Tonight, Cody Rhodes faces a trial by combat unlike any other. Not just a single match, but a descent into three distinct hells – a traditional ring battle, a brutal Falls Count Anywhere war, and finally, the unforgiving confines of a Steel Cage. His opponent? The relentless Drew McIntyre, hungry to claim the WWE Title.
But the stakes extend beyond the championship. This Friday’s SmackDown isn’t just another show; it’s a landmark event broadcasting live from Berlin, Germany, directly to UK fans on Netflix at a prime-time 7pm. A shift from the usual early-morning broadcasts, this marks a new era of accessibility for international viewers.
This change is thanks to WWE’s partnership with Netflix, a game-changer for fans outside the US. For years, international audiences endured frustrating delays, watching shows taped across the globe air in the middle of the night. A show filmed in London at 6pm wouldn’t be seen in the UK until 1am – a practice now relegated to the past.
The energy of a live international crowd is palpable, and WWE has recognized its power. This current tour, the first of its kind across the UK and Europe leading to the Royal Rumble, is a testament to that. Cities like Belfast, Northern Ireland, and Dusseldorf, Germany, are hosting televised events for the first time in decades.
The tour’s schedule is relentless. Leipzig and Berlin have already felt the impact, with Glasgow, Copenhagen, and Dusseldorf next on the list. The rumble continues through Newcastle, London, Gdansk, Nottingham, and finally culminates in Belfast. Each city promises a unique atmosphere and a surge of excitement for wrestling fans.
Beyond the main event, SmackDown’s card features a clash between The Wyatt Sicks and The MFTs, promising a chaotic and unpredictable encounter. Trick Williams will also step into the ring against the high-flying Rey Fenix, a battle of skill and athleticism.
The shift to Netflix isn’t just about convenience; it’s about recognizing the passion of the international fanbase. The energy from these crowds has demonstrably raised the bar for WWE performances, and the company is responding by bringing the action directly to them, live and unfiltered.
While SmackDown remains a staple on the USA Network for American viewers, the rest of the world now shares in the immediacy, experiencing the Road to Royal Rumble alongside fans in the States. It’s a new chapter for WWE, one built on global connection and a commitment to delivering the spectacle, live, to everyone.
