WWE brand split: WWE announce return of divided roster as SmackDown goes live every Tuesday

SmackDown will go live from Tuesday 19 July

WWE champion Roman Reigns (WWE.com)

WWE today announced that the brand split will return, with SmackDown being broadcast live every Tuesday night.

A draft will be held before the new SmackDown's launch date to determine which superstars on the roster will be assigned to SmackDown and which will be assigned to Raw.

SmackDown will go live from Tuesday 19 July. It will be shown in the UK on Sky Sports.

WWE's chief executive Vince McMahon said: "WWE's flagship programs will both leverage the incredible depth of our talent roster, distinct storylines and the unpredictable nature of live TV.

“This move will undoubtedly build more excitement and deepen engagement with our fans around th­e world.”

Between 2002 and 2011 WWE had operated under a brand extension program where SmackDown and RAW each had their own superstars.