First comments by WWE on the UPN/WB merger, effect on Smackdown
On Wednesday, January 25, 2006 at 10:30 AM EST (Credit: PWBTS.com)
In what appears to be a first comment by WWE on the merger of The WB and UPN networks to form The CW Network, and any effect on Smackdown past this fall; Gary Davis, Executive Vice President of Corporate Communications stated the following earlier today:
"WWE has had a longstanding and successful relationship with UPN and we look forward to a similar relationship with The CW Network."
While not a specific statement, it suggests that WWE is prepared to deal with the new entity, which may well allow for even wider distribution of WWE's Smackdown as the new network would benefit from additional airing on some of the former The WB stations that will eventually be included in the new The CW Network.
Here is an early list of the stations that would air Smackdown, should WWE and The CW come to terms for renewal this fall:
12 CBS Station Group (former UPN) television markets will include: