SmackDown on a Tuesday? WWE confirm major scheduling change for summer European tour
(Courtesy : WWE)
The blue brand heads to London for a special Tuesday taping as WWE reshuffles its schedule ahead of Night of Champions in Saudi Arabia.
WWE has officially announced a major scheduling change for WWE SmackDown as part of its upcoming European summer tour.
The company confirmed Thursday morning that SmackDown will take place on Tuesday, June 23, from the O2 Arena in London, rather than its traditional Friday slot. The special taping will occur just one night after WWE Raw broadcasts from the same venue on Monday, June 22.
While WWE has not officially confirmed the U.S. airing details, the episode is expected to air on tape delay in its normal Friday timeslot on June 26, ahead of Night of Champions.
WWE SmackDown change linked to Saudi Arabia schedule
The altered schedule comes as WWE prepares for Night of Champions, which is set for Saturday, June 27, in Riyadh.
WWE President Nick Khan previously stated during a TKO town hall that WWE would only hold the Premium Live Event during this Saudi Arabia trip due to ongoing regional military tensions.
As of now, WWE has not announced a venue for the June 29 episode of Raw, further fueling speculation about possible travel and logistical adjustments surrounding the international schedule.
European tour continues to expand
In addition to the London SmackDown taping, WWE also announced a live event at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena on Wednesday, June 24, serving as the final stop before Night of Champions.
The expanded European tour will feature numerous major WWE stars, including Cody Rhodes, Liv Morgan, Rhea Ripley, Trick Williams, Penta, The Usos, Gunther, Drew McIntyre, and Jacob Fatu.
The tour itself spans multiple countries, including the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, France, and Portugal, highlighting WWE’s continued push into international markets.
Full updated WWE European summer tour schedule
- May 28 – Liverpool, UK
- May 29 – SmackDown in Barcelona, Spain
- May 31 – Clash in Italy (Turin, Italy)
- June 1 – Raw in Turin, Italy
- June 2 – Strasbourg, France
- June 3 – Lisbon, Portugal
- June 4 – Madrid, Spain
- June 5 – SmackDown in Bologna, Italy
- June 6 – Rome, Italy
- June 7 – Florence, Italy
- June 8 – Raw in Paris, France
- June 20 – Cardiff, UK
- June 21 – Birmingham, UK
- June 22 – Raw in London, UK
- June 23 – SmackDown in London, UK
- June 24 – Sheffield, UK
Why is WWE SmackDown airing on Tuesday instead of Friday?
WWE adjusted the schedule due to its European tour and the lead-up to Night of Champions in Saudi Arabia.
Where will the special SmackDown episode take place?
The episode will be taped at the O2 Arena in London, England.
When is WWE Night of Champions 2026?
WWE Night of Champions is scheduled for Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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