WWE SmackDown returns to its classic two-hour format this July
WWE SmackDown
WWE SmackDown is getting ready for a big change this summer. After running for three hours every Friday night since early 2025, the show is now expected to go back to its original two-hour format.
This move is happening because of a new TV series that will air on USA Network later this year.
SmackDown became a three-hour show as part of a short-term deal between
WWE
and USA Network. This was when Raw was preparing to move to Netflix. Now, with a new show taking over the 10 PM slot on Fridays, SmackDown won't be able to continue with its third hour.
Two-hour format likely to begin July 4
According to Mike Johnson of PWInsider,
WWE
is planning to drop the third hour starting with the July 4 episode.
This means SmackDown will return to the two-hour format very soon, even before the new series airs. USA Network will debut its new legal drama called Rainmaker on August 15 at 10 PM ET. This show will air every Friday, which forces SmackDown to end before that time.
There has been no official announcement from WWE or TKO yet, but this change has been in discussion for a while. Back in January, WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H had already mentioned that the third hour would be temporary.
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Undo
SmackDown originally became three hours long to help WWE manage content during the transition to Netflix. But the extra hour was never meant to last forever.
What does this mean for WWE and the fans
Going back to two hours will affect how WWE runs SmackDown each week. With three hours, there was more time for matches, promos, and major returns. Recently, SmackDown featured big names like
John Cena
and
Randy Orton
, and held first-round matches for the King and Queen of the Ring tournaments.
Even with tough TV competition, SmackDown still drew strong ratings.
But with two hours, WWE will need to be more focused in how they use their time. This could lead to tighter storylines and faster-paced episodes. Many fans might welcome the change, as three hours sometimes felt too long.
The upcoming change was also confirmed by a Variety report, which stated that Rainmaker will start airing on August 15 and take over the 10 PM time slot.
The show will star actors like John Slattery and Lana Parrilla and is expected to run for 10 episodes.
PWInsider reported that the show is expected to go to two hours starting July 4. Mike Johnson also mentioned that episodes of the Blue Brand will likely return to the old two-hour format well before the new series airs. While WWE has not officially confirmed the change, all signs suggest that SmackDown will return to two hours beginning next month.
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