Backstage Note on Why Last Week’s WWE SmackDown Had a Commercial-Free First Hour

Last week’s edition of WWE SmackDown on the USA Network featured a commercial-free first hour. WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select has more details on the matter.

According to the report, the first hour was made commercial-free as “a precautionary measure” due to the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs. It’s said that the decision to have the first hour of the June 19 episode be commercial-free was made well in advance of the show.

The NBA Finals wrapped up with Game 5 on June 13, with the Knicks winning the series 4-1. However, if the finals continued to Game 7, the show would’ve gone head-to-head with Friday Night SmackDown.

Last week’s WWE SmackDown was headlined by Cody Rhodes defending the WWE Undisputed Title against Gunther, with Sami Zayn as the special guest referee. Rhodes ultimately won the bout to retain the title.