Eagle-eyed viewers noticed something different about the Aug. 14 episode of SmackDown. The Fox show, like all WWE television, is typically rated PG. Last night, the broadcast was labeled TV-14.
Folks #SmackDown is TV-14!!!!! pic.twitter.com/SMvTTpkzQb
— Steve Taylor (@Steve1oftheMany) August 15, 2020
Did I miss something? Or was it TV14 last week? #Smackdown pic.twitter.com/JdxR4KNpfs
— RagelessGamer (@RagelessG) August 15, 2020
There’s been no announcement from WWE about a rating change, so it’s possible this was just a production error.
If it was intentionally changed, we can only guess at why. Speculation has focused on the RETRIBUTION angle, which has involved a mysterious group Michael Cole referred to as “hiding behind current events” damaging property and attacking bystanders. Personally, my guess would be the Braun Strowman/Bray Wyatt program, where over the past few weeks both men have attacked or menaced Alexa Bliss.
We’ll keep a close eye on the rating for future shows, and let you know if WWE makes any announcement about last night’s.