If UPN doesn't re-sign Smackdown!...?

[PullMyFinger]

Okay so I was thinking, what if they don't? What if USA won't give them the time either...except for 1 hr at most? Then what happens? Does the SD! brand die then and get mixed in with Raw with tons of superstars getting released?

[KingofOldSchool]

USA would be stupid to not pick up Smackdown.

[Pepsi Man]

Why the hell is the "except for 1 hr at most" part in there? That just strikes me as odd.

[PullMyFinger]

How so? I hope they don't pick it up so the brand extension could just die....I've been annoyed with it ever since day one.

[BlackDawn2024]

When does the contract with UPN end?

[PullMyFinger]

Why the hell is the "except for 1 hr at most" part in there? That just strikes me as odd.
lol Idk either...I just did that to provide some oddball alternative.

[Kane Knight]

How so? I hope they don't pick it up so the brand extension could just die....I've been annoyed with it ever since day one.

Let's see:

UPN wants ratings.

Smackdown offers good ratings.

In fact, crappy as the show may be, it still totally owns most other shows in terms of ratings. UPN needs things like this to help sell their network.

It'd be pretty fucking stupid to mess with success.

[Nark Order]

Smackdown pwns RAW at the moment.

[Kane Knight]

I agree. I watch Smackdown. I don't watch Raw. My vote has been cast motherfuckers.

[axel84]

I remember they considered Smackdown! going to Fox at one point. This was during that whole drama discussing the future of the show. I don't get how it was the number 1 show on UPN's shitty roster and they want to bag it so bad. Yes, it's the company's #2 show with a bullet, but who will pick it up?

Maybe Fox would take it on because they're ahead of NBC in the ratings, Fox is now in the 'big 3' only behind ABC and CBS at this point. I think because of that I would understand if Rupert Murdoch wanted to take a chance. Just because WWE's subpar in alot of areas, does not mean it's not watched so much.

[Savio]

When does the contract with UPN end?

[Kane Knight]

They were shopping around at some point. I could see Smackdown moving to a different network.

[PullMyFinger]

Well if UPN really cared, why would they move the show to a bitch slot?

[Kane Knight]

Because theystill get ratings, and itmeans they can get better ratings ona different show?

[GODSON]

Smackdown is dead that's why after three years WWE finally started a Raw vs.SD fued. They know the end is coming.

[Kane Knight]

You ride yourself on retardation, doncha

[PureHatred]

When does the contract with UPN end?

September 06 is what was reported. UPN is the one that ceased all negotiations by the way. They felt that going more towards comedies and programs like America's Top model was mor profitable. Better sponsors and all.

[Dave Youell]

It'd be pretty fucking stupid to mess with success.
So they moved it to Fridays because...........

[Funky Fly]

I dunno, UPN is a garbage network. They debut like 25 new shows every season and only Veronica Mars has been successful as far as I know. If they lose Smackdown, their ratings will take a huge hit.

Also, if Smackdown does go elsewhere, USA would probably get first dibs since they have RAW (ie. working relationship = priority), so they would probably pick up Smackdown (with a more even-sided contract this time, since RAw is their big money maker (ie. they are raping Vince in the ass with RAW).

[Kane Knight]

So they moved it to Fridays because...........

Because theystill get ratings, and itmeans they can get better ratings ona different show?

[Kane Knight]

UPN is a garbage network.

You had me at Hello. :love:

[GODSON]

The relationship between UPN and Vince is rocky to say the least, I would think. Meltzer wrote an article in the Observer when the Friday move hit (and I'm paraphrasing here) pointing out the Titan felt blindsided by the move and (as usual for the WWE) wasn't looking at it as a business decision but as a personal attack.

Combine that with the sad fact that wrestling ad rates command nowhere near the dollar value of other comparably-rated shows and... well, I'm hopeful that Smackdown will still be around. It's been the better of the shows lately.

[Kane Knight]

The relationship between UPN and Vince is rocky to say the least, I would think. Meltzer wrote an article in the Observer when the Friday move hit (and I'm paraphrasing here) pointing out the Titan felt blindsided by the move and (as usual for the WWE) wasn't looking at it as a business decision but as a personal attack.

Combine that with the sad fact that wrestling ad rates command nowhere near the dollar value of other comparably-rated shows and... well, I'm hopeful that Smackdown will still be around. It's been the better of the shows lately.

Dollar value isn't the only use for ratings. Especially when you're UPN, and all you have is Star Trek Enterprise (Oh wait...) and Veronica Mars.

It's also idiotic to talk about the rivalry between Raw and Smackdown, when this is nothing new (Though it's new THIS TIME). That's not a sign that Smackdown is dead, just that it's getting close to time to start promoting WM again.

[GODSON]

Ever since the Raw vs.SD fued started one of the hottest rumors around the net has been that Smackdown might be cancel next year. My question is that if Smackdown gets cancel, do you think that will be a good thing? I personally think both rosters are getting weaker by each ppv. I think at this point reuniting the roster will not only make for one strong roster but will give us exciting tv. Just imagine all WWE top stars on Raw everyweek LIVE, all the possibilities is there. I think the ratings,buyrates and houseshows attendance would go up big time. It will also save money for us fans with LESS ppvs and better quality for each ppv.

Of course wrestlers will get fired but don't worry because there is a little company down in Florida that will pick up the pieces. Yes folks am talking about TNA. Let's face it, guys like Paul London and Spanky is not going anywhere in the WWE. These is the guys that will most likely be fired and TNA will LOVE to have both guys back. Guys who been underused like Val Venis will probably get a fresh start in TNA. TNA roster beefing up and with Spike TV giving TNA more two hours specials, it will help TNA ratings and buyrates improve. Which might lead to a permanent two hour primetime show???

I think the roster brand has already been used to it's full potential and just a waste of time. The end of Smackdown can benefit both WWE and TNA in a major way which will benefit the fans the most. It might lead into the next boom era for all we know.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I think it will either be on UPN or USA past 2006.

[Kane Knight]

I think the WWE will do with SD! What they did with Raw. They used other guys as leverage. They tried to negotiate. They lost.