For the first time since 2011, World Wrestling Entertainment is splitting its brand.
The WWE announced Tuesday that “SmackDown” will move from Thursday to Tuesday nights beginning July 19 and air live from 6-8 p.m. on USA Network. It will also have a roster that is distinct from its Monday night counterpart “Raw.”
Currently, “SmackDown” is filmed Tuesday nights and aired on a tape delay on Thursday nights.
“WWE’s flagship programs will both leverage the incredible depth of our talent roster, distinct storylines and the unpredictable nature of live TV,” WWE chairman Vince McMahon said in a news release.
The roster split will take place during a draft, in which each brand will get an opportunity to select pro wrestlers to its program. The WWE held nine drafts between 2002 and 2011 before reuniting the rosters for SmackDown and Raw.
