FOX is planning to invite several celebrities for the debut of SmackDown on the network on October 4, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. That’s one of the reasons why the first show will be at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
FOX wants the show to come off similar to a major boxing event and a “place for real stars to be,” the Observer says.
AEW will very likely debut that same week on TNT, so FOX and WWE also want SmackDown to appear as “major league” as possible in contrast to AEW.
On a related note, the Observer says that FOX is “testing out two new cameras” to use for SmackDown, but no other details were given.
WWE: Backstage Update on WWE’s Internal Reaction to Danhausen’s WWE Debut, Broadcast Status Update for NXT Stand & Deliver 2026, Bayley on Her Upcoming Match with AJ Lee for WWE Women’s Intercontinental Title
Johnny TV on Him Feeling Currently “Underutilized” in AEW & His Hair Match in CMLL Being One Of The Best Matches He’s Had In Years
AEW Collision Ratings – March 7, 2026 – Viewership Slightly Up [Update: Key Demo Down]
