Why is WWE pre-taping 11/29 episode of SmackDown in Utah?

WWE is pre-taping upcoming Raw & SmackDown shows

The WWE pre-taped the next week’s episode of Monday Night Raw this week and has revealed its plans to pre-tape the 11/29 episode of Friday Night SmackDown, immediately after the 11/22 episode.

The 11/18 episode of the Red brand was pre-taped at the Van Adel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S.A. The next week’s show was pre-taped after the 11/11 Monday night show went off air.

The upcoming show of the Red brand will continue to build storylines for the upcoming Survivor Series WarGames PLE. The pre-taped show contains a shocking return of Rhea Ripley who was injured last month due to an attack by Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez.

Also Read: All matches confirmed for WWE Survivor Series: War Games 2024

WWE will pre-tape the 11/29 episode of SmackDown at the Delta Centre

The Stamford-based promotion will tape two episodes of Friday Night SmackDown in Salt Lake City, Utah. The 11/22 episode of the Blue brand will be aired live from the Delta Centre in Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.

The promotion will pre-tape the 29th of November show which will be aired on Friday, the night before the Survivor Series in Vancouver, Canada.

The reason behind the decision is the upcoming holiday of Thanksgiving which is on 28th November. The surprising move is proof that the management continues to work for the betterment of the wrestlers.

The WWE management wants wrestlers to be able to make the most of the holiday with their families. Such a decision during the reign of former CEO, Vince McMahon was truly unthinkable.

As per a recent episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer confirmed that the change in the schedule was to allow talent to enjoy the holiday with their families.

“The November 22nd SmackDown, they’re gonna be taping two shows, the reason is the 29th is the day after Thanksgiving. So all the talent can spend Thanksgiving night with their families because if they have a Friday taping, and it’s in Salt Lake City, you’ve gotta fly out the day before if it’s not in the vicinity of the north-east or the south-east because most of the talent live in Florida.”

Meltzer explained that the move would help talents who would’ve had to rush to the airport after Thanksgiving dinner as many stars live in Florida which is not in the vicinity of the Utah venue.

Pre-taped or live these upcoming shows have huge implications for the upcoming PLE Survivor Series. The announcements and build-up for the matches at the PLE will take shape in the upcoming episodes.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.