WWEs touring schedule has shifted significantly since its merger with the UFC under Endeavor. Superstars are getting more time off, as Triple H is now running the show. Another notable change is giving talent more time off by doubling up on television tapings to reduce travel demands.
On November 11, WWE taped two episodes of RAW. The November 11 episode aired as scheduled, while the November 18 episode was also recorded in advance. Spoilers for next weeks RAW are now available, but the move was part of a bigger picture move.
The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reported that WWE plans a similar approach for SmackDown on November 22 in Salt Lake City. The company will tape two episodes to avoid requiring talent to work on Thanksgiving night.
It was noted that this method, while it wont become commonplace, offers significant cost savings. This saved WWE hundreds of thousands, potentially up to seven figures. The December 13 SmackDown taping in Hartford, CT, will also cover two weeks. Similarly, the December 16 RAW taping in Boston will cover two weeks as well, with no live shows on December 20 and 23.
As we look ahead into next year, WWEs new Netflix deal could further impact the strategy of pre-taped episodes. The flexibility of streaming could allow for live broadcasts even outside traditional schedules.
WWE continues to adapt its operations to optimize costs, talent well-being, and everything else they need to consider. These changes also hint at more adjustments as the company will have more options in the future about exactly how they want to deliver their weekly content.
Do you like the idea of WWE pre-taping WWE RAW and Smack Down? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
