WWE issued the following press release earlier today in response to a press release sent out by The Associated Press:
WWE®’S SMACKDOWN® FUTURE?
February 9, 2009
STAMFORD, CT – February 9, 2009 – In light of today’s announcement by MyNetworkTV, World Wrestling Entertainment® officials are certain that SmackDown has a bright future.
WWE SmackDown, airing on Friday nights at 8:00/7:00 PM Central on MyNetworkTV, is the number one program on Friday nights on all broadcast television for males under the age of 50, including the key advertiser demos, M12-17 and M18-34.
WWE SmackDown will enter its 10th consecutive year this Fall, attesting to the popularity and longevity of the brand.
Additional information on World Wrestling Entertainment Inc (NYSE: WWE) can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com. For information on our global activities, go to http://www.wwe.com/worldwide/.
The Associated Press initially issued the following press release earlier today:
NEW YORK (AP) – In a sign of the economic times, My Network TV says it will essentially become a rerun network next fall except for professional wrestling.
The move shows how the tough advertising climate is affecting television. Instead of developing new programs, it will show reruns of “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” and other series.
My Network TV will also stop programming on Saturday nights, leaving that night to their affiliates and owned stations.

Nick was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and lived there until the age of 18, when he decided to pack his flack jacket and move to New York City.