WWE SmackDown Staying Three Hours: USA Network Blocks Return to Two-Hour Format

WWE’s Friday night flagship is officially locked into its extended format. Despite earlier promises from company leadership, SmackDown will continue its three-hour presentation on USA Network indefinitely, marking a significant shift from the original timeline that would have seen the show revert to its traditional two-hour slot this month.

The Network’s Power Play

USA Network has effectively vetoed WWE’s plans to scale back SmackDown’s runtime. WrestleVotes Radio broke the news, revealing that the network’s satisfaction with the show’s performance has overruled the wrestling company’s initial scheduling intentions.

The decision represents a complete reversal from the roadmap Triple H outlined at the beginning of 2025. The Game had specifically targeted June as the month when SmackDown would shed its third hour and return to the format fans knew for decades.

Behind the Scenes: Numbers Talk

According to WrestleVotes sources, the financial reality spoke louder than creative preferences. The extra hour has delivered the kind of ratings performance that makes network executives smile, giving USA Network significant leverage in negotiations.

“According to sources, the plans for SmackDown show length on USA Network changed back in January. WWE and USA agreed that the May 30 show would be the final three-hour presentation, with the show reverting back to two hours on the June 6 edition. We are told the show will remain three hours for the foreseeable future, as USA Network was steadfast on keeping it that length. Sources say USA has been happy overall with the performance of the show, numbers-wise, with the extra third hour.”

Fan Reaction Remains Split

The wrestling community continues to debate the merits of the extended format. While some appreciate the additional content and storyline development time, others worry about pacing issues and viewer fatigue that have historically plagued three-hour wrestling programming.

The extended runtime puts SmackDown on equal footing with Monday Night Raw in terms of weekly content volume. This creates new opportunities for mid-card talent to shine but also challenges WWE’s creative team to maintain compelling television throughout the entire broadcast.

What This Means Moving Forward

WWE’s silence on the runtime change speaks volumes about the delicate balance between creative vision and network demands. The company has yet to issue any public statement acknowledging the shift, suggesting they’re still navigating the political implications internally.

This week’s SmackDown continues building toward Money in the Bank with crucial qualifying matches. Andrade, Jacob Fatu, and Carmelo Hayes will battle for a men’s ladder match spot, while Jade Cargill, Naomi, and Nia Jax compete for women’s division representation.

The three-hour format is now SmackDown’s reality for the long haul, fundamentally changing how WWE structures its weekly storytelling. With USA Network firmly in the driver’s seat on this decision, will the extended runtime ultimately prove beneficial for the blue brand’s creative direction, or will it become another example of network priorities overshadowing wrestling fundamentals?