One of the many things that has always worked against SmackDown is how it's taped days in advance as opposed to being broadcast live. The spoilers circulating online before SmackDown airs has never done the blue brand any favors, which is why WWE thought it would wise to hold live specials every so often starting with their debut on SyFy on October 1, 2010. Despite the live special producing a lousy number, they continued to hold them a few times a year, and the ratings rarely increased. From the Christmas-themed shows to the return of The Great American Bash, they didn't do anything to make SmackDown feel meaningful again. Not even the occasional special on USA Network did much to give the Friday night show of a boost to maintain the momentum. Taking SmackDown live was definitely a step in the right direction in terms of switching up the format of the program, but because nothing of note ever happened, fans never bothered to invest more time to it afterward.