Report: WWE Will Not Move SmackDown to Compete With AEW New Year’s Smash
According to a report, WWE plans to air a pre-taped SmackDown on January 1, 2027, and will not reschedule the show to go live against AEW’s New Year’s Smash; the episode was taped on December 28.
WWE does not plan to reschedule or convert SmackDown into a live show to compete head-to-head with All Elite Wrestling’s New Year’s Smash, according to a report. The information was relayed by WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select and summarized by WrestleZone.
AEW recently announced New Year’s Smash editions of Dynamite and Collision for Friday, January 1, and Saturday, January 2, 2027. Per the report, WWE will still present a pre-taped SmackDown on January 1 that was recorded on December 28 following the final RAW of 2026.
WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select reported WWE’s decision stems in part from a desire to allow talent to spend New Year’s Day with family, and that the company isn’t planning to change its taping schedule simply to chase a ratings battle with AEW. The pre-taped SmackDown is expected to air in its normal 8:00 p.m. ET timeslot on January 1, while AEW Dynamite: New Year’s Smash is scheduled to air live at 3:30 p.m. ET.
The report also notes internal discussion within WWE about the potential ratings for the January 1 episode. Some people inside the promotion reportedly expect lower viewership for that night, primarily because the show airs during the holiday season.
All of the above was reported by WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select and relayed via WrestleZone; it should be treated as a report rather than an official WWE announcement unless confirmed directly by the company.
