10 Ways To Make WWE SmackDown Important On USA Network

10. Go Live

Since the move back to the USA Network, it has been consistently rumoured that SmackDown could be transitioning from a pre-recorded programme to a live format. This would certainly help to make the show feel more like appointment viewing, given the inherent excitement and unpredictability of live television. There's no doubt that a percentage of Raw's appeal comes as a result of its live format, which simply makes it feel like a more important programme. Despite the benefits of a move to a live format, this could present problems for the WWE roster. The current WWE schedule allows performers to take time off in the later part of the week, which would not be possible if SmackDown remained on Thursday nights. The logical move in that respect would be to air SmackDown on Tuesday, when it is currently taped, but this would leave WWE without content to air later in the week, unless they were to move NXT, which is taped several weeks in advance. A move to a live show would help to make SmackDown feel important and, as long as WWE is willing to juggle its schedule slightly, it could be a good business decision.