FOX reveals hosts for WWE SmackDown premiere kickoff show
Some more information has been announced for tomorrow’s SmackDown “blue carpet” pre-show.
Ahead of the Friday Night SmackDown premiere, the half-hour kickoff show will air live on FOX starting at 7:30 p.m. Eastern time. FOX issued a press release today announcing that Renee Young and Booker T will anchor the desk for the pre-show, “welcoming special guests and offering insight and analysis on the upcoming matchups.”
Charissa Thompson, the host of FOX NFL Kickoff, will be “on hand for arrivals and interviews outside the Staples Center, while WWE reporter Kayla Braxton provides exclusive backstage access to Superstars just moments before all the action.”
Here’s what’s been confirmed for tomorrow’s SmackDown on FOX premiere:
- WWE Champion Kofi Kingston defending against Brock Lesnar
- An appearance by The Rock
- Kevin Owens vs. Shane McMahon in a ladder match where both of their careers are on the line
- Becky Lynch & Charlotte Flair vs. Sasha Banks & Bayley
- Roman Reigns vs. Erick Rowan
- More legends appearing as part of SmackDown’s 20th anniversary celebration
SmackDown will air live on FOX in the Eastern and Central time zones and for all authenticated viewers on the FOX Sports App. The show won’t be live on television in the Mountain and Pacific time zones, with it airing at 7 p.m. Mountain and 8 p.m. Pacific.
Last week, Young and Booker T were announced as hosts for the WWE Backstage studio show, which will air weekly on FS1 at 11 p.m. Eastern time/8 p.m. Pacific on Tuesdays starting on November 5. There will also be a WWE Backstage preview show on October 15.