WWE offered to delay SmackDown to accommodate WNBA Finals

WWE President Nick Khan reportedly agreed to delay the Friday Night SmackDown broadcast by one hour to support the WNBA Finals. The proposal, initiated by Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena CEO Steve Koonin, aimed to move the USA Network program from 8 PM to 9 PM ET to allow Game 6 between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream to air in a primetime slot.

The scheduling adjustment was intended to help the WNBA secure a more appropriate arena, as the Atlanta Hawks were scheduled to play at State Farm Arena on Thursday. However, the plan was ultimately abandoned after WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert raised concerns that a potential Game 7 could fall on Tuesday, November 3, coinciding with US midterm election night coverage. Consequently, Game 6 was rescheduled for Thursday at 12:30 PM ET, and SmackDown will proceed at its regular time.

Separately, the October 30 episode of SmackDown, held at the Charleston Coliseum in West Virginia, will feature a special Halloween theme hosted by Danhausen. The event includes three championship matches: Sami Zayn defending the Undisputed WWE Championship against Trick Williams, Chelsea Green defending the WWE Women’s Championship against Nikki Bella, and Rey Fenix defending the AAA World Cruiserweight Championship against Ricky Saints.