‘-For those fans who watch Impact Wrestling, the company recently announced it will be moving channels beginning January 11th. The show will stay in it’s 10PM time slot, which is interesting as it’s been noted the show has done it’s worst ratings in that time slot.
As was revealed by a report on Wrestling Observer Radio, however, the move is part of a long-term strategy. Specifically, Impact is eyeing the late 2019 move of SmackDown to Fox. When the blue brand migrates to it’s new network, the show will move from Tuesday nights to Fridays. As it does now, SmackDown Live will be shown from 8pm to 10pm.
The thinking within Impact is that they will stick with the 10pm slot, rather than move it several times in 2019. The aim is that, once SmackDown begins to air on Fridays, when WWE viewers are done with SmackDown, they may migrate over to the Pursuit Channel and take an interest in Impact at 10pm.
It’s an interesting strategy, which only time will tell if it will pay off.
-On last night’s SmackDown Live (which was actually taped last week), Rusev defeated Shinsuke Nakamura for the United States Championship. It’s the Bulgarian Brute’s third reign with the title. Superstars took to social media to react to the surprising victory (as historically not much happens on pre-taped shows).
Heard we have a new #USTitle Champion.
How nice.
Keep it warm for me kid.
— Stan ? (@WWEDillinger) December 26, 2018
You’re welcome, bud.#USTitle #SDLive
— Aiden English (@WWEDramaKing) December 26, 2018
Each comment is noteworthy for different reasons. In the case of Dillinger, he could be an under-used Superstar poised to break out in the new era of McMahons running both shows. Considering how over Tye Dillinger was in NXT before his call-up, the fan support would probably be there.
For Aiden English, he and Rusev recently feuded after their falling-out. With WWE seemingly doing away with the “contractually obligated rematch” now, could English be lining himself up for a title shot of his own? A match against English would not be a bad first United States title defense.
