?Reported by Adam Martin of WrestleView.com

On Sunday, May 29, 2005 at 3:16 PM EST

After UPN announced on May 19 that WWE SmackDown would be moving from Thursday to Friday night starting in the fall, it was noted on more than one occassion that it caught many in WWE management by surprise as no word was given to them regarding this move ahead of time. Although it was a surprise to some in WWE, one strong source stated that he was not concerned about SmackDown's future on the network as it delivers the desired demographics to a low-ranking broadcast network.

Since the announcement, UPN has yet to inform WWE if they intend to seek out a renewal beyond the fall of 2006 when WWE's contract with UPN expires. Many feel WWE's ratings in the new Friday timeslot will determine if UPN will remain interested in keeping them on. One industry source commented on the situation stating that UPN seems to have played their cards to indicate that they aren't interested in renewing at this time, noting that it isn't a surprise stragety and that other outlets would be just as interested in bringing WWE on board.

In regards to some suggesting that SmackDown go live and change the taping schedule, it doesn't appear something like that would take place. Going live would be cost-prohibitve for the company as the same crew that sets up RAW every Monday also sets up SmackDown the following night for the tapings on Tuesday. Airing SmackDown live would break up WWE's week in an awkward fashion and wouldn't allow them enough time to move the entire operation to the next taping site. If a network was to pay enough in rights fees and insist on going live, it is possible WWE could hire extra crew members and add duplicate set equipment. However, that option doesn't appear likely.

News Derived From: Pro Wrestling Torch Newsletter