A recent episode of WWE SmackDown featured a peculiar incident where the screen went black during a segment featuring Nia Jax, with the audio muted for several seconds. According to reports, this was not an isolated instance, as the FOX stream was censored multiple times during the show, with fan chants also being muted. The reason behind this censorship has been revealed, and it’s due to FOX’s decision to crack down on anything deemed offensive, including fan behavior.
During Jax’s entrance, a fan was visible in the crowd flipping her off, which prompted the screen to go black for an extended period. This unexpected move was reportedly the result of FOX’s new policy aimed at curbing offensive content, including fan chants and gestures. The blackout was a clear attempt to remove the offensive display from the broadcast.
Nia Jax (Via WWE/Twitter)
The censorship was not limited to the Nia Jax segment, as the audio was also muted several times during the show, and the screen went black on multiple occasions. This development has raised questions about whether other networks, such as USA Network, will adopt similar policies when the show shifts to its new home.
Nia Jax has been making headlines recently, particularly with her new alliance on SmackDown. She appeared to form a friendship with Tiffany Stratton, intervening in a Triple Threat match to help her new ally secure a win. The partnership has been met with interest from fans, and it will be intriguing to see how their relationship unfolds in the coming weeks.
The WWE SmackDown incident highlights the challenges that networks face in balancing the need to censor offensive content with the desire to showcase live events in their uncut form. As the world of professional wrestling continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how FOX and other networks handle these issues in the future.
