There was once an era where network TV was king, where intense regulation was accepted for the widestream visibility of programming that could be picked up by two metal rods and some tin foil in households across the country. Then cable came along. Then C-Band satellite dishes. Then DirecTV, PPV, on demand programming and everything else that comes with what we understand and accept as 'tv' today. While being on network TV is still important, the proliferation of awards and recognition that cable networks have received recently proves the landscape continues to change at a rapid pace.

In short, it's ok if you're not on NBC, CBS, Fox and ABC. If it's good, it'll be found.

Since 1999, WWE Smackdown has resided on the CW (formerly UPN) Network on Thursdays and in its more recent form on Friday nights. Always regarded as the 'second tier,' the Smackdown roster doesn't have the opportunities that come with live TV, run-over time or the exposure that the flagship RAW brand experiences. While there is definitely talent to be seen on Friday nights, there is no doubt that when you discuss WWE tv, it's RAW and RAW alone that garners the mainstream discussion.

Early today, the WWE announced that Smackdown will leave CW at the conclusion of the 2007-08 broadcast season. If they are smart, there is no other choice that makes more sense than to move to USA Network, make the investment in running a live broadcast again and bid adieu to second-tier network tv forever.

The reasons:

Live is better: Part of what makes professional wrestling so effective is the unpredictability of the live televised product. The Monday Night Wars escalated this to a new level, but even though those days are long gone, you still have the feeling that a lot of interesting and unexpected things can happen on RAW. You don't get that on Smackdown, no matter the talent roster. With spoilers released as early as Tuesday's filming night, there's four days of wait time: hardly building any anticipation.

Morale: No matter what they do, Smackdown has always been regarded as the 'B Team' despite having a plethora of talent. It's only fair that they are given the shot that RAW has with being a live program again. Is it an investment? Absolutely. Is it right? Absolutely. Why shouldn't Edge, the Undertaker, Batista and other pop-culture icons not be allowed to do what they do best on the same playing field? You can't tell me that a publicly-traded multi-million dollar company like WWE can't afford two split crews. I just don't believe it.

MyTV? C'mon!: The Wrestling Observer's Dave Meltzer reported today that Smackdown can move to another network, pay-TV or any cable outlet under the NBC/Universal umbrella. You have to think that if given the chance to have a repackaged Smackdown for live programming on Thursday or Fridays nights, the USA Network would take it. While MyNetworkTV is nice and all, does that get you excited as a fan? Not really. While it may have more reach via those lovely rabbit ears and the most basic of cable, it's time for the WWE to step up and realize that USA is a better option. Again, if the product is good, people will find it.