WWE SmackDown Netflix live broadcast delayed due to power outage
This story has been updated.
Friday’s live WWE SmackDown on Netflix was delayed for nearly 40 minutes due to a power issue in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Cody Rhodes kicked off the show which started at 1 PM Eastern on the streaming giant. Before he could begin, Randy Orton interrupted and started talking about the Rhodes vs. Jey Uso King of the Ring semifinal when the feed went out.
The show was then paused in the Kingdom Arena, resuming around 2 PM Eastern. PWInsider reported a power loss in Riyadh “affected WWE’s entire production including the control room and the gorilla position.” The issue had nothing to do with Netflix.
WWE is in Saudi Arabia for Saturday’s Night of Champions in addition to Friday’s SmackDown.
WWE initially posted the following on X at 1:33 PM Eastern:
“To our international audiences watching #SmackDown on Netflix: We apologize for any technical difficulties and should be back up and running shortly.”
And then the following at 2:01 PM Eastern:
“#SmackDown on Netflix is back up and running, and you’ll see it in its entirety!”
The show will air in its normal time slot at 8 PM on USA Network for U.S. viewers.
Since 2011, Josh has been a contributing editor to Wrestling Observer/F4WOnline.com and also hosts the Punch-Out podcast. He has also written for Fight Magazine, Bloody Elbow, Bleacher Report, and other websites. He's a 2000 graduate of the University of Maine, worked in pro sports, and once was an indie ring announcer.