WWE announces SmackDown 20th anniversary show for FOX debut
WWE has officially confirmed the theme of SmackDown’s first episode on FOX.
It was announced today that SmackDown’s 20th anniversary celebration will take place on Friday, October 4. The show is being held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California and is WWE’s FOX debut.
Kurt Angle, Lita, Mick Foley, Booker T, Hulk Hogan, Trish Stratus, Goldberg, Jerry “The King” Lawler, Mark Henry, Ric Flair, and Sting are being advertised for the episode. The Undertaker is featured on WWE’s graphic for the show but isn’t advertised by name.
“SmackDown has been delivering action-packed, family-friendly programming for two decades, and we look forward to entertaining generations to come as we begin this next chapter on FOX,” Vince McMahon said in a press release.
WWE’s deal with FOX is a five-year agreement. SmackDown is moving to Friday nights when the deal starts on October 4. The show will remain live.
Tickets for the FOX premiere will go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. Pacific time this Friday (August 16). Tickets will be available through the Staples Center box office, AXS.com, and via phone (1-888-929-7849). AXS notes that a pre-sale for tickets will begin at 10 a.m. Pacific this Wednesday.
Joseph Currier is the lead editor of F4WOnline.com, directing daily news coverage and writing articles on professional wrestling. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, obtaining a journalism degree in 2016. Joseph joined F4W during his time at UMass and has now been writing about the industry for nearly a decade.
In addition to his work with F4W, Joseph has previously contributed to Sports Illustrated's wrestling coverage. He lives in Massachusetts and is a diehard fan of the Boston sports teams and Liverpool Football Club.