Ex-WWE writer reacts to massive potential change for SmackDown in January 2025

WWE is heading for a big change for Monday Night RAW in January 2025, with the red brand moving to Netflix. This has generated a huge positive response from every corner, considering that the show will no longer be restricted by the regulations of cable and network TV. But, a new potential change for SmackDown around the same time seems to have earned the ire of a former writer in the company. The name in question is Vince Russo.

The veteran pro wrestling scriptwriter was discussing several developments in the industry, particularly with WWE and AEW on his official YouTube channel. However, upon learning that SmackDown could increase its programming by an hour in January 2025, Russo delivered a frustrated response. He said that the landscape is already too saturated with the existing programming and an additional hour is bad news.

“How much until the market is just totally oversaturated between AEW and WWE? I mean are we not there yet that we got to add another hour?” [0:59 - 1:12]

Notably, the Stamford-based promotion currently broadcasts RAW for three hours and SmackDown and NXT for two hours each. Russo noted that it was seven hours of programming a week, which he suggested was more than enough. His co-host and former WWE wrestler Al Snow agreed with him and noted that despite so much watch time, the shows lacked variety.

So far, no official statement regarding the increase in programming has been released by the company. However, the Stamford-based promotion is currently building the hype for a big change in the programming of NXT.

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WWE NXT to launch on the CW Network

All three brands of WWE are currently on the USA Network. However, this trinity will soon get dissolved as NXT will move to the CW Network starting October 1, 2024. The developmental brand has already queued several big matches for the change and has also put CM Punk in charge of the inaugural CW Network episode in Chicago.

One of the most exciting matches following the network change would be the NXT Women’s Championship match between Roxanne Perez and Giulia. The Beautiful Madness has already made a statement with her strong presence and a big win against Chelsea Green during her in-ring debut.

While Roxy already faces a big challenge from the newly signed star, her troubles seemingly increased last week when Stephanie Vaquer showed up on the big screen. The second newly-signed star sent a warning to both Perez and Giulia and asked them a cold question ahead of their clash.

“It's Stephanie. My question is: 'What are you going to do when you have me waiting on the other side of your NXT Women's Championship match?'” asked Vaquer.

Notably, Roxanne Perez has previously fired shots at both Giulia and Vaquer and remarked that she is capable of taking on both of them. It would be interesting to see what The Prodigy does when she faces a waiting Vaquer right after The Beautiful Madness if she retains her title.