WWE Sticking With Taped SmackDown Against AEW Dynamite on New Year's Day

New Year's Day 2027 will mark the first time WWE SmackDown and AEW Dynamite air against each other. AEW will present its annual New Year's Smash edition of Dynamite on Friday, January 1. WWE plans to counter with a taped episode of SmackDown on the same night.

WWE has decided against altering its taping schedule for the end of 2026. The SmackDown episode will be recorded on December 28 at the Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida, right after the final Raw of the year. This approach means the show will not be broadcast live against Dynamite.

The decision prioritizes giving talent New Year's Day off to spend with friends and family. WWE sources indicate the company will not adjust its plans to compete directly with AEW in the ratings. Officials are standing by the existing schedule regardless of AEW's programming.

Internal discussions at WWE have addressed the expected ratings for the taped SmackDown. Some believe the episode will draw lower viewership than usual due to its placement during the holiday period. Despite this, the company remains confident the show will outperform Dynamite.