WWE fans hoping to catch Friday Night SmackDown live on Peacock are going to be waiting a whileand now we know exactly why.
According to Dave Meltzer on the latest Wrestling Observer Radio, NBCUniversal is intentionally keeping SmackDown off of Peacocks live stream in order to protect its traditional TV ratings on the USA Network.
During a discussion about Saturday Nights Main Event moving to Peacock as a streaming exclusive, Meltzer pointed out that SmackDowns absence from the live lineup isnt about logisticsits about ratings.
Meltzer made it clear that if building Peacocks subscriber base was truly the top priority, SmackDown would be airing there live without hesitation. Instead, NBCUniversal is holding the show back for 30 days before it hits streaminga move that exposes exactly where the companys priorities lie.
While Saturday Nights Main Event is being sacrificed from network TV to bolster Peacock, the fact that SmackDown isnt going live on the platform says everything. NBCUniversal is willing to give up some programming for streaming, but not its top weekly performer.
Its all part of a balancing actprotecting old-school ratings while trying not to fall behind in the streaming war.
Do you think NBCUniversal should also have Smack Down broadcast live on Peacock? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
