Tonight’s episode of WWE SmackDown saw the contract signing between Cody Rhodes and Logan Paul. While the promo between both stars was fire, the fans watching at home had to sit through the black screen. This has plagued fans who watch the show via the network. WWE claims this is done to censor particular things onscreen that the network doesn’t allow. However, a black screen was noticed when Paul mentioned his brother Jake Paul and Mike Tyson’s upcoming fight.
Cody Rhodes and Logan Paul’s promo was something no one expected
Paul was heard saying, “Like my brother Jake Paul’s…” before the scene went black. This resulted in several fans taking to social media to vent their frustration. During the last episode of SmackDown, the WWE censored the black screen as Naomi had multiple wardrobe malfunctions. But now it seems they’re doing the same during promos.
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Screen keeps going black. Cody Rhodes and Logan Paul have a halfway decent Contract Signing. Cody Rhodes signs the one that's exclusive to the Undisputed WWE Championship. #Smackdown
— Jason Barker The IWC Tribal Chief (@JDogbarker7_4) May 18, 2024
While Paul brought his own contract with a great swerve to the promo, the constant black screens were not appreciated. Fans took to social media to rant. It has been reported that this was due to the rules and regulations the WWE have to follow to keep airing SmackDown on FOX.
Fans call for WWE to get off the FOX network
Here are the top reactions from fans following the segment. The general gist was that the fans were not happy about it. There were some where fans explained why it happened and what the black screen were there to do.
This may be WWE’s new way of editing out aspects which are not allowed on the FOX network. While it makes sense, fans are not happy with it.
@WWEonFOX Just stop with the blips and black screen every few second#SmackDown https://t.co/CQYW2Gn8I6
— Samir | WWE fan 🇧🇩 (@SamirParvez) May 18, 2024
This is mostly seen on WWE SmackDown compared to WWE RAW. While SmackDown isn’t as long as its Monday Night counterpart, it is known to be a bit more explicit.
I can't wait till #Smackdown moves to USA the screen going black every Friday is fucking annoying
— 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔄𝔩𝔭𝔥𝔞𝔚𝔬𝔩𝔣 𝔖𝔢𝔞𝔫 𝔅™️👁🐺 (@Alphawolfseanb) May 18, 2024
Fans were not happy with the cuts in the recent WWE SmackDown episode. The complaints online keep piling up. SmackDown is set to be moving to the USA network.
Can yall leave fox already? Every damn week screen goes black 10x audio cuts 10x but you air all kinds of other garbage unedited. #Smackdown
— al (@badluckal80) May 18, 2024
Some fans have explained why this keeps happening. While the WWE can censor words by the wrestlers, they have to use the black screen to censor the fans.
If the audience stops swearing or flipping the bird the screen wouldn't go to black #Smackdown
— Mollie May Brady (@QueerMollie) May 18, 2024
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Many fans were shocked by what was happening with the constant cuts. Not everyone was aware of the WWE’s new censoring method.
For The People That Watch #WWERaw and #Smackdown does your screen go black multiple times a night for like a cpl seconds😭🤨? pic.twitter.com/PoUa4Bs9yQ
— NICKI ON TOP (@redrubyicon) May 18, 2024
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What did you think of the segment? Did the black screens annoy you? Should the WWE continue it? Tell us in the comments.