Why exactly was there a Smackdown Special?

[CharismaInjection]

I know it was a tribute show to Eddie, but did WWE ask for permission from UPN? Did UPN say they want to see if Smackdown on Tuesday would get good ratings? Why exactly was there a special?

[Corndad]

I was thinking was part of the deal they would get an hour of programming back after they lost it on their first night on Friday due to a Hurricane Katrina Benefit Thing. Other then that have no idea.

[Optimistic T]

I think it's through the contract with WWE and UPN. WWE gets a certain number of specials throughout the year. They're probably just using up one.

[Xero]

I think it's through the contract with WWE and UPN. WWE gets a certain number of specials throughout the year. They're probably just using up one.
Exactly. Last year they aired two specials, Austin's (I think) and Eddie's documentaries.