During the latest Wrestling Observer Radio, it was noted that WWE had planned to air a live SmackDown episode on FOX from Charlotte, North Carolina on New Year’s Eve, but that has changed and the episode is no longer listed on the internal WWE television schedule.

Instead, WWE will air a taped "year in review" edition of SmackDown on FS1. FOX will be airing its New Year’s Eve programming that night. The decision was made by Nick Khan, Vince McMahon, and Kevin Dunn.

In regards to Christmas Eve, WWE will tape it at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois on Friday, December 17 after the live episode of SmackDown that night.