Fact Check: Is SmackDown on Netflix?

Is SmackDown on Netflix?

The claim in question is whether "SmackDown" will be available on Netflix. This inquiry arises in the context of WWE's broader distribution strategy, particularly regarding its flagship programs, "Raw" and "SmackDown." As of now, there is a significant amount of information suggesting that "Raw" will indeed be moving to Netflix, but the status of "SmackDown" remains less clear.

What We Know

WWE Raw's Move to Netflix: According to multiple sources, WWE's "Monday Night Raw" is set to premiere on Netflix starting January 6, 2025. This move has been confirmed by WWE's official website, which states that "Raw" will be available for streaming on Netflix, marking a significant shift in how WWE content is distributed [2][3].
SmackDown's Status: While "Raw" is confirmed to be moving to Netflix, the situation for "SmackDown" is less definitive. Reports indicate that "SmackDown" will not be moving to Netflix at the same time as "Raw." Instead, it is suggested that "SmackDown" will continue airing on its current platforms, with some speculation about potential changes in its scheduling [4][7].
Archival Content: There are indications that Netflix will begin rolling out select WWE archival content, which may include past episodes of "SmackDown," but this does not confirm that new episodes will be available on the platform [3][5].
Future Plans: As of the latest updates, there is no official announcement regarding "SmackDown" joining Netflix. The focus seems to be primarily on "Raw," with "SmackDown" remaining on its existing broadcasting platforms [2][8].

Analysis

The sources regarding the claim about "SmackDown" on Netflix present a mixed picture.

Credibility of Sources: The WWE official website [2] is a primary source and is generally reliable for announcements regarding their programming. However, some articles, such as those from TheSportster [4] and Fightful [8], while informative, may have varying degrees of editorial oversight and could reflect the authors' interpretations rather than official WWE statements.
Potential Bias: Sources like TheSportster and Fightful may have a vested interest in promoting WWE content, which could influence how they present information. This potential bias should be taken into account when evaluating their claims.
Methodology and Evidence: The claim that "SmackDown" will be on Netflix lacks direct evidence from official announcements. The absence of confirmation from WWE regarding "SmackDown" suggests that further information is needed to clarify its status on Netflix.
Conflicting Information: While some sources hint at changes for "SmackDown," they do not provide definitive evidence that it will be available on Netflix. Instead, the focus remains on "Raw," which complicates the narrative surrounding "SmackDown."

What Additional Information Would Be Helpful

To fully understand the status of "SmackDown" on Netflix, it would be beneficial to have:

Official statements from WWE regarding the future of "SmackDown."
Clarification on the distribution rights for "SmackDown" and any potential changes in its broadcasting.
Insights from industry analysts on the implications of WWE's shift to streaming platforms.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that "SmackDown" will be available on Netflix is false. The evidence indicates that while "WWE Raw" is confirmed to be moving to Netflix, there is no official announcement or credible source confirming that "SmackDown" will follow suit. Current reports suggest that "SmackDown" will continue airing on its existing platforms, and any speculation about its future on Netflix remains unsubstantiated.

It is important to note that while archival content may be made available on Netflix, this does not equate to new episodes being streamed on the platform. The lack of definitive information regarding "SmackDown" highlights the need for caution when interpreting claims about its availability.

There are limitations in the available evidence, as the situation could evolve with future announcements from WWE. As such, readers are encouraged to stay updated and critically evaluate information from multiple sources to form a well-rounded understanding of the topic.