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The UPN Network plans to drop WWE Smackdown from its roster of shows when their contract with World Wrestling Entertainment expires next year, according to statements made by Viacom's co-President in an article published by California newspaper The Oakland Tribune earlier this week discussing UPN's future plans.

The statement, made by Leslie Moonves, co-President and co-Chief Operating Officer for Viacom, the parent company of UPN and CBS. Moonves and Tom Freston took over the positions in June 2004, when former President Mel Karmazin resigned the post.

According to the article, which looks at plans to change UPN's image into a more serious network, moving away from sillier fare like "Amish in the City." According to Moonves, Smackdown no longer fits the network's vision.

"It still makes us a decent amount of money," said Moonves, "When you think about the powerhouses of CBS and NBC on Thursday night, it's great counter-programming. (But) it doesn't fit into the overall (programming) strategy."

WWE and Viacom came to terms on a "multiyear deal" to continue broadcasting Smackdown via The UPN Network in March 2003. It is believed the deal expires in the fall of 2006. The arrangement provided for UPN to pay WWE a licensing fee and also allow the company to produce several primetime specials.

Smackdown debuted as a UPN special in April 1999, paving the way for the weekly series, which has been running since August of that year.

Maybe if they got rid of the second show, they could concentrate on one good show.

Personally, I think they'll try and get the show onto another network. it still sucks for them, and for the guys on the show who make an effort (and there are some)

If not, well, most of them are deadweight and most wont be missed

If TNA survives, they'll prolly get a huge influx of talent if SD can't find a new home. But I doubt that'll be the case.

That's disappointing news. UPN can go suck it, Smackdown was the ONLY good thing that network had going for a while and now they're too good for Smackdown.

Then again, Smackdown used to be a much better show...

You guys need to look at this differently. This is basically a foreshadowing of what is to come for their TV. This proves that they are probably going to be switching RAW over to the USA Network and maybe even smackdown as well. I know that Viacom doesn't wanna pay the kind of money that USA is willing to offer. This just shows that its more likely to happen now.

We could also look at it as a strategic plan for better negotiations in favor of UPN.

Next year is long time when it comes to negotating anything... unless your name is Randy Johnson.

So - is SmackDown going to be picked up from another network? I've been preferring SmackDown over Raw. ...Even with it sucking. ...For the most part.

Smackdown's deal isn't up until 2006, so if they want to find another network they have plenty of time.

Hooray!