PWMania.com previously reported that WWE has announced next week’s episode of RAW will begin at 6 PM ET, earlier than the usual 8 PM ET start time. Additionally, it was reported that SmackDown will be taped immediately after RAW, and the following week’s episodes of RAW and SmackDown will be taped on Friday, August 28th.
According to a report from Fightful Select, this taping schedule is designed to give the talent and crew some time off between their summer schedule and the South American tour, which starts on September 9th. Additionally, F4WOnline.com provided further context, noting that having all main talent present at the two tapings allows for “easy access” to include more top stars in the shows.
The regular live schedule for WWE will resume with the September 7th episode of RAW in Birmingham, Alabama, followed by SmackDown on September 11th in Mexico City. Notably, this date coincides with Night One of AAA TripleMania 34 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
After that, Night Two of AAA TripleMania 34 will take place on Sunday, September 13th, in Mexico City, followed by the September 14th episode of RAW, also from the same city. During this episode, Roman Reigns, known as “The OTC,” will defend his World Heavyweight Championship against the winner of the ongoing #1 Contender’s tournament.
