Major backstage frustration at WWE SmackDown - Reports

WWE is enjoying the success of its new era coming out of WrestleMania XL season, and heading into what looks to be one of the biggest summers in wrestling history. While things have been on the upside for the Stamford-based company as of late, there could be major backstage frustration.

Last week's SmackDown was a loaded show from the Madison Square Garden in New York City. The episode featured Money in the Bank qualifying matches, The Bloodline, and more. Amid reports of FOX cracking down on offensive content, there were several moments censored on SmackDown. This led to significant unhappiness from fans, wrestlers, and others in the company.

There was a lot of frustration among WWE talents over the SmackDown censorship issues this past Friday, according to a report from Fightful Select. One source expressed frustration over how FOX will censor just about anything. There is a feeling that some things obviously have to be censored due to FCC regulations, but FOX often goes too far.

A backstage source also echoed excitement over SmackDown moving to the USA Network on September 13, pointing to how NXT does not have the issues that the two main roster shows do. NXT is leaving the USA Network for the CW Network in October. It was speculated that once the USA Network sees how Netflix takes off with RAW in January 2025, then that could be good for leniency with the SmackDown product.

WWE sources reiterated how there was real frustration backstage during SmackDown. It will be very interesting to see if the censors lighten up this week with the go-home episode before the Money in the Bank 2024 Premium Live Event.

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Updated go-home WWE SmackDown card before Money in the Bank 2024

World Wrestling Entertainment will run its first of three shows at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, this Friday night as SmackDown airs live on FOX.

The blue brand's show will be the go-home edition before the Money in the Bank Premium Live Event. Below is the updated lineup for the upcoming episode of SmackDown:

• Final Money in the Bank build
• Indi Hartwell and Candice LeRae vs. Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair
• Pretty Deadly vs. the Street Profits
• WWE Tag Team Champions A-Town Down Under to defend against DIY
• The Bloodline appears

WWE will return to the Scotiabank Arena the following night for the Money in the Bank Premium Live Event. The NXT brand will then host Heatwave in the same arena the next day.