Wrestling fans should be able to watch both AEW Dynamite and WWE SmackDown on New Year’s Day without having to choose between them.

Despite earlier expectations of a direct clash, AEW’s New Year’s Smash edition of Dynamite is set to air in the afternoon on Friday, January 1, finishing well before SmackDown begins on USA Network.

Dave Meltzer reported the scheduling update on Wrestling Observer Radio, explaining that Dynamite will follow NCAA college football playoff coverage. The expected start time is between 3:30 pm and 4 pm Eastern, with AEW’s website currently listing 3:30 pm.

Although an afternoon slot can present challenges, Meltzer suggested the football audience could give Dynamite a useful boost. That could still be the case even if the game airs across several channels, including TBS and TNT.

AEW will hold shows in Atlanta on both Friday and Saturday for its New Year’s Smash events. Dynamite’s move comes amid college football coverage on Wednesday and expected New Year’s Eve programming on Thursday. Collision is scheduled to air live in its usual Saturday slot.

There is, however, another WWE and AEW clash coming much sooner.

NXT will move to Wednesday because of Election Day coverage on CW affiliates on Tuesday, putting it directly opposite AEW Dynamite’s Blood & Guts special.

John Cena and Cody Rhodes are currently scheduled to appear on NXT, while AEW will stage its annual men’s and women’s double cage matches.

Will you be watching both shows on New Year’s Day, and which programme gets your attention this Wednesday? Share your thoughts in the comments.