, ratings are expected to be down, but when a show is moved to a completely different station, ratings will decline bigger than usual and this is something that WWE faces with SmackDown around this time every year due to FOX’s coverage of the World Series.
WWE will broadcast SmackDown from the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri tonight on FS1 instead of FOX due to the MLB Worlds Series. SmackDown might be moved to FS1 again next week.
In the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer mentioned that if there is a sixth game between the Houston Astros and Philadelphia Phillies, SmackDown will air on FS1. Tonight’s show is going up against game 1, while game six will also be on a Friday. Raw will deal with competition from the series on Halloween night, and AEW Dynamite will go up against game five if needed next Wednesday.
Next week’s episode of SmackDown will be taped tonight due to WWE flying over to Saudi Arabia for Crown Jewel next Saturday. Here is the card announced for tonight’s episode of WWE SmackDown.
Roman Reigns returns
SmackDown Women’s ChampionshipRonda Rousey issues an open challenge
Sami Zayn & Solo Sikoa vs. Ridge Holland & Butch
Hit Row (Top Dolla & Ashante Adonis) & a mystery partner vs. Legado Del Fantasma (Santos Escobar, Joaquin Wilde & Cruz Del Toro)