December 18th 2024.
Get ready for some exciting action, wrestling fans! WWE has just announced that one of their biggest shows, SmackDown, will be airing for free on YouTube next month. This is all part of their move to Netflix in January 2025, where all of their content, including Raw, NXT, and monthly premium live events, will be available for streaming. This marks the end of their current deal with TNT Sports, with the launch officially happening on January 6 during the episode of Monday Night Raw.
But before that, on January 3, fans are in for a special treat as the episode of SmackDown will be broadcasted live on YouTube for the first time ever! The show will start at 1am as usual, and this will be the last time it will be available on traditional television. Make sure to save the link and tune in for an unforgettable experience.
This exciting news comes right after the success of the Saturday Night’s Main Event last weekend, which was also broadcasted on YouTube outside of the US. The event, which was a special on NBC, garnered over 873,000 views as an unlisted video on the company's channel. It was a nostalgic night for fans as they brought back the iconic 1980s event and featured some of the biggest names in wrestling.
In the main event, current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes successfully defended his title against Kevin Owen, but not without controversy. Owens had the champion beat, but the referee was knocked out, allowing Rhodes to hit his signature Cross Rhodes move onto a chair. A second referee then counted the pin despite not being fully in the ring. Owens didn't take the loss lightly and immediately got his revenge by laying out Rhodes with a Package Piledriver, which has been banned in WWE due to its risk.
Unfortunately, Rhodes is currently out of action due to an injury sustained during the match. WWE has provided a storyline update, stating that he suffered cervical swelling and was kept overnight at a local hospital for observation. While X-Rays showed no fractures, he has been diagnosed with axial compression of the cervical spine and a cervical strain with spasm. It's uncertain how this will affect his future on SmackDown.
Speaking of SmackDown, fans in the UK will get to see Rhodes on New Year's Day as he joins CBBC Bedtime Stories for the first time. He will be reading Gigantic by Rob Biddulph, a heartwarming tale about a determined blue whale. The story was filmed during WWE's recent UK tour, where Rhodes also made an appearance on Blue Peter.
Are you excited for the upcoming changes in WWE? Do you have any favorite moments from the Saturday Night's Main Event? Let us know by emailing us, calling, or visiting our Submit Stuff page. We always love to hear from our readers!
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
