Although my Tatay had been a longtime wrestling fan, from the days of Hulk Hogan in the late 80's, The Rock, Stone Cold and Attitude Era, to the current generation of wrestlers, I was never a fan of WWE until a couple of years ago because of two words--ROMAN REIGNS.
It was actually my partner who introduced me to Roman (through the TV of course) and while he was cutting a promo (wrestlespeak for a monologue) the camera zoomed in on his face... and as he looked into the camera, I felt those beautiful eyes of him looking straight at me as if begging me to watch him every week.
And I did.
I stayed up late because of WWE RAW, just to watch him, I would clap and cheer everytime he lands a Spear or hits one of his Superman punches,and I would shout and curse whenever Braun Strowman or any other heel would beat up my dear dear Mr. Reigns.
So imagine my disappointment when I heard that the WWE contract with the local cable channel expired.
Thankfully their absence was just short, as TV5 yesterday announced that they will be broadcasting WWE’s flagship program SmackDown in the Philippines.
Roman Reigns might not be there, but at least I would still get to see my other fave--the Phenomenal One AJ Styles.
Beginning Sunday, April 30. TV5 will televise a one-hour edition of SmackDown on at 3PM.
WWE Fans will be able to follow their favorite WWE Superstars on SmackDown, including John Cena, The New Day, WWE Champion Randy Orton, Charlotte Flair, Shinsuke Nakamura, Kevin Owens, Becky Lynch, etc..
In addition to the broadcast on TV5, SmackDown will be simulcast online at TV5.com.ph and Sports.tv5.com.ph.
“TV5 shares our vision and desire for engaging and entertaining fans in the Philippines,” said Ed Wells, WWE Executive Vice President, International. “This new partnership to televise SmackDown showcases the continuing global growth of WWE while creating a destination for WWE fans in the Philippines to enjoy our unique blend of action-packed, family fun entertainment.”
TV5 President Chot Reyes added: "In the industry of sports entertainment, WWE is second to none. It’s a proven, successful, model organization and an esteemed, iconic brand. We at TV5 are honored and excited to be the platform that delivers the WWE to the free TV audience."
Coach Chot said a lot of the TV5 execs were fans of the WWE so they really wanted to bring it to free TV, and promised that unlike most of its international shows, WWE Smackdown would not be dubbed in Tagalog.
He also hinted the possibility of maybe even bringing in Raw if there is a strong demand from viewers, so let us all keep our fingers crossed.
For more information on TV5's sports programs, along with its entertainment, news, and gaming content, visit www.tv5.com.ph.
