Below are some top WWE news stories of the day.
• WWE is increasing brand crossover as the new year begins, despite having the brand split in place.
SmackDown stars such as Roman Reigns, Solo Sikoa, and Cody Rhodes are set to appear on the premiere episode of RAW on Netflix.
On SmackDown, RAW’s Drew McIntyre opened the show with Rhodes before Kevin Owens attacked Rhodes, coinciding with WWE’s transfer window, which allows talent to switch shows.
According to Fightful Select, RAW and SmackDown will feature stars from the opposite brand more frequently, with some making permanent moves. Additionally, WWE plans to reduce dark (untelevised) matches after SmackDown due to the new third hour.
WATCH: Ronda Rousey In A Bikini:
• WWE Friday Night SmackDown has expanded to a three-hour format.
Dr. Chris Featherstone reports that the new format will emphasize showcasing underutilized talent, namely Blair Davenport:
“I was informed that internally, a major focus will be to showcase more underutilized talent on the program.
As I previously reported, Blair Davenport has been a name discussed for more television time and will ‘be off and running’ with the new format.”
Davenport’s last match was in November, where she lost a triple threat bout in the WWE Women’s United States Title Tournament.
