Yeah, I know technically, Smackdown was on 'network' TV before, but it's the first time been on a major broadcast network.
Fox would be mad if they don't have any stars to push the product. Part of the reason why Smackdown is on Fridays is so Fox doesn't have to worry about finding programming for a 'dead night'. But that doesn't mean that they can afford to just put the bottom of the talent and call it a day.