- WWE sent out the following press release today in response to the press release from MyNetworkTV that’s also below.

STAMFORD, CT – February 9, 2009 – In light of today’s announcement by MyNetworkTV, World Wrestling Entertainment® officials are certain that SmackDown has a bright future.

WWE SmackDown, airing on Friday nights at 8:00/7:00 PM Central on MyNetworkTV, is the number one program on Friday nights on all broadcast television for males under the age of 50, including the key advertiser demos, M12-17 and M18-34.

WWE SmackDown will enter its 10th consecutive year this Fall, attesting to the popularity and longevity of the brand.

Additional information on World Wrestling Entertainment Inc (NYSE: WWE) can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com. For information on our global activities, go to http://www.wwe.com/worldwide/.

- Here’s the earlier press release from MyNetworkTV earlier:

NEW YORK (AP) – In a sign of the economic times, My Network TV says it will essentially become a rerun network next fall except for professional wrestling.

The move shows how the tough advertising climate is affecting television. Instead of developing new programs, it will show reruns of “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” and other series.

My Network TV will also stop programming on Saturday nights, leaving that night to their affiliates and owned stations.

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