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When Was WWE SmackDown Last on USA Network and What Was Happening?
It's time to turn back the clock!
As SmackDown's triumphant return to USA Network draws near, the WWE Universe has many questions. Today, we're tackling one of the most pressing ones: When was the last time SmackDown was on USA Network?
Before we look at SmackDown's final airing on USA Network (until its return on September 13, of course), it's vital to acknowledge exactly when the blue brand was on USA Network the first time around — way back on January 7, 2016!
Let's take a look at what was going on in the world of SmackDown over eight years ago:
While many of your favorite WWE Superstars have come and gone, we still spot a few of our old favorites in the above video — The Miz, R-Truth, and Kevin Owens are still as crucial to WWE as they were nearly a decade ago. In fact, Owens is still putting his body on the line almost every week in 2024. Judging by what happened on the USA Network debut in 2016, it's safe to say that the WWE Universe should expect an explosive episode when SmackDown returns home on September 13!
For the better part of the next four years, USA Network was the home of both SmackDown and Monday Night Raw for the first time ever — it was a fantastic time to be a wrestling fan.
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, and SmackDown finished up its USA Network obligations on September 27, 2019 — a night that was very, very good for Brock Lesnar and very, very bad for Kofi Kingston, the WWE Champion at the time.
It was the last time the WWE Universe would see Kingston holding the most prestigious championship in all of WWE — Lesnar would annihilate him one week later, kickstarting one of the most dominant title reigns in wrestling history.
September 27, 2019, seems like decades ago, but in just a few days, the WWE Universe can look forward to tuning into exciting Friday night action on the network that has been the home of most of the greatest moments in WWE history once again.
When will SmackDown return to USA Network?
The WWE Universe doesn't have to wait much longer — SmackDown officially returns to USA Network on September 13!
The date marks a new beginning in WWE — and everything will change. From a brand-new broadcast team to the hottest storylines in professional wrestling, SmackDown on USA Network will represent a seismic shift in the industry.
So do what you can in the meantime: get to know your current champions, bone up on your SmackDown history, and mark your calendars. September 13 is right around the corner!
Catch past episodes of SmackDown on Peacock.
